2026 Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online doctorate in organizational leadership?

From an online doctorate in organizational leadership, you can expect a comprehensive and flexible learning experience that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in leadership roles across various sectors. The program focuses on topics like strategic management, organizational change, leadership theory, and ethical decision-making, tailored to address the challenges of modern workplaces. Students can expect to engage in impactful research projects that drive organizational improvement.

Where can I work with an online doctorate in organizational leadership?

Your Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership can qualify you to teach at the university level. Your training can also allow you to pursue executive roles like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), overseeing financial decisions, production, sales, and problem-solving within organizations.  If teaching is not your focus, you can explore roles as an educational administrator like dean or provost, combining academia with business administration and leadership within educational institutions.

How much can I make with an online doctorate in organizational leadership?

Individuals with an online doctorate in organizational leadership can expect to earn lucrative salaries across various career paths. CEOs can earn upwards of $200,000 per year, with the potential for higher salaries based on experience and company size. With an online doctorate in organizational leadership, you can work as a management consultant, earning an average salary of $82,450 per year. 

2026 Most Affordable Online Doctorate Degrees in Organizational Leadership

An online doctorate in organizational leadership is designed for experienced professionals who want to lead change, improve organizational performance, teach at the postsecondary level, consult, or move into senior administrative roles. The main decision is not simply whether a doctorate sounds impressive. It is whether the program’s cost, format, accreditation, research expectations, and career fit justify the time and financial investment.

This guide helps prospective doctoral students compare affordable online organizational leadership programs, understand common degree formats, estimate timelines and costs, evaluate financial aid options, and decide whether this path aligns with their professional goals. It also explains how to assess program credibility, avoid expensive mistakes, and think realistically about career outcomes after graduation.

Quick Answer: What Is the Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Based on the listed program data, Valdosta State University has the lowest estimated cost per credit among the programs included here at $254 per credit. However, the cheapest per-credit rate is not always the lowest total cost. Students should compare required credits, fees, residency requirements, dissertation or capstone expectations, transfer credit policies, and whether the program’s accreditation and curriculum fit their career goals.

For a broader look at how Research.com evaluates schools and program data, review the Research.com methodology.

How Research.com Identifies Affordable Online Doctoral Programs

Affordability rankings should be treated as a starting point, not a final decision. Research.com reviews institutional and program information using credible education data sources and then considers factors such as tuition, program structure, retention, graduation outcomes, and academic offerings. The data sources used include:

• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, available through the IPEDS database
• Peterson’s database, including distance learning data
• College Scorecard database
• National Center for Education Statistics

Affordable Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs Compared

1. Southeastern University

Southeastern University offers an online PhD in organizational leadership for students who want advanced study in leadership theory, applied research, and organizational decision-making. The program may appeal to professionals seeking a structured doctoral pathway that emphasizes leadership practice in complex workplaces.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $875
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

2. Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago provides an online doctoral option in leadership with an organizational leadership specialization. The program is suited to students interested in leadership theory, administration, consulting, and the application of research to organizational improvement.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $763
• Required Credits to Graduate: 67
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

3. Capella University

Capella University offers a DBA leadership pathway for students who want a business-oriented doctoral degree focused on leadership practice. Its structure may fit working professionals who prefer an applied doctorate with staged coursework and online academic support.

• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $765
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

4. Maryville University

Maryville University offers a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership. The curriculum includes leadership theory and courses such as Strategic Change and Innovation, making it especially relevant for professionals who work in colleges, universities, student services, academic administration, or education-related organizations.

• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $947
• Required Credits to Graduate: 48
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online doctoral program in organizational leadership that emphasizes research, communication, organizational dynamics, and strategic management. It may fit students seeking leadership roles in education, business, nonprofit, or faith-based environments.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $595
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

6. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers an online PhD focused on organizational learning, performance, and change. Students can expect advanced coursework in research methods, evaluation, systems leadership, and organizational improvement, with a cohort-based learning environment.

