Online Ed.D with two in-person residencies
Inspired by a Christian worldview, stewardship, and service, the mission of the Ed.D. in LICI program is to prepare and equip individuals to have a constant drive to learn. These students will make a positive impact and add value to various vocations and communities of interest.
Our program is offered fully online to fit your lifestyle!
$1000s in new scholarships exclusively for adult and post-traditional learners.
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Concordia University will not share your personal information. By submitting this form you agree to be contacted about Concordia's Education Offerings.There are many unique aspects of our doctorate in leadership that you will experience firsthand as a student at Concordia. Courses are eight weeks, online, and in a cohort model. While the program coursework is online, please note that there are two, four-day, in-person residencies required that take place on our campus in Mequon, Wisconsin in January and July.
LICI Overview
What makes this doctoral program unique?
- It is unique in composition, learning objectives, flexibility, diversity, customization, and market demand
- This cohort program welcomes students with diverse professional backgrounds in business, health professions, pharmacy, nursing, and education
- The curriculum is collaboratively designed across these interdisciplinary areas and incorporates best practices from all these fields of study
- 60-credit, three-year cohort offered online with two residency requirements
- Comprises three core areas (leadership, research, improvement science and innovation) with a fourth area being an elective emphasis or customized choice
- Courses provide opportunities for students to implement and practice continuous improvement and service to others
- Students are assigned a Dissertation Chair from the beginning of the program for advising touchpoints
- Students will be guided through nine Research Seminars leading to the successful completion of the Dissertation and Dissertation Defense
- Research seminars have bi-monthly, live "check-in" sessions between advisor and student
- Students will develop and enhance skills that are transferable to almost any personal and professional vocation
- Taught from a Biblical worldview, instructors and the curriculum will also present content and best practices aligned with CUW's mission and core values
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.
Informational Webinars
Our LICI faculty and staff provide webinars for you to learn more and give you the opportunity to ask questions. Topics include an in-depth view of LICI, what the dissertation entails, and how you'll be supported throughout this doctorate program. Check back for for more dates to be announced.
View our previously recorded informational webinars below. In these recordings, you'll meet Dr. Kathleen Kannass, program director and other faculty. They explain the curriculum structure, concentrations, dissertation, and how this will help you reach the goals you’ve set for yourself. You'll also learn more about the admission and application process.
Our doctorate in education encompasses three core areas of concentrated study that you can customize to your needs: the leadership core, the innovation and improvement core, and the research core. As a doctoral student, you can build on the program core by selecting an emphasis in business, an education emphasis, or a combination of the two.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- No GRE required!
- No prerequisite courses required
- Get started on your dissertation right away
- 3 year, 60 credits program with only 2 short residency requirements
- Residencies will be held on the main campus in Mequon, WI (August 9-12 for your first year, and another 4-day meeting in your second year)
- Estimated cost per credit for the 2018-19 academic year is $793
Prospective students must:
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited university
- Have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in one’s master’s coursework. Lower GPA will be considered on an individual basis.
Ed.D. Admission Process:
- Online application through www.cuaa.edu/apply.
- Official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution or institutions that awarded the your master’s degree and any post-master’s credits
- 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 CU and one’s commitment to degree completion.
- Example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other work
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from professional sources.
- Students may be asked to schedule an interview with the LICI admissions sub-committee.
Contact Us:
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.
Carrie J. Bath-Scheel
EdD, OT/L, CPE
Department Chair - Occupational Therapy, Professor
Office: Health Services HS110C
Phone: (262) 243-4296
Bio
Chair and Professor in Occupational Therapy at Concordia University, co-owner of ErgpWISE Solutions, LLC, and holds her green belt in six sigma. Carrie has over 30 years of experience in work injury solutions including work hardening, functional testing, ergonomics for office and industry, and other prevention services. She specializes in using lean and six sigma methodologies in her ergonomic consultation.

Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, Cardinal Stritch University (2003)
- MS - Human Kinetics, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1996)
- BS - Occupational Therapy, Mount Mary College (1984)
Contributions
- Ludwig, R., Eakman, A. & Bath-Scheel, C., How Occupational Therapists' address the occupational domain of sleep - A survey study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- Bath-Scheel, C. & , P. A pilot study for teaching methods for novice youth trap shooters. International Sport Coaching Journal.
- Bath-Scheel, C., , M., , M. & , Z., (2018). An evaluation of the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of OccuPro’s functional capacity evaluation. In Karen Jacobs (Ed.), (vol. 60,pp. 465-473). WORK.
- Bath-Scheel, C. & , H. (2011). ). Secondary prevention related to work: The role of occupational therapy. (7 ed.,vol. 16). Bethesda, MD: OT Practice.
Presentations
- Bath-Scheel, C. (2022). How OTs Address the Occupational Domain of Sleep: A Survey Study. Poster. American Occupational Therapy Association INSPIRE Conference. San Antonio TX.
