female doing online work at a computer for her doctorate of education

Online doctorate in education (Ed.D.)

Lead with new skills and new confidence

Concordia's Ed.D. program, Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI), consists of a relevant curriculum and dedicated faculty that will help you achieve your professional and personal goals.

With an interdisciplinary focus, our online courses incorporate best practices from various fields of study to broaden your knowledge and skill set. You'll graduate empowered as an exceptional leader and lifelong learner. 

Leadership courses

Research courses

Improvement Science and Innovation courses

online format

Courses are online with two in-person residencies
required on the Wisconsin campus.

Cohort Format

Progress through the LICI program with your group to improve learning, collaboration, and networking.

Dissertation

A faculty member will be assigned as your dissertation chair to advise and mentor you through the process.

You learn more about yourself, you learn more about your profession, you learn more from your coursework, and that all shapes your dissertation topic.

Kathryn Battaglino, Ed.D, 2022

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What will I study to earn a Doctorate of Education

You will need to take these required leadership courses in the LICI program. 

  • Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice
  • Exemplary Leadership Case Studies
  • Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Servant and Ethical Leadership

You will need to take these required courses in improvement science and innovation in the LICI program.

  • Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change
  • Innovation and Design Thinking
  • Six Sigma Applications
  • Lean Systems Analysis 

You will need to take these required research courses in the LICI program. 

  • Intro to Doctoral Program and Research Methods
  • Quantitative Research Seminar
  • Qualitative Research Seminar
  • Advanced Research and Statistics

 

You can personalize your elective core with business and education courses. 

You can take business-related courses like Leading Non-profit Organizations, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and more relevant classes.

Or engage in education-related courses like these, Diversity and Culturally Responsive Leadership, Branding Strategy in Education, and other electives.

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Learn to research and write your dissertation 

Your dissertation process begins with the Research Seminar I course in our online doctorate program. First, identify a research question or research problem that you wish to address or solve with your cohort peers.

With the help of your Dissertation Chair, you will research and write your dissertation as you complete eight Dissertation Research Seminar courses.

The process ends with a successful presentation and defense of your dissertation.

 

A look at the LICI program with students and faculty.
versatile applicable

Who should experience our online Ed.D?

Any growth-minded individuals: Those interested in increasing their knowledge and capacity for leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement would benefit significantly from LICI. We've found particular interest in these fields:
  • Health Professions: Those interested in teaching and learning innovative ways to improve health, lower costs, and care for patients. 
  • Business: Those who want to bring new skills, dispositions, and improvement science to their practice and vocations.
  • Education: Those who are interested in higher education leadership, administrative positions in technical colleges, prospective superintendents, heads of schools, admissions officers, development and advancement leaders, other administrative positions, curriculum instructors, and activities and athletic directors.

Why Concordia uses the cohort format

Arthur Martinez, 2022 Ed.D. Graduate

We are a unit. It’s a second layer, you have your chair, you have the professors you are working with, and then you have your cohort members. You help each other and support each other.

Danielle Point Du Jour, Current Ed.D Student

The cohort model is amazing, especially for the working professional. We have group chats, project chats, and even sometimes personal chats. I’m glad I didn’t do the journey alone.

Years to graduate
3
credits
60
Cost per credit
$867

Funding your doctorate in education

Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments

Scholarships, financial aid, and convenient payment plans.

Learn more