Doctorate of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI)
The Doctorate of Education in LICI is a cross-disciplinary doctoral program that will create and develop innovators to make a significant impact in different vocations.
Online Ed.D. with brief in-person residencies to supplement your doctorate
It's about taking your learning and career to the next level. It's about being a strategic thinker and a problem-solver. It's about being purpose-driven and maintaining a focus on your mind, body, and spirit to be a caring and effective leader.
Apply by November 15 to join our January 2025 cohort.
Apply HereEngage in online courses, discussions, and check-ins with your dissertation advisor.
Questions? We’re here to help
Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.
Please note: this program is offered online through our sister campus at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Inspired by a Christian worldview, stewardship, and service, the mission of the cross-disciplinary LICI doctoral program is to prepare and equip individuals to be lifelong learners and exceptional leaders who will make a positive impact and add value to their vocations and communities.
Students gain knowledge through coursework in three core areas (Leadership, Research, Improvement Science and Innovation) and in elective courses of their choosing. Our dedicated, student-centered faculty are highly committed to facilitating student learning and growth.
Concordia University offers another doctoral degree with the more research-intensive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Discover the Doctorate of Philosophy for the LICI program and dive into high-level research.
Who should experience this program?
Growth-Minded Individuals
Those interested in increasing their knowledge and capacity for leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement no matter their field would benefit greatly from our doctoral program.
Health Professions
Those interested in teaching in higher education or those interested in learning innovative ways to improve health, lower costs, and improve the care of patients.
Business
Those who want to bring new skills, dispositions, and improvement science to their practice and vocations, or are not seeking a DBA.
Education
Those who are interested in teaching in higher education, administrative positions in technical colleges, prospective superintendents, heads of school, admissions officers, development and advancement leaders, other administrative positions, curriculum instructors, and activities and athletic directors, or are not seeking a Ph.D.
- 60-credit requirement
- 3-year program
- Cohort model – You start the program with a specific group and continue with your peers for improved learning and greater collaboration.
- Online format – This includes courses, group work, cohort discussions, and meetings with faculty.
- In-person residencies – You are required to attend a residency in your first year of the LICI program, and another residency takes place during your second year in the program.
Dissertation Details
You are assigned a Dissertation Chair at the beginning of the program that will serve as an advisor and mentor. Through regular online check-ins, you will receive feedback and other essential support to stay on track to finish your dissertation as scheduled. You will complete (12) research seminar credits where you will solely focus on your dissertation work.
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Please note: this program is offered online through our sister campus at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Entrance requirements
- Must have a master's degree with a focus in this doctoral program or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in one's master's coursework. (A lower GPA will be considered on an individual basis.)
- Provide proof of English proficiency if English is a second language.
- No GMAT or GRE is required.
Admissions process for graduate school
- Application form available at www.cuw.edu/apply
- Submit official transcripts from graduate or equivalent coursework
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references
- Submit an example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other related work
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professional sources
- Students may be asked to schedule an interview with the LICI admissons sub-committee
- Submit a Letter of Intent (no more than two pages) providing evidence for consideration to be admitted to the LICI program. The Letter of Intent should focus on leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement as well as reasons for choosing Concordia and your commitment to degree completion.
Accepted into the program
- An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number.
- An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details and you will need to submit your tuition deposit.
- Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you with access to Blackboard, your Concordia email account, and your student portal.
Please note:
Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet the qualifications, please complete an Uncommon Scholarship application.
International students should contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@cuw.edu for additional information on eligibility and application requirements. For more details, please visit our International Admissions page.
Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.
View previously recorded webinars on your own time! Meet Dr. Kathleen Kannass, Program Director, and other faculty in the doctorate program. The webinars review curriculum, core learning areas, the dissertation process, and the benefits of the cohort format. Get information about the admission and application process too.
Here's our most recent webinar which includes a discussion with current LICI students.
The blogs provide more detailed information about Concordia's online Doctorate of Education program. Gain a better understanding of what it takes to complete this advanced degree.
What it's Like Being a Doctoral Student: Lessons Learned
Read Blog![Kourtney Anderson](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/kourtney-anderson-alumni.jpg)
Featured alumni, Kourtney Anderson
Read Blog![Arthur Martinez](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/arthur-martinez-alumni.jpg)
Featured alumni, Arthur Martinez
Read Blog![cross with lake as backdrop](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/christian-cross-on-the-lakeshore-blog.jpg)
Impact of getting a doctorate as a Christian
Read Blog![counselor taking notes during a session](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/doctoral-students-working-together-blog.jpg)
Qualities of successful doctoral students
Read Blog![female student writing at a desk](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/writing-a-dissertation-paper-blog.png)
Writing at the graduate level
Read Blog![man making a decision](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/is-a-doctorate-worth-it-blog.jpeg)
Is a doctorate worth it?
Read Blog![butterfly](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/butterfly.jpg)
Let the doctoral dissertation process transform you
Read Blog![dissertation-anxiety](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/dissertation-anxiety.jpg)
4 tips for overcoming dissertation anxiety
Read Blog![mother-daughter](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/mother-daughter.jpg)
The uncommon mother-daughter duo embracing a new family tradition as Concordia alumni
Read Blog![bright-ideators](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/bright-ideators.jpg)
Bright ideators: Ed.D. LICI highlights
Read Blog![Jenna-Roeske](http://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/education-doctorate-in-leadership-in-innovation-and-continuous-improvement/_assets/roeske.jpg)
Want to earn an online Ed.D.? Student Jenna Roeske shares her experiences
Read BlogCompleting a dissertation is a significant undertaking essential to earn your doctoral degree. This unique program is designed for you to begin your dissertation in your first year, paving the way for successful completion within three years. Engage in research seminar courses that provide a structured schedule to guide you through the dissertation process. With a dedicated research chair by your side, you will receive ongoing support and valuable feedback as you craft your dissertation chapters.
Examples of dissertation topics from our doctoral graduates:
- The Relationship of Principals' Leadership Style and Teachers' Job Satisfaction
- Preparation and Motivation: Antecedents of Small City Elected Leadership Participation
- College and Career Training in Middle School Students
- The Impact of Training & Development on Teacher Retention in Urban Schools
- Perceptions of Parent Involvement in Elementary Special Education
- The Effects of Virtual Learning During COVID-19 on Math and Reading Scores
Research Seminar 1
- Investigate research on possible topics
- Assigned a research chair
Research Seminar 2
- Write Chapter 2 (Draft of Literature Review)
Research Seminar 3
- Write Chapter 1 (Draft of Introduction)
- Update Chapter 2
Research Seminar 4
- Write Chapter 3 (Draft of Methodology)
- Update Chapter 1
Research Seminar 5
- Preparing Chapters 1-3 for proposal
Research Seminar 6
- Data Collection
Research Seminar 7
- Data Analysis
- Write Chapter 4
Research Seminar 8
- Write Chapter 5
- Compile the full dissertation
Research Seminar 9
- Defend dissertation