Skip navigation
Professionals in a meeting: Pursue a Ph.D. with human resources concentration online at Regent University.

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Human Resource Development

Influence the Future of HR through Regent’s Ph.D. – Human Resources Concentration

Regent can prepare you to influence and invigorate organizations around the world as a scholar, teacher, or business leader. Through the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Human Resource Development, offered online, you can learn the dynamics that contribute to the growth of an organization’s human resources. Our online doctoral program in organizational leadership is a research-based terminal degree taught from a Christian worldview. There are no GMAT/GRE requirements. Regent has been ranked among top national universities by the U.S. News & World Report, 2024, and has also been ranked as a Top 10 Military Friendly® School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25. Experience a transformative Ph.D. with a focus on Human Resource Development and gain insights through our Executive Mentor Program.

Online
60
January 13, 2025
Download PDF

Careers | Courses | Other Concentrations | Admissions | Tuition

BECOME A THOUGHT LEADER IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Join the ranks of leading contributors to the body of knowledge in human resource development research.

UNDERSTAND DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

Study human resource development from the individual, group, and team perspectives, and global workforce issues from diverse demographic and cultural perspectives.

MAKE ETHICAL DECISIONS

Explore ethics and trends in learner-centered leadership, and the impact of the dynamic work environment on human resource management practices.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE through a ph.d. with human resources concentration

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our programs have also been recognized among the Top 5 Best Graduate Online Business (Non-MBA) Programs in Virginia for 9 consecutive years (2015-23).

Led by our award-winning faculty, this Ph.D. with a human resources concentration will enrich your academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

After earning this Ph.D. with a concentration in Human Resource Development online, you can:

  • Facilitate learning from the perspective of the learner and the instructor.
  • Integrate emerging trends and technological influences in global HR management.
  • Evaluate ethical theories and frameworks that shape current HR practices.
  • Create strategic initiatives that incorporate the multidisciplinary aspects of human resource management.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty
  • Researcher for Government, Corporations and Think Tanks
  • Executive Leader
  • Consulting
$96Thousand
Approximate mean annual wage for postsecondary teachers, 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Courses
LHRD 761Human Resource Development3
Theories and models of considering human agents as resources in organizations and an historical expedition of the construct of human development from a social cognitive perspective. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LHRD 762Autonomous Learning & Human Resource Development3
The facilitation of learning from the perspectives of the learner as well as the facilitator will be investigated in concert with the personal and organizational implications for the learning endeavor. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LHRD 763Design of Adult Learning Communities3
Construction and implementation of HRD practices and procedures from individual, group and team perspectives. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LHRD 764Ethical Human Resource Development3
Ethical considerations and the operational definitions of ethics as a universal construct. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LPHD 785Seminar: Trends in Organizational Leadership Research3
Current topics and trends in organizational leadership research. Students must present a paper developed in the seminar at an academic conference, either in person or virtual. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Resume

Provide an updated copy of your professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes:

  • Employment history with details of leadership responsibilities, skill sets and results – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of responsibilities
  • School, community and church leadership positions – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of positions
  • Service activities in which you have been involved
  • Academic and non-academic honors and distinctions you have received

Your resume should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 4. Submit a Leadership Essay or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)

Leadership specific writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant’s research, writing and analytical and problem-solving skills. Your essay should be on "The Most Pressing Leadership Issue of Today" and submitted to regent.edu/items.

LEADERSHIP ESSAY

Writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant's research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Please provide a separate essay to address the topic with citations: "The most pressing leadership issue of today."

The body (excludes a title page or a reference page) of this writing sample should not exceed one page in length (single spaced, 12-point type).

The Admissions Committee will evaluate the essay based on the following criteria:

  • Thesis Development and Critical Thinking. The thesis expresses the main idea of the paper in one sentence and informs the reader of the paper's focus. Critical thinking is the act of examining, analyzing and evaluating information followed by the drawing of accurate conclusions. Thesis development and critical thinking include the following four key elements: (a) thesis, (b) argument, (c) research and (d) analysis.
  • Organization. The structure or outline of apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SBL Doctoral Application Pieces.
  • Paragraph Development. The structure of each paragraph within the outline is vital to the overall stability of the essay and includes the use of transitions and language within each paragraph.
  • Mechanics. Clarity through spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization is vital in any written document.
  • Style (APA, MLA or other acceptable style). At the doctoral level, it is important to adhere to a particular writing style as required by the specific academic or professional publication in which one desires to be published. Therefore, the applicant should compose the essay in APA, MLA or other acceptable style. In addition, the applicant should identify the style being used in the writing sample. It is important that the writing sample exhibit the style’s guidelines in the areas of: (a) in-text citations, (b) reference list, (c) title, (d) headings, (e) sub-headings, (f) numbers, (g) serial content, (h) quotes, (i) punctuation, etc. While these styles typically require double spacing, we request that, in the case of this writing sample, applicants use single spacing so the essay does not exceed one page.

GRADUATE DEGREE PAPER

If you are opting to submit the Graduate Degree Paper, please ensure this is a submission that contains citations.

Your leadership essay or graduate degree paper should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“I completed Regent's MBA program entirely online on my own time. The professors were great at working with me to help me succeed. I am a proud alum of Regent University, ready to take the knowledge and skills I've learned in this program and further my career.”

Drew Friedrich, Master of Business Administration, '22

“I am grateful for the mentorship I've received, which has been a transformative experience in my professional and personal growth. My mentor generously dedicated time to support and inspire me, offering invaluable perspectives that encouraged me to think outside the box. This guidance was crucial in helping me navigate my career options and prepare effectively for the job market. The mentorship program connected me with a professional who was genuinely interested in my success and also provided a platform for continuous learning and development. This experience has equipped me with practical tools and insights. I am deeply appreciative of this mentorship and the lasting impact it has had on my life.”

Iyad Arusi, MBA, 2023 Mentee

“My Regent degree enables me to offer different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, team management and innovation — all through a biblical worldview. Utilizing courses and making them relevant in day-to-day functions has been extremely rewarding.”

Kelli Ragland, MBA, 2015 Director of Marketing, Langley Federal Credit Union

“It was such a stretching experience to interact with people from the corporate world, small business and the military. My perspective on leadership practice is much richer and diverse.”

Harvey Herman, Ph.D., 2007 Strategic Leadership

“I’ve been able to continue to employ what I learned at Regent in the doctoral program to every position I’ve had since then.”

Rick Richardson, Ph.D., 2007 Organizational Leadership