The PhD curriculum encompasses three core areas of concentrated study that will build your capacity to serve as a qualified leader. The colloquium courses provide a platform for scholarly discussions and in-depth research analysis.
School of Education
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Department of Graduate Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI)
A research-intensive PhD program that will build your expertise and confidence to be an influential leader.
Earn an online PhD in leadership
Embark on a transformative doctoral program for adult learners in any industry looking to elevate their leadership impact. Through a rigorous emphasis on research, you will acquire the expertise needed to introduce groundbreaking approaches and strategies for an organization and its workforce. Dedicate yourself to three years of intensive learning and research to emerge as an indispensable leader in your field.
Credits
60
Cost Per Credit
$925
Next PhD Cohort
Submit an application by May 22 to join our June cohort. Or be a part of the January 2025 cohort.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in May 2024.
Program Overview
Please note: this program is offered online through our sister campus at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Mission statement
Our interdisciplinary PhD program is inspired by a Christian worldview, stewardship, and service. The mission of this program is to prepare scholarly leaders who will bring positive and impactful change in their vocations.
Program highlights
This is a doctoral experience that allows life-long learners to hold a full-time job and successfully progress through this educational journey. It is a PhD that centers on building your expertise in three core areas:
- Leadership
- Research
- Improvement Science and Innovation
Key details
- Interdisciplinary focus that will benefit individuals serving in education, business, healthcare, non-profit, and other fields.
- The main format of our courses is the asynchronous online learning, allowing you to access lessons at your convenience over an 8-week time frame. While this flexible format gives you control over your schedule, it is important to note that assignments still have set deadlines to keep you on track towards your goals.
- Colloquium courses are built for scholarly discussions and analyzing research with faculy and your doctoral peers. Colloquiums have periodic Zoom sessions that take place at a scheduled time during a 16-week session. Here are those required courses:
- The Christian Leader Journey Colloquium
- 360 Thinking and Analysis Colloquium: Thinking Critically about Research
- Education and Learning Colloquium
- Psychology and Human Behavior Colloquium
- Dissertation process is broken down into separate and manageable components that you will work on one at a time for course credit starting in your first semester
- Establish connections in the community through presentations and other professional engagements
- Individualized journey with support from an assigned research advisor, Ph.D. faculty, and your academic advisor
- Inspires and empower students to draw strength from their faith, fueling their passion to create a meaningful influence in both the global community and within the church.
Concordia University offers another doctoral degree if the research-intensive PhD doesn't fit your needs and goals. Discover how the EdD for the LICI program is different and if it is the right fit for you.
What to Expect
- 60-credit requirement
- 3-year program
- Cohort model - You start with a specific group of doctoral students and progress through the program with these peers for improved learning and greater collaboration.
- A majority of the course time is online and asynchronous. There will be periodic synchronous sessions via Zoom during the colloquium courses.
- Assigned a research advisor (dissertation chair) within the first semester
- Complete a dissertation including your public defense to a committee
- Submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal
- Submit scholarly material to a conference or do a face-to-face presentation in a professional group setting
- Attend a conference and/or participate in dissertation defenses for other PhD students
- Attend two required in-person residences. Each residency is 3-4 days in length.
- 1st residency takes place as you begin the doctoral program
- 2nd residency occurs sometime after you have completed your first year
Locations
- Online
Graduate Application Steps
Entrance requirements
- Must have a master's degree with a focus in this doctoral program or other relevant degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in one's master's coursework. (A lower GPA will be considered on an individual basis.)
- Provide proof of English proficiency if English is a second language.
- No GMAT or GRE is required.
Admissions process for graduate school
- Application form available at www.cuw.edu/apply
- Submit official transcripts from graduate or equivalent coursework
- Submit a resume or CV, and a list of references
- Submit an example of scholarly writing from graduate-level courses or other related work
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professional sources
- Students may be asked to schedule an interview with the LICI admissions sub-committee
- 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.
Accepted into the program
- An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number.
- An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details and you will need to submit your tuition deposit.
- Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you with access to Blackboard, your Concordia email account, and your student portal.
Please note:
Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet the qualifications, please complete an Uncommon Scholarship application.
International Students
International students should contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@cuw.edu for additional information on eligibility and application requirements. For more details, please visit our International Admissions page.
Contact Us
Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.
Preston B. Cosgrove
Ph.D.
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. (2022). Measuring Faculty Faith & Learning Involvement: Toward the Validation of a Survey Instrument. Christian Higher Education. http://doi.org/1...
- 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.
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.
- Understanding why there are fewer teachers of color
Teaching Interests
- Teacher Preparation Courses
- Cultural and Social Diversity Courses
Matthew Hurtienne
Ph.D.
Dean - Batterman School of Business, 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)
Contributions
- Hurtienne, L. & Hurtienne, M. (2024). An introduction to equity leadership: Meeting individual employee needs across organizations. In Dr. Thomas Garavan (Ed.), (5/6 ed.,vol. 48,pp. 609-624). European Journal of Training and Development. http://doi.org/1...
Research Interests
- Employee Engagement
- Organizational Effectivness
Teaching Interests
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational, Performance, and Change
Brooke Johnson
Ed.D.