• Program Length: 5 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $945
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission

7. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers an online PsyD in organizational leadership that applies psychological principles to leadership, ethics, collaboration, and human resource management. This option may be especially relevant for students who want a scholar-practitioner model rather than a traditional business or education doctorate.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $700
• Required Credits to Graduate: 66
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College & University Commission

8. Carolina University

Carolina University offers an online PhD in leadership for students who want to study leadership theory, practice, and development at an advanced level. The program is geared toward professionals interested in scholarly research and leadership application across organizational settings.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $801
• Required Credits to Graduate: 73
• Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

9. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership. Students work with advisors to choose a cognate aligned with their goals, such as Executive Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Curriculum Leadership, Technology Leadership, or Higher Education Leadership.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $254
• Required Credits to Graduate: 55
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers an EdD in Organizational Leadership with options such as Strategic Leadership, Workplace Learning, and Talent Development. Students may also be able to shape part of the doctoral experience around defined professional objectives.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Organizational Leadership
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $696
• Required Credits to Graduate: 54
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

What Graduates Say About Online Doctoral Study in Organizational Leadership

Key Findings

• The listed programs range from 2.5 years to 5 years, so students should compare completion timelines carefully before enrolling.
• Per-credit tuition varies widely, from $254 to $947 among the programs listed here.
• Required credits matter as much as tuition rate. A lower per-credit price can still lead to a substantial total cost if the program requires more credits.
• Most applicants should expect to need a master’s degree, a competitive graduate GPA, and professional experience in leadership, management, education, business, or a related field.
• Students should confirm institutional accreditation, total program cost, dissertation or capstone requirements, and whether the curriculum supports their intended career path.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Completion time depends on the degree type, course load, dissertation or capstone pace, transfer credit, and whether the student enrolls full time or part time. Similar to the most affordable online doctorate in psychology, organizational leadership doctoral programs generally include several years of coursework followed by major research or applied project requirements.

A PhD in Organizational Leadership can take around 45 months, or roughly four to six years, to complete. An EdD in Organizational Leadership may take around three to four years. Some schools offer flexible pacing, and students who need a slower schedule can compare the best part-time PhD programs to understand how part-time doctoral study works.

How Does an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Compare to an On-Campus Program?

An online doctorate in organizational leadership is usually best for working adults who need flexibility, do not want to relocate, or want to continue earning income while studying. Like the most affordable online exercise science degrees, online leadership programs can reduce commuting and relocation barriers, but students still need strong time management and independent study habits.

On-campus programs may be better for students who value face-to-face mentoring, campus-based research culture, assistantships, or regular in-person networking. The right format depends less on prestige and more on how you learn, how much structure you need, and whether the program’s faculty and curriculum match your goals.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

The average total cost of an online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership is approximately $23,293 per year. However, annual tuition estimates can vary by program, including figures such as $5,400 for Southeastern University and $53,300 for the least expensive options. Because doctoral programs differ in credit requirements, fees, and time to completion, students should calculate the full expected cost rather than relying only on advertised tuition.

When comparing programs, ask for a complete cost sheet that includes tuition, mandatory fees, technology fees, residency or travel expenses, dissertation continuation fees, books, and graduation fees. If affordability is your top priority, also compare broader lists of affordable online PhD programs.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Online Doctorate Students in Organizational Leadership?

Doctoral students should build a funding plan before enrolling. Similar to students comparing the most affordable online FNP programs, organizational leadership doctoral students may use several aid sources, but availability depends on eligibility, school policies, and enrollment status.

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These federal loans are available to eligible graduate students, and interest begins accruing when funds are disbursed.
• Federal Grad PLUS Loans: Graduate students may use Grad PLUS Loans for additional borrowing, subject to eligibility requirements and credit review.
• Employer Assistance: Some employers reimburse tuition or provide education benefits when the degree supports the employee’s role or leadership development.
• Scholarships and Grants: Universities, foundations, and professional organizations may offer awards based on merit, need, field of study, or professional background.

Questions to Ask About Financial Aid Before Enrolling

• Does the tuition rate change after a certain number of credits or years?
• Are dissertation or capstone continuation credits charged separately?
• Is there a tuition discount for military students, educators, public employees, or alumni?
• Can employer reimbursement be applied each term, or must students pay upfront?
• What happens financially if you pause enrollment for work or family reasons?

What Are the Prerequisites for an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Admissions requirements vary, but most online doctorate programs in organizational leadership expect applicants to show readiness for advanced research, writing, and leadership analysis.

• Master’s degree: Most programs require a graduate degree in a related area such as business administration, education, public administration, leadership, psychology, or a social science field.
• Graduate GPA: Many schools set a minimum master’s GPA, often around 3.0 or higher.
• GRE or GMAT: Some programs may request standardized test scores, although more schools now offer waivers based on academic history or professional experience.
• Professional experience: Many doctoral programs prefer applicants with leadership, management, consulting, administrative, or organizational development experience. For a broader overview of doctoral expectations, review common PhD degree requirements.

