DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
WHY MIDLAND?
Midland University graduate and professional programs are developed and taught by industry experts in a supportive, interactive environment with resources to help you succeed. Our goal is to advance your purpose and your career.
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation is a rigorous, cohort-based program designed for professionals from a range of industries who are committed to driving positive systemic change within their organizations Through a comprehensive curriculum and applied research, students develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to identify and pose evidence-based solutions to complex organizational and societal problems.
Our Doctor of Education program emphasizes leadership and innovation, with a distinctive interdisciplinary approach. This means that the degree is not limited to traditional education disciplines; instead, students come from diverse professional backgrounds across the United States.
What sets our program apart is our focus on addressing complex, real-world problems within various contexts Our research approach is purpose-driven it is not research for its own sake but aimed at developing "scholar-practitioners" Throughout the program, students assume dual roles: as scholars capable of conducting meaningful research, and as practitioners applying their knowledge in their professional fields.
-DR CAMMY ROMANUCK MURPHY, ASSOCIATE DEAN
CPED AFFILIATED PROGRAM
The Midland University EdD Program is a proud member of the CPED consortium of more than 135 colleges and schools of education worldwide.
CPED is the knowledge forum on the EdD which has committed resources to work together to undertake a critical examination of the doctorate in education (EdD) through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback and evaluation.
CPED’s vision is to transform the EdD by inspiring all schools of education to apply the CPED Framework to the preparation of educational leaders by becoming wellequipped scholarly practitioners who provide stewardship of the profession and meet the educational challenges of the 21st century.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Throughout the program, students will develop advanced skills in ethical decision-making, strategic leadership, innovation, equity, and collaborative communication. Each outcome reflects our commitment to preparing leaders who are equipped to navigate complex challenges, influence positive change, and foster inclusive environments.
The following learning outcomes represent the foundation of our EdD and reflect the core competencies our graduates will develop throughout the program.
Assessleadership modelsthatdrive successin individuals, organizations,and communities
Examineequity andsocialjustice issuestopropose inclusive solutionsfor diverse communities
Demonstrate collaborationand communication skillstobuild strong community partnerships
Applyethical frameworksto solvecomplex challengesin organizationsand communities
Combine research,inquiry, andpractical knowledgeto drivepositive change
PRACTICAL DISSERTATION DESIGN
At the heart of our program is the Dissertation-in-Practice (DiP), designed for students to understand and utilize research to positively impact real-world change.
Unlike traditional dissertations, our DiP is integrated from start to finish, embedded into coursework across the entire program of study This approach ensures that students conduct meaningful and manageable research over time, with consistent, guided support from a dedicated faculty member.
Writing your applied dissertation is an integral part of your academic journey, not a separate task It is a developing process where your research grows alongside your learning and leadership development.
Articulate
Articulate strategiesthat fosterinnovation andlead sustainable organizational change
CURRICULUM
Through a comprehensive curriculum and applied research, Midland University’s Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation guides students through a purposeful, year-by-year progression of coursework designed to build advanced leadership capacity. The chart below outlines the course sequence and credit load for each year of Midland University’s 3 year EdD program.
Leadership: From Theory to Practice
Doctoral Seminar
Socially Just Leadership
YEAR ONE COURSES
Total Credit Hours: 21
Multiple Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
Organizational Theory and Behavior
Qualitative Inquiry for the Scholar-Practitioner
Statistical Analysis for Leadership and Change
Digging Deeper: Contextualizing the Problem of Practice
Human Resources Management
YEAR TWO COURSES
Total Credit Hours: 18
YEAR THREE COURSES
Total Credit Hours: 15
Strategic Design for Organizational Learning and Engagement
Assessment and Data-Driven Decision-Making
Mentoring and Supervision for High Performing Organizations
Research Action Plan: The Proposal
Applied Ethics
Applied Data Collection and Analysis Pt 1
Applied Data Collection and Analysis Pt 2
Planning for Continuous Improvement
Dissertation in Practice: The Defense
Our EdD is 100% online with flexible, primarily asynchronous courses Each course runs Monday through Sunday, with most assignments due at the end of the week allowing students to balance learning with their busy schedules while staying connected
THE INVESTMENT
Choosing to join the Midland University doctoral program will connect you to a peer group of like minded professionals choosing to invest in a future of positive change The chart below outlines estimated tuition and credit load for the 3 year Doctor of Education program.
To maintain a high-quality and accessible program, students pay a one-time course fee, which covers all required texts and materials. All other readings and resources are integrated into the course at no additional cost.
The majority of our EdD students typically cover their tuition costs themselves, often utilizing our available payment plan. Many also enhance their funding through federal student aid or educational loans to make the program more financially manageable.
YouradvisorwillbeyourgreatestresourceandadvocateasyouworkthroughtheAdmissionsprocessandcanexplain thisoutlineingreaterdetailWeareexcitedyouareconsideringanadvanceddegreeatMidland,andwe’rehereto supportyoueverystepoftheway!
Federal graduate financial aid is not dependent on income, although the FAFSA requires input from your tax returns We have found that the a majority of our applicants have been eligible to borrow up to the full cost of the program, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements outlined on the FAFSA
CAREER OUTLOOK
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for business and educational leaders and related professionals are expected to grow at a faster-thanaverage rate (4% to 5%) through the year 2032
Earning a Midland University EdD degree prepares students for jobs such as:
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER
PROVOST
K-12 PRINCIPAL
ACADEMIC DEAN
PROFESSOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
NON-PROFIT DIRECTOR
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
"The time was right for me to pursue an advanced degree and the Midland EdD program fit my needs. Through the offering of a wide variety of courses focused on equipping leaders to innovate and lead change, the program has greatly influenced my career. I am challenged by my colleagues in the cohort, supported by the faculty, and encouraged by all to think strategically about issues that are impacting the organization I lead. "
LINDA TIMMONS
ED.D STUDENT / PRESIDENT & CEO OF MOSAIC
RESOURCES
As an EdD student and part of the Midland Community, you will be offered access to several resources Your success is our top priority!
Cohort Coach - From day one, your dedicated Cohort Coach will be there to provide one-on-one support. Whether you're navigating your first course or preparing for your dissertation defense, your coach will offer expert guidance throughout your doctoral journey
Doctoral Writing Consultant - Our specialized Doctoral Writing Consultant is available to help you thrive as a scholarly writer. You’ll receive expert support tailored to the unique demands of doctoral-level academic and professional writing.
CPED Student Network - As a Midland EdD student, you’ll benefit from our membership with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). This partnership gives you access to national resources, professional development opportunities, and a powerful student network of EdD scholars and practitioners.
Academic Advisor - Your advisor will work with you to develop a degree path, provide support should academic challenges arise and celebrate success with you at graduation. The support provided by your advisor will truly set your experience as a Midland University EdD student apart from all other programs!
Faculty Support - Our caring faculty are fully committed to your success in the classroom and your career trajectory after graduation Through the delivery of relevant content, engaging learning experiences and support through office hours, you’ll see firsthand that Midland faculty are dedicated to seeing you succeed.
Career Studio - From resume support, to job placement advice to connection of professionals in your intended industry, the Career Studio is a valuable resource ready to push you and your career to the next level!