Associate Vice President - Academics for Academic Operations, Assistant Professor
Office: Luther Hall 128 C
Phone: (262) 243-2075
Education
- EDD - Organizational Leadership, Concordia University Chicago (2024)
- MA - Teaching, Rockford University (2013)
- BS - Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University (2009)
Presentations
- Dvorak, L., Gray, A., Holtan, S. & Johnson, B., (2023). Finding resiliency during the great resignation. Oral Presentation. Advancing Women in Leadership 2023 Conference. Elgin, IL.
Research Interests
- Placement Testing
- Developmental Education
Teaching Interests
- Leadership
- Organizational Operations
Kathleen Noel Kannass
Ph.D.
Program Director - LICI, 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
- Wright, C. & Kannass, K. (2024). Microaggressions and coping strategies in black female leaders. Midwestern Psychological Association.
- Kannass, K., Pogorzelski, L. & Kovack-Lesh, K., (2024). Examining the effects of distraction on attention and task performance in a Title 1 school. Cognitive Development Society.
- Kannass, K., Pogorzelski, L. & Kovack-Lesh, K., (2023). The effects of background television on kindergarteners and 2nd graders. Society for Research in Child Development.
- Marks, L., Hund, A., Finan, L., Kannass, K. & Hesson-McInnis, M., (2023). Understanding academic readiness for kindergarten: The interactive role of emotion knowledge and teacher-child closeness. In David Bjorkland (Ed.), (vol. 227,pp. 16). Journal of Experimental Child Psychology. http://doi.org/1...
- O'Toole, K. & Kannass, K. Background Television and Distractibility in Young Children: Does Program Content Matter? . Elsevier: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology.
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
Roy Peterson
MA, MBA - Finance, DMin
Chief Financial Officer - Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor, Adjunct Professor
Office: Luther Hall 130A-2
Phone: (262) 243-4533
Bio
My career started in the financial markets and that led to starting my own firm with a colleague. After ten years of successful growth, I sold my interest in order to attend the seminary and become a Lutheran pastor. I served a large, growing congregation in a Milwaukee suburb for almost ten years before coming to Concordia where I have served as the Senior Vice President of Advancement, the President of the CUW Foundation, and currently as CFO.
Education
- D Min - Theology, Trinity International (2005)
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. (2024). A Worldview Wakeup Call. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (January 2024 ed.,pp. 7). River Forest, IL: LEA Shaping the Future. http://s3.amazon...
- Pingel, J. (2022). Remember the Ladies. In Guy Burnett (Ed.), (Winter 2022 ed.,pp. 10-11). Washington, D.C. : Madison Notes/James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation .
- Pingel, J. (2022). Innovation in Educatioin. (322 ed.,pp. 1). Saint Louis, MO: Lutheran Life - Concordia Publishing House.
- Pingel, J. (2022). "Forward to "Dispositional Development and Assessment in Teacher Preparation Programs"." In Sara Clemm von Hohenberg (Ed.), Forward. (pp. xiv-xv). Hershey, Pennsylvania: IGI Global: Publisher of Timely Knowledge. http://www.igi-g...
- Pingel, J. (2022). "A" is for Adversity. In Ed Grube (Ed.), (Spring 2022 ed.). River Forest, IL: Shapring the Future - Lutheran Educator Association . http://leaconnec...
Presentations
- Pingel, J. (2024). Culture Keys and Killers. Oral Presentation. Connections Conference. Fort Wayne, IN.
- Pingel, J. (2024). Special Deliveries: Ways to Build Relationships. Oral Presentation. Connections Conference. Fort Wayne, IN.
- Pingel, J. (2024). Master's Class: Teach Like Jesus (Or Not). Oral Presentation. LCMS North & South District Teachers Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2024). Serving Like Jesus. Oral Presentation. LWML Fall Rally. Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Falls, WI.
- Pingel, J. (2024). Culture Keys and Killers. Oral Presentation. Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) Conference and Expo. Detroit, MI.
Research Interests
- Biographical History
- Christian Servant Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice
- Professional Ethics
Daniel Sem
PhD, JD, MBA
Associate Vice President - Academics for Research and Innovation, Research 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. & Beck, J. Academic Freedom in Private Religious Universities.
- Usai, R., Kaluka, D., Cai, S., Sem, D. & Kincaid, J., (2023). Solution phase refinement of active site structure using 2D NMR and judiciously 13C-labeled cytochrome P450. (vol. 241,pp. 9). Elsevier. http://www.scien...
- Wetzel, E., Marks, K., Gleason, A., Brown-Ford, S., Reid, T., Chaundhury, S., Lindeman, S., Sem, D. & Donaldson, W., (2022). Discovery of two novel (4-hydroxyphenyl) substituted polycyclic carbocycles as potent and selective estrogen receptor beta agonists. (vol. 73,pp. 5). Elsevier.
- 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.
Research Interests
- Drug design and development
- Intellectual property
Teaching Interests
- Entrepreneurship
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
Michael Uden
Ph.D.
Vice President - of Enrollment, Chief Strategy Officer, Professor
Office: Luther Hall LU 130C
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
- Servant and ethical leadership
- Educational leadership and policy analysis
Angela Walmsley
Ph.D.
Assistant Director - LICI, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2105
Bio
Dr. Walmsley currently serves as dissertation chair and teaches in the Ed.D. program in the School of Education. She has served as a Professor in both the School of Education and the School of Arts and Sciences, Mathematics department where she taught Geometry, