Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Innovation

Dissertation Details

The dissertation is not an isolated end-of-program hurdle. It is woven throughout the curriculum from the very beginning. Students identify a Problem of Practice early in the program and refine it through integrated research coursework. The program culminates in a four-chapter Dissertation in Practice focused on improving a real organizational challenge.

Dissertation courses are structured, milestone-based lab courses rather than traditional seminars. Students progress through clearly defined phases under faculty supervision, with high support and high accountability. This structure ensures clarity, momentum and completion.

Specialized Tracks

Students in the online Ed.D. program choose one of these specialized tracks to tailor their degree:

• AI-Fluent Leadership: This track takes a deep dive into the critical need for leaders to be well-versed in AI concepts, data analytics and change management.

• Higher Education: Designed for those interested in becoming a college professor or administrator, this track covers academic literature and research on the most effective undergraduate and graduate-level teaching and higher education practices.

• Consulting and Coaching: Structured to equip graduates to help others realize and reach their maximum potential, this track prepares students to analyze needs, design learning pathways and facilitate clients’ self-improvement and success.

• Organizational Intelligence: This track empowers graduates with strategy-level thinking that drives stakeholder efforts and decision-making by identifying how the different pieces of the organization fit together and how the organization works with the rest of the community, market, customers and stakeholders.

• Pre-K-12 District Leadership: This track equips graduates with the planning and leadership skills to influence optimization and improvement among a district’s students, schools, professionals and communities.

• Enterprise Leading and Managing: Focused on developing executive-level leaders who work in complex entrepreneurial settings, this track examines recent academic literature and research on strategic leadership and teaches practical steps for system optimization.

• Interdisciplinary Studies: This track allows students to transfer up to 12 doctoral-level credits from work completed at a previous institution.

Admissions

1. Complete the free online application
   Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here!
2. Fill out  FAFSA to be considered for financial aid (Trevecca’s school code: 003526).
3. Request official transcripts from your previous graduate institution.
4. Submit all additional materials to your dedicated enrollment counselor.
   
   

Requirements

1. A master's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting agency or the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students who do not meet these degree requirements may be conditionally accepted in accordance with the Conditional Admission Policy.
2. A 3.4 cumulative GPA for all prior graduate coursework.
3. Official transcript sent directly from graduate institution to Trevecca.
4. Two recommendations submitted directly by your professional and/or academic references using our online form.
5. Current resume  or curriculum vitae (CV)
6. Writing sample to be submitted to the program director (After all other application documents are submitted, a link will be sent to applicants where they can complete the writing assessment.)
7. Introductory video, to be submitted to the program director, selection committee members and enrollment counselor. (After submitting other application documents, an email with directions will be sent to the applicant).
8. A photocopy of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport). This requirement ensures that Trevecca complies with U.S. Department of Education expectations for student verification.

Emerald Mitchell 

Kevin Dyson

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.