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Ph.D./D.B.A. in Values‐Driven Leadership FAQ's

Q: What makes the Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership special?

Benedictine University's Ph.D./D.B.A. program is the first scholar‐practitioner program in the world focusing explicitly on values‐driven leadership – that is, the theory and practice of leading profitable, sustainable, and responsible companies in today's global economy. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead effectively at four levels: personally, interpersonally, organizationally, and strategically at the intersection of business and society.

Other key features include:

Learning from global thought leaders who come to teach side‐by‐side with Benedictine's core faculty
Traveling to different parts of the world to engage in high‐quality learning exchanges with top scholars and executives from other countries and cultures
Participating with Benedictine faculty and a global network of scholars in leading‐edge research initiatives focused on the exemplary practices of sustainable and socially‐responsible companies
Engaging in the classroom with an exceptional group of peers (experienced executives like yourself who share a passion for values‐driven leadership)
Choosing one of two degrees: a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) or a D.B.A. (doctor of business administration)
Attending classes on a schedule convenient for senior leaders working full‐time and for those who commute from outside the Chicago area (once a month on weekends, plus an annual 8‐day intensive).

Q: What's the difference between a Ph.D. and a D.B.A. degree?

A Ph.D. degree concludes with a scholarly dissertation based on original research. A D.B.A. degree concludes with an applied dissertation (similar to a thorough case study) based on the design and implementation of a significant change initiative.

Q: Who is the target audience for the program?

Our primary target audience is senior business leaders with track records of success and a desire to lead profitable, sustainable, high‐integrity companies with excellence. This includes CEOs, chief officers and their direct reports, presidents and vice presidents, and heads of business groups. Professionals at the director and manager levels (or equivalent) are also encouraged to apply.

Our goal is to create a diverse cohort of highly qualified students. We consider quality and quantity of relevant work experience, emphasizing positions of major responsibility. Each application is considered on a case by case basis.

Q: How does this program compare with other programs?

When designing the Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership, we conducted extensive research into 75 other programs focused on leadership, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and organizational change. We evaluated them in terms of:

Curriculum (is it exceptionally high‐quality; does it focus on leading sustainable companies in today's global economy; does it equip people to lead at four levels: personally, interpersonally, organizationally, and strategically)
Length of program
Degree type (Ph.D., D.B.A., Ed.D., etc)
Target audience (i.e. senior leaders)
Format: cohort or non‐cohort
When and where classes meet
Scholar‐practitioner vs. traditional program
Use of visiting global thought leaders (scholars and executives)
Number and quality of global exchanges
Ability for students to be involved with faculty in leading‐edge research initiatives

We found no other program that incorporates all of these features into the unique and powerful combination offered by our Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership.

There are a number of outstanding traditional Ph.D. programs in leadership, corporate responsibility, and corporate sustainability, but these programs are not targeted to senior leaders, and they require people to leave their jobs and become full‐time students.

There are a number of excellent Ed.D. programs in leadership, but these focus primarily on leadership in higher education.

There are a number of high‐quality Ph.D. programs in leadership for working professionals, but none of these are targeted specifically at senior leaders; offer both a Ph.D. and D.B.A. track; focus on strategic leadership at the forefront of business and society; or offer the same quality of global exchanges, research opportunities, and access to thought leaders from around the world. We believe we hold a strong competitive position in comparison to other Ph.D. and D.B.A. programs in leadership.

Q: Who are the distinguished visiting scholars and business leaders?

We are finalizing the list of distinguished visiting scholars and business leaders for 2011. Some of those who have participated previously in our programs include Ray Anderson, Founder and Chairman, Interface; Dr. Chris Argyris, Harvard; Dr. Jean Bartunek, Boston College; Maureen Beal, CEO, National Van Lines; Mike Birck, Founder and Chairman, Tellabs; Dr. Warner Burke, Columbia; Dr. Peter Cappelli, Wharton; Dr. David Cooperrider, Case; Dr. Mary Jo Hatch, Virginia; Jim Kouzes, Santa Clara; Dr. Henrik Holt Larsen, Copenhagen Business School; Dr. Sue Mohrman, USC; Dr. Ellen O'Connor, Stanford; Bill Pollard, former President and CEO, ServiceMaster; Dr. Robert Quinn, Michigan; Dr. Denise Rosseau, Carnegie‐Mellon; Dr. Peter Senge, MIT; Dr. Frans van Eijnatten, Eindhoven; Dr. Peter Northouse, Western Michigan University; Dr. Ron Fry, Case Western Reserve University; and Dr. Robert Audi, University of Notre Dame.

Q: Can I get involved in research?

Yes. Students are encouraged to work on research projects with Benedictine faculty and other scholars associated with the Ph.D./D.B.A. program. Through the Center for Values-Driven Leadership we sponsor a variety of research initiatives focused on the exemplary practices of sustainable and socially-responsible companies and leaders.

Q: Who accredits the Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership?

The Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership is offered through Benedictine University's College of Business and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) of colleges and universities.

Q: What is the completion rate?

Since we are currently in our first year of the initial cohort, we do not have historical data on completion rates. However, the program is modeled after Benedictine University's award‐winning Ph.D. Program in Organization Development (OD), now in its 15th year. The Ph.D. OD program enjoys a 95% completion rate (compared to a national average of less than 50%), and we are committed to achieving a similar level of success.