- Lokken, J., Thew, M., Bath-Scheel, C. & Haendel, A., (2020). Telehealth Implementation: The Frontline Provider Perspective, and What Healthcare Faculty and Students Need to Know: Concordia Panel Discussions. Oral Presentation. Telehealth Implementation: The Frontline Provider Perspective, and What Healthcare Faculty and Students Need to Know: Concordia Panel Discussions. CUW.
- Bath-Scheel, C. (2019). Ergonomic Technology: Apps for Practicing Ergonomists. Oral Presentation. Applied Ergonomics Conference. New Orleans, LO.
- Bath-Scheel, C. (2018). Workplace Management of Post-Concussion Injuries with Cognitive Ergonomics. Oral Presentation. Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association Conference. Concordia University.
Research Interests
- Youth Shooting Education
- Computer ergonomics
Teaching Interests
- Ergonomics
- Work Injury Prevention
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. (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.
- Cosgrove, P. & Jonas, P. (2016). "Moving from tension to texture: The paradigmatic roots of mixed methods research." In M. L. Baran, & J. E. Jones (Ed.), Mixed Methods Research for Improved Scientific Study. 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
Laura E. Hurtienne
Ed.D. Transformational Leadership
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2093

Presentations
- Hurtienne, L. (2022). Preliminary Findings of the Theory of Educational Change.. Other. Academy of Human Resource Development Conference. Moved from in person to online.
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Change
Teaching Interests
- Leadership and change
- Leadership and engagment
Matthew Hurtienne
Ph.D.
Dean - Batterman School of Business, Associate 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
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
- 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.
- Colombo, J., Zavaleta, N., Kannass, K., Lazarte, F., Albornoz, C., Kapa, L. & Caulfield, L., (2014). Zinc supplementation sustained normative neurodevelopment in a randomized, controlled trial of Peruvian infants aged 6-18 months. (vol. 144,pp. 1298-1305). The Journal of Nutrition.
- Wyss, N., Kannass, K. & Haden, C., (2013). The effects of distraction on cognitive task performance during toddlerhood. (vol. 18,pp. 604-628). Infancy.
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
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. (2022). "A" is for Adversity. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (Spring 2022 ed.). River Forest, IL: Shapring the Future - Lutheran Educator Association . https://leaconnec...
- Alles, B., Pingel, J., Paape, A. & Juergensen, J., (2021). Grapes, Giants, and God: Mentoring First-Year Teachers with the Joshua-Caleb Project. (Spring 2021 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Lutheran Education Association. https://leaconnec...
- Pingel, J. (2020). Ministering to the Abraham Lincolns of the World Today. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (Winter, 2021 ed.). Chicago, IL: LEA Shaping the Future. http://stf.lea.or...
- Pingel, J. (2020). The Lincoln Way, the Truth, and Your Life: Reflections on Leadership and Faith. (pp. 800). Bloomington, Indiana: LifeRich Publishing.
- Pingel, J., Uden, M. & Bull, B., (2019). Prep Talks: Tales of Challenges and Opportunities in Christian Education. (pp. 176). Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
Presentations
- Pingel, J. (2022). Leading a Culture of Professional Development. Oral Presentation. Lutheran School Administrators Conference. Orlando, FL.
- Pingel, J. (2022). Leading the Lukewarm and Supervising the Subpar. Oral Presentation. Lutheran School Administrators Conference . Orlando, FL.
- Pingel, J. (2022). Back to the Future:Christian Leadership Lessons as Inspired by the Life of Abraham Lincoln. Oral Presentation. Best Practices Ministry. Phoenix, AZ.
- Pingel, J. (2022). Ten Research-based Tips for Building Your Health and Wellness Dashboard. Other. School Workshop/In-service. Elm Grove, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2021). Back to the Future: Recovering the Joy of Learning and Teaching as Inspired by Young Boy Lincoln. Oral Presentation. South Wisconsin District North/South Teachers' Conference. Wisconsin Dells.
Research Interests
- Biographical History
- Christian Servant Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice
- Professional Ethics
Daniel Sem
Vice Provost - 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
- 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.
- Sem, D. (2019). Role of Conserved Histidine and Serine in CXXXXXRS Motif of Human Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 5. (vol. 59,pp. 1563-1574). Journal; of Chemical Inf. and Modeling.
- Sem, D. (2018). Donaldson, W.A. (2018) Synthesis and evaluation of 4-cycloheptyllphenols as Selective Estrogen Receptor-beta Agonists (SERBAs) to Enhance Memory Consolidation under Low-estrogen Conditions. (157 ed.,pp. 791-804). European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
Research Interests
- Drug design and development
- Intellectual property
Teaching Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
Michael Uden
Ph.D.
Vice Provost - Student Enrollment and Engagement, Professor
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
- Professional ethics for educators
- Leadership theory and administration
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. (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.
- Witt, S. (2019). mall Group Strategy Instruction Utilizing Nonfiction Texts. Oral Presentation. 4th annual LIteracy institute Concordia University Wisconsin . Environmental Center.
Research Interests
- Teaching Identity
- Transformative teaching and leadership practices
Teaching Interests
- Literacy discourse
- Academic Coaching