School of Education
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Department of Graduate Education
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.
Credits
60
Cost Per Credit
$890
Cohort Format
Next cohort starts on June 24, 2024. Apply by May 1!
Apply Here
Online Format
Engage 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.
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Program Overview
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.
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.
Nurses
Concordia has a "bridge" program for MSN Nurse Educator students to enroll in the Ed.D. program and graduate with 90 credits rather than 99 credits. This dual program allows students to earn both an MS Nurse Educator Concentration and Ed.D. (LICI) degree.
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.
What to Expect
- 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.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
How To Apply
Ed.D. Admission Process:
- Online application through our Wisconsin campus www.cuw.edu/apply.
- Submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution(s) that awarded your master’s degree and any post-master’s credits.
- 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.
- Submit an example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other related work.
- Submit resume or curriculum vitae
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professional sources.
- Students may be asked to schedule an interview with the LICI admissions sub-committee.
Prospective students must:
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited university
- Have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in one’s master’s coursework. Lower GPA will be considered on an individual basis.
Contact Us:
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.
Jennifer Becker
PhD
Director - Licensure and Assessment, Associate Professor
Office: Luther Hall 204C
Phone: (262) 243-4546
Bio
Jennifer Becker is the Director of Licensing and Assessment in the School of Education and also serves as the Assistant Director of the Leadership In Continuous Improvement (LICI) program. Her teaching responsibilities include both graduate and undergraduate education courses.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Marian Univeristy (2020)
- MS - Early Childhood Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (2010)
Research Interests
- Adult Development
- Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Developmentally Appropriate Teaching Practices
- Planning and Curriculum
Preston B. Cosgrove
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Education
- Ph D - Higher Education Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University (2012)
- MA - Modern American and European History, Marquette University (2006)
- BA - History, Taylor University (2004)
Contributions
- Cosgrove, P. (2022). Measuring Faculty Faith & Learning Involvement: Toward the Validation of a Survey Instrument. Christian Higher Education. https://doi.org/1...
- Cosgrove, P. (2020). "Implications of Mixing Methods: Balancing Paradigmatic and Validation Distinctives." Applied Social Science Approaches to Mixed Methods Research. (pp. 1-24). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
- Cosgrove, P. (2019). "The Nature Of Success In Doctoral Education: The Roles of the Student, the Advisor, and Goals." Self-Directed Learning Strategies in Adult Educational Contexts. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
- Cosgrove, P. (2018). Teaching an elusive phenomenon: Qualitative research, validity, and the cover of the big tent.. (3 ed.,vol. 11). International Review of Qualitative Research.
- Jones, J., Baran, M. & Cosgrove, P., (2018). Outcome-Based Strategies for Adult Learning. Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Presentations
- Cosgrove, P. (2021). Scientism, subjectivity, and qualitative inquiry. Oral Presentation. Association of Lutheran College Faculties Annual Meeting.
- Cosgrove, P. (2020). Putting (past) paradigms in their place: Social science method and the Preeminence of Christ. Oral Presentation. Association of Lutheran College Faculties Annual Meeting.
- Cosgrove, P. (2019). Developing Epistemic Humility: Graduate Research and the Preeminence of Christ. Paper. Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning & the International Network for Christian Higher Education. Grand Rapids, MI.
- Cosgrove, P. (2019). Coding as Fiction: Reclaiming Codes in Qualitative Analysis. Paper. International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry.
- Cosgrove, P. (2019). Emancipating critical disability studies from traditional qualitative validity approaches. Paper. Midwest Sociological Society.
Research Interests
- Social Science Epistemology and Validity
- Faith-Learning Integration
Teaching Interests
- Qualitative Research
- Research Methods
Sandra J. Harris
Ed.D.
Director - SOE Graduate Education, Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7309
Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (1997)
- MA - Guidance and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University (1980)
- Business Education, Eastern Michigan University (1974)
- Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (1989)
Research Interests
- Developing ways to keep students interested in the teaching profession.
Teaching Interests
- Teacher Preparation Courses
- Cultural and Social Diversity Courses
Matthew Hurtienne
Ph.D.
Dean - Batterman School of Business, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2024
Education
- Ph D - Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University (2015)
- MS - Organizational Leadership, Norwich University (2009)
- BS - Management, Southern Illinois University (2007)
- Instructional Design Mastery Series , Online Learning Consortium (2016)
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Effectivness
Teaching Interests
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational, Performance, and Change
Brooke Johnson
M.A.T., B.S.
