Antioch University

What you'll study

The PhDLC organizes study around competency-based modules instead of traditional courses. Key components include a year-long Professional Seminar (ProSem), two Individualized Learning Agreements (ILA-A and ILA-B) for focused inquiry, a custom crosswalk that maps prior learning to program competencies, residency experiences (two or more per year), and dissertation proposal and completion with sustained faculty support. The curriculum emphasizes applied research and leadership for social change.

Entry requirements

Minimum eligibility requires a master’s or other graduate degree from an accredited institution and at least five years of relevant professional experience. Admission also considers capacity for self-directed learning, academic and conceptual skills, interdisciplinary interest, leadership potential, and commitment to socially engaged practice. Applicants must submit an online application including a reflective autobiographical statement of 8–10 double-spaced pages in 12-point font.

Career prospects

Most students are mid- to senior-level practitioners; completing the PhD often deepens existing leadership trajectories. Graduates commonly leverage the degree to pursue advanced roles in higher education, nonprofit/NGO leadership, government, healthcare, K–12 systems, consulting, advocacy, or to teach at local colleges, open consulting practices, or increase public intellectual engagement within their professional networks.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Antioch offers the President’s Doctoral Fellowship for incoming doctoral students: a $12,000 award (distributed equally across the first two registered years) granted based on prior academic performance (minimum 3.40 GPA) and professional experience. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time, complete each registered course, and maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.