The Ph.D. in Global Leadership program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has been named one of the nation’s Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership by Forbes Advisor as the Best for Global Leadership Focus.
Forbes Advisor evaluated over 230 accredited universities that offer online Ph.D. programs in organizational leadership. The organization looked at data, such as average in-state graduate tuition and fees, percentage of graduate students enrolled in some distance education and the student-to-faculty ratio.
Kimberly LaComba, Ph.D., Director of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership program and Associate Professor of Global Leadership shared, “We are grateful for the recognition of SMWC’s Ph.D. in Global Leadership program, where the faculty and students consistently demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and expansion of their global mindset.”
SMWC’s program is the only school in the Top 10 that has a global leadership focus. Forbes Advisor highlighted the program’s face-to-face virtual webinars, group projects and online discussions. It also recognized the College’s annual on-campus Global Leadership Engagement Event activity, cultural immersions in places like India, Greece and Ireland and the opportunity for students to complete two publications.
Lamprini Pantazi, Ph.D., Dean of Business, Leadership and Behavioral Sciences, stated, “The world needs leaders who think globally and act responsibly across boundaries. This is one acknowledgement of the work our faculty and students are living each day.”
Students can choose from concentrations in business administration, leadership, or organizational behavior and change. Also highlighted was the low student-to-faculty ratio that allows students more one-on-one attention from instructors.
The Ph.D. in Global Leadership program began in the fall of 2021 and, in May 2025, celebrated the first graduates. In 2024, SMWC announced the Business Administration concentration. Students who have earned a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Leadership Development, or an equivalent degree can receive 18 credit hours toward their Ph.D. in Global Leadership, reducing the time required to complete the online doctoral program.
For more information visit smwc.edu/phd or email admissions@smwc.edu.