What Courses Are Typically Included in an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Coursework usually blends leadership theory, organizational systems, research design, ethics, and change management. The exact sequence varies by degree type, but students can expect advanced reading, applied analysis, scholarly writing, and a major research or practice-based project.

• Leadership Theories and Practices: Examines major leadership models and how they apply to modern organizations.
• Organizational Theory and Design: Covers organizational structure, culture, authority, decision-making, and change.
• Research Methods in Organizational Leadership: Builds skills in research design, qualitative and quantitative inquiry, and evidence-based analysis.
• Statistics and Data Analysis: Helps students interpret organizational data and evaluate research findings.
• Global Leadership: Explores cross-cultural leadership, global workforce issues, and leadership challenges across regions and systems.

What Specializations Are Available in an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Some programs offer a general organizational leadership curriculum, while others allow students to focus on an industry or leadership function. A specialization is most useful when it supports a clear career direction rather than simply sounding attractive.

• Healthcare Leadership: Focuses on leadership in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and healthcare systems. Students may study healthcare ethics, policy, workforce management, and organizational performance. Leaders responsible for staffing or operations may also benefit from understanding training pathways such as affordable online medical billing and coding courses.
• Educational Leadership: Prepares students for leadership roles in schools, universities, curriculum organizations, and education systems.
• Nonprofit Leadership: Emphasizes fundraising, volunteer management, grant writing, mission-driven leadership, and community impact.
• Human Resources or Talent Development: Supports careers in workforce strategy, leadership training, employee development, and organizational culture.
• Strategic Innovation: Centers on change leadership, innovation systems, and long-term organizational planning.

How Should You Choose the Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Start With Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the first items to verify. Institutional accreditation helps signal that a school meets recognized academic standards and can affect transfer credit, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Programmatic accreditation can also matter in some fields, though organizational leadership is not a licensed profession in the same way as nursing, counseling, or teaching.

Match the Program to Your Career Goal

Do not choose a specialization only because it sounds broad. If your goal is executive leadership, prioritize strategy, finance, change management, and organizational performance. If you want a university role, look closely at higher education leadership, research expectations, and teaching preparation. If you are trying to strengthen practical leadership skills, make sure the coursework includes applied projects and organizational problem-solving.

Read the Curriculum Before Applying

The curriculum tells you what the program actually values. A strong doctorate should move logically from leadership foundations into research methods, advanced analysis, and a dissertation or applied doctoral project. Avoid choosing based only on the program title; two degrees with similar names can have very different academic expectations.

Calculate Total Cost, Not Just Tuition

Application fees, technology fees, required travel, books, dissertation credits, and delayed completion can raise the final cost. Students with existing loans or family obligations should compare cost carefully and consider whether the credential is likely to support realistic career advancement.

How Can Working Adults Find Financially Accessible Online Doctoral Programs?

Working professionals should look for programs with transparent tuition, predictable course sequencing, strong advising, and flexible pacing. Affordability is not only the sticker price. A program that helps students stay enrolled, avoid unnecessary credits, and finish the dissertation efficiently may be more financially manageable than a cheaper program with weak support.

Students balancing school, work, and family obligations can also compare the most affordable online colleges for working adults to identify institutions that emphasize flexible learning and cost-conscious online education.

How Are Emerging Technologies Changing Online Doctorate Programs in Organizational Leadership?

Online doctoral programs increasingly rely on digital collaboration platforms, virtual research tools, analytics, and simulation-based assignments. These technologies can help students study organizational problems, analyze data, collaborate with peers, and present research in formats similar to modern workplace communication.

Technology is also changing leadership itself. Leaders are expected to manage remote teams, evaluate digital transformation initiatives, use data responsibly, and guide organizations through automation and AI-related disruption. Students interested in the behavioral and workplace psychology side of technology adoption may also compare online PhD programs in industrial-organizational psychology.

What Challenges Do Online Doctoral Candidates Face?

The biggest challenge in an online doctorate is not logging into classes. It is sustaining research progress for several years while managing work, family, and professional responsibilities. Many students underestimate how much independent writing, reading, and revision doctoral work requires.

