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If you’ve completed doctoral coursework but still need to finish your dissertation, Å·±¦Æ½Ì¨ offers a Ph.D. in Leadership - Community Concentration - All But Dissertation (ABD). This flexible, supportive program provides the structure, mentorship, and specialized coursework required to finalize dissertation research and apply leadership theory to solve real-world challenges and drive sustainable progress. 
 

The Alvernia Advantage 

Many doctoral candidates find it challenging to complete their dissertations while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Alvernia’s program is flexible and student-centered, recognizing prior academic and professional experience. Through a portfolio review, students can transfer up to 42 credits toward the 60-credit doctoral program, enabling a personalized and accelerated path to completion.

For those seeking a flexible, hands-on approach to completing their degree, Å·±¦Æ½Ì¨ offers several advantages: 

• Personalized Support – Work closely with faculty mentors and advisors who provide feedback and research guidance.
• Flexible Scheduling – Designed for working professionals, students can progress at their own pace.
• Practical Application – Develop strategic leadership skills by tackling policy development, economic sustainability, and organizational management within community organizations, government, and nonprofits.
• Experiential Learning – Gain hands-on exposure through research presentations, journal publications, faculty collaborations, and immersive leadership experiences like the Sustainability Immersion Program.

Watch an Overview: . 
 

Dissertation Completion & Research Support

Alvernia provides structured mentorship, research support, and dedicated dissertation seminars to ensure students stay on track.

• Dedicated Faculty Mentorship – Experienced professors provide one-on-one feedback, research support, and dissertation guidance.
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar (PHD 860) – Helps students refine research questions, methodology, and analysis techniques.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Engage with peers from diverse leadership backgrounds, enhancing research and professional networks.
• Final Dissertation Defense – Work with faculty advisors to successfully present and defend research findings.
   

Community Leadership & Career Opportunities

The Community Leadership Concentration prepares students to advocate for social change, influence public policy, and lead mission-driven organizations. The curriculum focuses on tangible leadership applications, allowing students to integrate their research, strategic planning, and policy development expertise into nonprofits, government agencies, and community initiatives. 

Graduates can step into influential roles by applying leadership theory, policy analysis, economic sustainability, and organizational strategy in real-world settings. Potential career paths include:

• Nonprofit Executive Director – Lead mission-driven organizations, overseeing community programs, fundraising, and strategic planning to improve social services and public outreach.
• Community Development Director – Design and implement initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, expand local resources, and enhance community engagement.
• Public Policy Advocate – Develop and influence policies that address social justice, economic inequality, housing, education, and healthcare accessibility.
• Government & Municipal Leadership – Oversee city planning, community development, and public service initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life.
• Director of Social Services – Manage programs that support underserved populations, including housing assistance, youth outreach, and workforce development.
• Community Engagement Coordinator – Build partnerships between organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders to address critical social issues.
   

With a focus on practical leadership and ethical decision-making, graduates can create meaningful change and lead with purpose in their communities.
 

Create Your Comeback

Are you considering completing your Ph.D.? Å·±¦Æ½Ì¨ is here to help you cross the finish line. With structured mentorship, flexible learning options, and immersive leadership training, the Ph.D. in Leadership – Community Concentration – All But Dissertation (ABD) program provides the support and resources needed to complete your doctoral degree and create your comeback. 

For more information, contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Nicholas Nicoletti at 610-796-8355 or nicholas.nicoletti@alvernia.edu.

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