Online doctorate in education

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 ^$867

Area of Study

This online program focuses on leadership, research, and innovation & improvement science.

Cohort Format

Engage with your cohort for better collaboration, learning, and networking.

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Program Overview

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.

Higher Education and Student Affairs
You can combine the Master's in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education with the Ed.D. program for both a master's and a doctorate in education.

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.

How To Apply

Ed.D. Admission Process:

Online application through www.cuaa.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.

Informational Webinars

View previously recorded webinars on your own time! You'll meet Dr. Kathleen Kannass, Program Director, and other faculty. The webinars review curriculum structure, core learning areas, the dissertation process, and the benefits of the cohort format for this doctorate program. Get information about the admission and application process too.

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.