• Time management: Block recurring weekly research and writing time before the term begins.
• Isolation: Join cohort meetings, research groups, alumni events, and faculty office hours consistently.
• Digital fatigue: Build a workflow for reading, citation management, data storage, and project tracking.
• Dissertation delays: Choose a focused, feasible topic and seek early feedback from advisors.
• Work-school conflict: Discuss workload expectations with your employer before the program starts.

Students who are still deciding whether they need a doctorate may first compare online master’s programs in organizational leadership, which may be sufficient for some leadership roles.

Is an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Worth the Investment?

An online doctorate in organizational leadership can be worth it for professionals who already have substantial experience and need advanced credentials for executive leadership, consulting, higher education administration, training and development, or research-informed organizational change. It is less likely to pay off quickly for students who lack leadership experience or expect the degree alone to create senior-level opportunities.

Before enrolling, compare tuition, time commitment, opportunity cost, employer support, and likely career impact. Students interested in a faster applied education doctorate may also review fast-track EdD degree programs for comparison.

How Can Academic Library Resources Improve Doctoral Research?

Strong library access can make a major difference in doctoral success. Students need peer-reviewed journals, dissertation databases, citation tools, interlibrary loan services, research consultations, and subject librarians who understand leadership, business, education, psychology, and social science research.

Doctoral candidates should ask each school what research databases are included and whether online students receive the same library support as campus students. Those interested in information management and research systems may also explore affordable online MLIS programs for related academic and professional context.

Can Interdisciplinary Credentials Strengthen Leadership Career Options?

Interdisciplinary training can help leaders work across departments and industries. For example, a professional in education leadership may benefit from additional graduate study in teaching, curriculum, special education, data analysis, human resources, or organizational psychology.

Students should avoid collecting degrees without a strategy. A complementary credential is most valuable when it fills a specific skill gap or supports a defined career move. Education professionals, for instance, may compare affordable online master’s in education programs if their leadership goals involve instructional improvement or school administration.

What Career Paths Are Available With an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Organizational leadership degree careers can span education, business, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, and consulting. The doctorate is usually most useful when paired with relevant work experience.

• Educational Leadership: Graduates may pursue roles such as school principal, superintendent, college dean, academic administrator, or education program director.
• Management Consulting: Consultants help organizations diagnose problems, improve processes, manage change, and strengthen performance.
• Human Resources Leadership: HR leaders may oversee workforce strategy, employee engagement, talent development, culture, and organizational policy.
• Organizational Development Specialist: These professionals assess systems, design interventions, improve communication, and support organizational effectiveness.
• Executive Leadership: Experienced graduates may pursue roles such as chief executive officer, chief operating officer, president, or senior director. The average base salary of a chief executive per year is $136,199.

What Is the Job Market for Graduates With an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

A doctorate can strengthen a leadership profile, especially for experienced professionals with a clear leadership development plan. According to the cited Bureau of Labor Statistics data, employment for top executives is projected to grow by three percent from 2022 to 2032. Graduates of doctor of education in organizational leadership programs can earn an average of $103,000 annually.

Healthcare, education, technology, and other complex sectors continue to need leaders who can manage change, evaluate data, and guide teams through uncertainty. However, salaries and advancement depend heavily on prior experience, industry, location, employer size, and role level. A doctorate can improve credibility, but it does not guarantee promotion.

How Can Doctoral Leadership Skills Support Innovation?

Organizational leadership doctorates often emphasize the skills needed to guide innovation responsibly. Graduates can use research, systems thinking, and change leadership to help organizations test ideas, manage resistance, and make evidence-informed decisions.

• Strategic vision: Define a clear direction for innovation and connect it to organizational priorities.
• Change management: Help teams adapt to new systems, workflows, and expectations.
• Collaboration and communication: Build cross-functional groups that can share ideas and solve problems together.
• Data-driven decision-making: Use research methods and organizational data to evaluate opportunities and risks.

What Is the Difference Between Organizational Leadership and Educational Leadership?

A doctorate in organizational leadership is typically broader and can apply to business, healthcare, nonprofit, government, higher education, and consulting environments. It focuses on organizational change, performance, strategy, culture, and leadership behavior across many types of institutions.

An online PhD in educational leadership or EdD in educational leadership is usually more focused on schools, colleges, education policy, curriculum, student outcomes, and academic administration. Choose educational leadership if your long-term goal is clearly within education systems. Choose organizational leadership if you want a more cross-sector leadership credential.

How Can Networking and Professional Associations Improve Leadership Opportunities?