Associate Vice President - Academics for Academic Operations, Assistant Professor
Office: Luther Hall 108
Phone: (262) 243-2075
Education
- MA - Teaching, Rockford University (2013)
- BS - Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University (2009)
Presentations
- Dvorak, L., Gray, A., Holtan, S. & Johnson, B., (2023). Finding resiliency during the great resignation. Oral Presentation. Advancing Women in Leadership 2023 Conference. Elgin, IL.
Research Interests
- Placement Testing
- Developmental Education
Teaching Interests
- Leadership
- Organizational Operations
Kathleen N. Kannass
Ph.D.
Professor
Office: Stuenkel Hall S001C
Phone: (262) 243-2209
Education
- Ph D - Psychology, The University of Iowa (2001)
- BS - Psychology and German, Carroll University (1994)
Contributions
- Kannass, K., Pogorzelski, L. & Kovack-Lesh, K., (2023). The effects of background television on kindergarteners and 2nd graders. Society for Research in Child Development.
- Marks, L., Hund, A., Finan, L., Kannass, K. & Hesson-McInnis, M., (2023). Understanding academic readiness for kindergarten: The interactive role of emotion knowledge and teacher-child closeness. In David Bjorkland (Ed.), (vol. 227,pp. 16). Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. https://doi.org/1...
- O'Toole, K. & Kannass, K. Background Television and Distractibility in Young Children: Does Program Content Matter? . Elsevier: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
- Hund, A., Kannass, K., Bove, R., Fairweather, L., Maydew, M. & Monla, A., (2021). Young children's understanding of ordinal and spatial labels. (April - June ed.,vol. 58). Elsevier: Cognitive Development. https://www.scien...
- O'Toole, K. & Kannass, K. (2018). Emergent literacy in print and electronic contexts: The influence of book type, narration style, and attention. In David F. Bjorklund (Ed.), (vol. 173,pp. 100-115). Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.
Presentations
- Kannass, K., Pogorzelski, L. & Kovack-Lesh, K., (2022). The effects of distraction on attention and math and phonics performance in kindergartens and 2nd graders. Poster. Cognitive Development Society Biennial Conference. Madison, WI.
- Kannass, K., Watry-Christian, M. & Nestor, O., (2021). Comparing Technology-Based and Multisensory Approaches for Handwriting Instruction. Poster. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development. Virtual due to COVID, instead of Minneapolis, MN.
- Bourassa, B. & Kannass, K. (2021). Investigating Computerized Reading Instruction in COVID and Pre-COVID Times. Poster. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development. Virtual due to COVID, instead of Minneapolis, MN.
- Hund, A., Kannass, K., Bove, R., Fairweather, L., Maydew, M. & Monta, A., (2021). Young Children's Understanding of Ordinal, Spatial, and Color Labels. Poster. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development. Virtual due to COVID, instead of Minneapolis, MN.
- Kannass, K. & O'Toole, K. (2019). Laboratory and Standardized Measures of Attention in Preschoolers. Oral Presentation. Midwestern Psychological Association Conference. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Cognitive Development
- Development of Attention
Teaching Interests
- Research Methods
- Quantitative Research
Roy Peterson
MA, MBA - Finance, DMin
Chief Financial Officer - Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor, Adjunct Professor
Office: Luther Hall 130A-2
Phone: (262) 243-4533
Bio
My career started in the financial markets and that led to starting my own firm with a colleague. After ten years of successful growth, I sold my interest in order to attend the seminary and become a Lutheran pastor. I served a large, growing congregation in a Milwaukee suburb for almost ten years before coming to Concordia where I have served as the Senior Vice President of Advancement, the President of the CUW Foundation, and currently as CFO.
Education
- D Min - Theology, Trinity International (2005)
James Pingel
PhD
Dean - School of Education, Professor
Office: Luther Hall 204A
Phone: (262) 243-4214
Bio
Jim Pingel is the Dean of the School of Education (Mequon, WI & Ann Arbor, MI). His research interests include biographical history, leadership, school culture, and Christian faith reflection and integration.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University (2008)
- MA - Early American History, Marquette University (1994)
- MS - Educational Administration, Concordia University Wisconsin (2001)
- BA - Secondary Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (1992)
Contributions
- Pingel, J. (2024). A Worldview Wakeup Call. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (January 2024 ed.,pp. 7). River Forest, IL: LEA Shaping the Future. https://s3.amazon...
- Pingel, J. (2022). Remember the Ladies. In Guy Burnett (Ed.), (Winter 2022 ed.,pp. 10-11). Washington, D.C. : Madison Notes/James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation .
- Pingel, J. (2022). Innovation in Educatioin. (322 ed.,pp. 1). Saint Louis, MO: Lutheran Life - Concordia Publishing House.
