Learning, leadership and innovation

U of I’s three-year online Doctor of Education degree program prepares professionals across education, healthcare, the military, corporate organizations and other industries to use applied research to solve real problems in real time. Unlike traditional Ed.D. programs focused narrowly on school administration, U of I’s online Ed.D. program emphasizes leadership, learning and innovation across many fields. You’ll complete a problem of practice dissertation embedded in your daily coursework and graduate ready to advance your role and enact change in your professional organization.

Ready to get started? Apply to U of I’s online Doctor of Education degree program.

Read more about U of I's online Ed.D. degree program from an interview with Brooke Blevins, Dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.

Why earn your online Ed.D. degree at U of I?

From flexible coursework to exceptional student support, here’s what makes U of I’s degree program the best choice for professionals in all industries:

• Grounded in improvement science: Develop expertise in improvement science — an interdisciplinary, applied approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement. This methodology equips you to lead change initiatives across diverse industries and organizational contexts.
• 100% online format: Take online Doctor of Education courses from anywhere in the world, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous options that fit your schedule.
• A terminal degree with real-world application: Earn your Doctor of Education degree, the highest academic credential, while applying research to your own workplace challenges.
• Embedded dissertation: Finish your dissertation during the program through tailored coursework and faculty mentorship.
• Finish in three years: Complete two courses at a time in a twelve-week format.  
• CPED-affiliated Ed.D program: Join an online Ed.D. program that’s part of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate network, which ensures your coursework aligns with practice-based research.
• Cohort model with cross-industry peers: Learn alongside professionals from education, healthcare, the military and other industries, building a diverse network that broadens your perspective.
• Online student support: Benefit from one-on-one advising, a virtual writing center and other academic support services rarely found in doctoral programs.
• In-person connection opportunity: Join your cohort for an on campus immersion experience at the start of your second year.  
• Learn from industry-leading faculty: Study with faculty who are scholars and practitioners actively shaping their fields.
• Flexible admissions criteria: Submit an application to the online Ed.D. program with either a master’s degree or at least five years of relevant professional experience.

Career impact

Graduates of University of Idaho’s online Doctor of Education degree program in learning, leadership and innovation are prepared to lead in a variety of professional settings. Many use the degree to advance within their current field, moving into high-level administrative or leadership roles. Others may move into areas like non-profit leadership, government, healthcare or consulting, applying their research and leadership skills to contexts where they can make an impact.

Learn more about what you can do with a Doctor of Education degree.

View the online Ed.D. in learning, leadership and innovation student handbook