Networking matters because many senior leadership and consulting opportunities depend on trust, visibility, and referrals. Online doctoral students should not wait until graduation to build relationships. They should participate in alumni groups, professional associations, webinars, research forums, conference sessions, and mentorship programs while enrolled.

Interdisciplinary networking can also be valuable. For example, leaders working with inclusive education teams may benefit from connections to professionals completing an online special education master’s degree.

How Can a Master’s in Organizational Psychology Complement a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

A master’s in organizational psychology can strengthen a doctoral leadership pathway by deepening the student’s understanding of workplace behavior, motivation, assessment, team dynamics, and employee well-being. These areas align closely with organizational leadership because leaders must understand both systems and people.

Students who want stronger behavioral science preparation before doctoral study may compare an affordable online master’s in organizational psychology. This path may be especially useful for professionals interested in talent development, employee engagement, organizational culture, or consulting.

Can Additional Certifications Increase the Value of an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Targeted certifications can add practical credibility when they match your sector. For education leaders, a teaching, administration, or instructional credential may support roles that require classroom or school-based expertise. For business leaders, credentials in project management, HR, analytics, or change management may be more relevant.

Educators considering additional pathways can review options such as the most affordable online alternative teacher certification programs. The key is to choose certifications that solve a specific career requirement rather than adding credentials without purpose.

How Can You Verify the Credibility of an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

To verify a program’s credibility, start with accreditation and then examine the program’s transparency. Look for clear admissions standards, named faculty, published curriculum, dissertation or capstone requirements, student support services, tuition details, and measurable outcomes where available.

• Confirm institutional accreditation through recognized accrediting bodies.
• Check whether online students receive full library, advising, career, and faculty access.
• Review faculty research areas and professional backgrounds.
• Ask how dissertation chairs are assigned and how long students typically take to finish.
• Compare total cost with related doctoral options, including the most affordable online doctorate in educational leadership programs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

• Choosing only by tuition rate: Required credits, fees, and dissertation timelines can change the real cost.
• Ignoring accreditation: Accreditation affects credibility, financial aid, transferability, and employer confidence.
• Assuming online means easy: Doctoral study requires sustained reading, research, writing, and independent project management.
• Picking the wrong degree type: A PhD, EdD, DBA, and PsyD may all include leadership content, but they serve different goals.
• Overestimating salary impact: A doctorate can support advancement, but pay depends on experience, role, industry, and employer.
• Neglecting dissertation support: Weak advising and unclear research milestones can delay graduation and increase costs.
• Relying only on rankings: Rankings can help narrow choices, but final decisions should be based on fit, cost, outcomes, and support.

Questions to Ask Before Applying

• Is the program accredited by a recognized institutional accreditor?
• Is the degree a PhD, EdD, DBA, or PsyD, and why does that matter for my career?
• How many credits are required, and are transfer credits accepted?
• Are there in-person residencies, travel requirements, or synchronous class meetings?
• What is the full estimated cost through graduation?
• How are dissertation or capstone advisors assigned?
• What percentage of students complete the program, and how long do they usually take?
• What career services are available to online doctoral students?
• Does the curriculum include research methods that match my dissertation interests?
• Will my employer recognize or support this degree?

References

• Bureau of Labor and Statistics. (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Top Executives. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
• College of William & Mary. (2021). Common myths about online MBAs debunked. Retrieved from: https://online.mason.wm.edu/blog/debunking-the-online-mba-stigma
• Eastern University. (n.d.). Graduate tuition & fees: 2021-2022. Retrieved from: https://www.eastern.edu/about/offices-centers/student-accounts-office/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition-fees
• Giannikas, C. (2020). Facebook in Tertiary Education: The Impact of Social Media in e-Learning. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 17(1), 3. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1247596
• Hanson, M. (2021). Average Cost of College & Tuition. Retrieved from: https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college/

Key Insights

• Valdosta State University has the lowest listed estimated cost per credit at $254, but total affordability depends on required credits, fees, and time to completion.
• An online doctorate in organizational leadership is best suited to experienced professionals, not students expecting the degree alone to create senior leadership opportunities.
• PhD, EdD, DBA, and PsyD programs can all include leadership content, but they differ in research orientation, applied focus, and career use.
• Accreditation, dissertation support, faculty fit, and total cost should carry more weight than marketing claims or program name alone.
• Before enrolling, calculate realistic ROI by comparing tuition, opportunity cost, employer support, current experience, and the specific leadership roles you are targeting.