- Pingel, J. (2022). "Forward to "Dispositional Development and Assessment in Teacher Preparation Programs"." In Sara Clemm von Hohenberg (Ed.), Forward. (pp. xiv-xv). Hershey, Pennsylvania: IGI Global: Publisher of Timely Knowledge. https://www.igi-g...
- Pingel, J. (2022). "A" is for Adversity. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (Spring 2022 ed.). River Forest, IL: Shapring the Future - Lutheran Educator Association . https://leaconnec...
Presentations
- Pingel, J. (2024). Building a Culture of Professional Development. Oral Presentation. Leading Together. Grapevine, Texas.
- Pingel, J. (2024). The Best and Worst of Teachers. Oral Presentation. Leading Together . Grapevine, Texas.
- Pingel, J. (2024). You Can't Give What You Don't Have: Ten Research-based Health and Wellness Tips. Keynote/Plenary Address. SWD Parish Pros Retreat. Camp Minikani - Hubertus, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2024). "One Foot in the Future: Trends and the Future in Lutheran Education". Oral Presentation. ALSS Ed Camp.
- Pingel, J. (2023). The Future That Has Come: Embracing the Latest Trends, Temptations, and Truths of Christian Education Today. Oral Presentation. Professional Church Worker Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.
Research Interests
- Biographical History
- Christian Servant Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice
- Professional Ethics
Daniel Sem
PhD, JD, MBA
Associate Vice President - Academics for Research and Innovation, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2778
Education
- JD - Intellectual Property; Corporate Law, Marquette University (2015)
- Ph D - Biochemistry, UW-Madison (1990)
- MBA - Marquette University (2013)
- BS - Biochemistry, UW-MIlwaukee (1986)
Contributions
- Usai, R., Kaluka, D., Cai, S., Sem, D. & Kincaid, J., (2023). Solution phase refinement of active site structure using 2D NMR and judiciously 13C-labeled cytochrome P450. (vol. 241,pp. 9). Elsevier. https://www.scien...
- Wetzel, E., Marks, K., Gleason, A., Brown-Ford, S., Reid, T., Chaundhury, S., Lindeman, S., Sem, D. & Donaldson, W., (2022). Discovery of two novel (4-hydroxyphenyl) substituted polycyclic carbocycles as potent and selective estrogen receptor beta agonists. (vol. 73,pp. 5). Elsevier.
- Sem, D. (2021). Chronic oral administration of a novel estrogen receptor beta agonist enhances memory and alleviates drug-induced vasodilation in young ovariectomized mice. (vol. 130,pp. 10498). Hormones and Behavior.
- Sem, D. (2020). Synthesis and evaluation of 17a-trazolyl and 9a-cyano derivatives of estradiol. . (vol. 28,pp. 115670). Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry.
- Sem, D. (2019). Discovery and Characterization of Xanthene Inhibitors of DUSP5 as Potential Photodynamic Therapeutics. (375 ed.,pp. 114-131). Journal of Photochemistry.
Research Interests
- Drug design and development
- Intellectual property
Teaching Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
Michael Uden
Ph.D.
Vice President - of Enrollment, Chief Strategy Officer, Professor
Office: Luther Hall LU 130C
Phone: (262) 243-2612
Bio
Dr. Michael Uden currently serves as the Vice Provost of Student Enrollment and Engagement for Concordia University. His research interests include trauma-informed classroom practice, the intersection of professional efficacy and career trajectory for educators, and accelerated licensure programs for underrepresented populations.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin (2006)
- MS - Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University Wisconsin (1996)
- BA - Lutheran Elementary Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (1989)
Presentations
- Uden, M. (2019). An introduction to trauma and trauma-responsive practices. Keynote/Plenary Address. The GLACLP Annual Symposium. Ann Arbor, MI.
Research Interests
- Trauma-informed classroom practice
- Intersection of professional efficacy and career trajectory for educators
Teaching Interests
- Servant and ethical leadership
- Educational leadership and policy analysis
Angela Walmsley
Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2105
Bio
Dr. Walmsley currently serves as dissertation chair and teaches in the Ed.D. program in the School of Education. She has served as a Professor in both the School of Education and the School of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics department where she taught Geometry, Statistics I and Statistics II, and Algebra. She has also served as a research methodologist to assist faculty in research design and analysis. Her expertise lies in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Dr. Walmsley's research areas include mathematics education, statistics education, and curriculum design.
Education
- Ph D - Mathematics Education, Saint Louis University (2001)
- BS - Mathematics, Education, University Of Illinois-Urbana (1995)
- Master in Education, University Of Dublin (1997)
- Post-graduate Diploma in Statistics, Trinity College (1997)
Contributions
- Serwe, K. & Walmsley, A. The effectiveness of telehealth for a caregiver wellness program. In Anthony Smith (Ed.), SAGE journals: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. https://doi.org/1...