Q: How many students do you accept for each cohort?

We admit approximately 25 students per cohort.

Q: Is a master's degree required for admission into the program?

A master's degree is preferred but not required. Many candidates have years of senior leadership experience and/or have participated in extensive executive education activities that qualify them for the program. Each candidate is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How often do you start a new cohort of students?

Every two years (i.e. April 2011, April 2013, April 2015, etc).

Q: How many people typically apply for the program?

As we are currently in our first cohort, we have no historical numbers from which to draw. However, we anticipate similar numbers to Benedictine University's Ph.D. in OD program, which typically receives close to 1,000 inquiries and admits 25 students per cohort.

Q: What is the application deadline?

We will begin accepting applications for Cohort 2 in November of 2012. The application deadline will be announced at that time. Please contact Deb Hellmuth at info@cvdl.org or 630.829.6225 for more information and to request an application packet.

Q: When will interviews take place?

Cohort 2 interviews with Ph.D./D.B.A. faculty and staff will be in November 2012.

Q: When will selection decisions be made?

Cohort 2 applicants will be notified in January 2013.

Q: Where and when are classes held?

Classes are held at Benedictine's Lisle, Illinois campus one weekend a month (Friday 6:30 – 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm) and during an annual 8‐day intensive. The campus is located 30 minutes from Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports.

Q: When do classes begin?

Cohort 2 classes will begin in April 2013.

Q: Can this program be accomplished online?

No, this is not an online program. One of the program's greatest strengths is the deep learning that occurs in class and elsewhere when cohort members meet face‐to‐face with the world's top scholars and executives to exchange experiences and ideas at the forefront of leadership theory and practice.

Q: How does Benedictine University's Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values‐Driven Leadership compare to Benedictine's Ph.D. in OD program?

The Ph.D./D.B.A. in Values‐Driven Leadership builds on and extends the success of the Ph.D. OD Program by using a similar format but targeting a different audience and offering a new and distinctive multidisciplinary curriculum focused on strategic leadership and corporate sustainability.

Similarities to the Ph.D. OD program include:

Tailoring the program to working professionals (weekend classes, etc)
Using a cohort model
Exposing students to state‐of‐the‐art knowledge with an optimal blend of core faculty and visiting thought leaders
Engaging in global exchanges and international learning experiences
Establishing a leadership position in the field through research, publications, presentations, and leadership in professional associations

Distinctive differences include:

The Target Audience – While the Ph.D. OD is targeted at working professionals at all levels, the Ph.D./D.B.A. in Values‐Driven Leadership is targeted at senior leaders (VP level and above).
The Format – While the Ph.D. OD holds classes on weekends 16 times per year, the Ph.D./D.B.A. in Values‐Driven Leadership will hold classes on weekends once a month, plus an annual 8‐day intensive.
The Content – Whereas the Ph.D. OD curriculum focuses on organization development, the Ph.D./D.B.A. in Values‐Driven Leadership curriculum focuses on three core areas only briefly addressed in the Ph.D. OD: (1) the theory and practice of leadership and leadership development, (2) strategic leadership in the global economy, and (3) leading corporate sustainability and social responsibility.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?

This program is designed to be completed in three years. Classroom work is completed in the first two years. Students write and defend their dissertations in the final year.

Q: How many credit hours are needed to graduate?

Students must complete 96 credit hours to graduate.

Q: What is the cost of the program?

The tuition is $33,000 per year for three years. This includes books. There are also expenses for trips to conferences, at which students give presentations and present papers; travel for the global exchanges/international aspect of the program; and in some cases, transcribing of interview transcripts, analysis of quantitative data, and/or copy editing during the dissertation. Remember to talk with your company about educational assistance options.

To learn more, contact Deb Hellmuth at dhellmuth@ben.edu. Download Ph.D./D.B.A Program in Leadership Brochure (PDF).

About CVDL

The Center for Values-Driven Leadership offers research, education and outreach opportunities to help business leaders forge new paths to profitability. It is a gathering place where top executives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders come together to innovate at the forefront of values-driven business practice.

Upcoming CVDL Events

Class: Lecture Series Seminar: Contemporary Trends in Leadership
- March 23-25, 2012

Exemplars

Boston Common Asset Management made a proposal to Aflac CEO, Dan Amos, to make himself the first U.S. CEO to have his pay voted on by shareholders. As part of the company's commitment to transparency, the decision was made to do it. See Aflac CEO's commitment.
Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of Grameen Bank, Professor Muhammad Yunus, dreams of eradicating poverty as we know it and rethinking the relationship between the rich and the poor. Here he discusses The Social Business Model and how it is a radical departure from the modern profit-maximizing entity. See it here.
How does an established company open itself up to allow for new innovation - especially in areas of sustainability? Stu Hart, author of Capitalism at the Crossroads and an expert in business sustainability, shares his thoughts on how successful companies can make space for dynamic innovation, leading to a healthier company AND planet. This video was recorded as part of the Center for Values-Driven Leadership's Senior Executive Roundtable series. For more on the CVDL and this series, visit www.cvdl.org. Sustainability and Innovation
The Center for Values-Driven Leadership View Video