- Walmsley, A. (2020). Examples of how to Incorporate the GAISE Report Recommendations into Teaching. Holmen, WI: Wisconsin Teacher of Mathematics Journal. http://www.wismat...
- Serwe, K., Walmsley, A. & Pizzi, M., (2020). Reliability and Responsiveness of the Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment. In Dr. Frank Stein (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 3,pp. 7-13). Thorofare, NJ: Annals of International Occupational Therapy. https://doi.org/1...
- Serwe, K. & Walmsley, A. (2019). Pilot Study of a Telehealth Delivery Method for Powerful Tools for Caregivers. In Linnea M. Couture, COTA, AAS (Ed.), London, England: Activities, Adaptation & Aging. https://doi.org/1...
- Walmsley, A. (2007). A History of Mathematics Education in the United States During the Twentieth Century. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
Presentations
- Serwe, K., Walmsley, A. & Pizzi, M., (2019). The Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment: Psychometrics and Clinical Utility. Poster. 2019 American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo. New Orleans, LA.
- Serwe, K., Pizzi, M. & Walmsley, A., (2019). The Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment: Psychometrics and Clinical Utility. . Oral Presentation. 6th Annual Concordia University Wisconsin School of Health Professions Annual Conference. Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI.
Research Interests
- Educational policy
- Statistics education
Teaching Interests
- Education
- Statistics
Steven Witt
Ph.D.
Program Director - Graduate Education, Professor
Office: Luther Hall LU 201
Phone: (262) 243-4253
Bio
Steven Witt is a PhD scholar and researcher with knowledge in current best practice educational theory and methods. A national and international presenter with knowledge in student engagement and literacy practices. His research focus is on transformative research and leadership practices and academic coaching. He is the author of a book on Transformative research practices. www.kendallhunt.com/witt
Education
- Ph D - Education, Curtin University (2010)
- MA - Curriculum Studies , University of Texas (2008)
- MS - Advanced Literacy, Concordia University of Austin (2004)
- BS - Bachelor of Science in Education, Dr. Martin Luther College (1991)
Contributions
- Witt, S. (2022). Opportunities: Transforming Educational Research and Teaching Practices . (3 ed.,pp. 163). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.
- Witt, S. (2019). Opportunities: Transforming educational research and teaching practices. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt.
Presentations
- Witt, S. & Cario, C. (2022). Use Strategic Decisions in Small Group Reading Instruction . Demonstration. LEA Convocation . Milwaukee Wisconsin.
- Witt, S. (2021). Use Strategic Decisions in Guided Reading Instruction . Oral Presentation. Catholic Schools Educational Conference. Wisconsin Center - Milwaukee WI.
- Witt, S. (2019). Engaging students with complex texts and meaningful vocabulary. Oral Presentation. Annual Conference for Middle Level Education 2018. Nashville, Tennessee .
- Witt, S. (2019). Conferring with Readers. Demonstration. 4th annual LIteracy institute Concordia University Wisconsin. Environmental Center - Concordia University Wisconsin.
- Witt, S. (2019). Guided Instruction Within the Reading Workshop Framework. Oral Presentation. 4th annual LIteracy institute Concordia University Wisconsin. Environmental Center - Concordia University Wisconsin.
Research Interests
- Teaching Identity
- Transformative teaching and leadership practices
Teaching Interests
- Literacy
- Academic Coaching
Informational Webinars
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.
- October 2023 Webinar: Dissertation Process and Student Panel
- April 2023 Webinar: Introduction to the LICI Program
- February 2022 Webinar: LICI Program Overview and Discussion with Students
- April 2022 Webinar: Dissertation Process with Student Testimonials
- October 2022 Webinar: What Can a Doctorate Do For You
Doctorate of Education Blogs
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
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Featured alumni, Kourtney Anderson
Read Blog
Featured alumni, Arthur Martinez
Read Blog
Impact of getting a doctorate as a Christian
Read Blog
Qualities of successful doctoral students
Read Blog
Writing at the graduate level
Read Blog
Is a doctorate worth it?
Read Blog
Let the doctoral dissertation process transform you
Read Blog
4 tips for overcoming dissertation anxiety
Read Blog
The uncommon mother-daughter duo embracing a new family tradition as Concordia alumni
Read Blog
Bright ideators: Ed.D. LICI highlights
Read Blog
Want to earn an online Ed.D.? Student Jenna Roeske shares her experiences
Read BlogDissertation Process
Completing 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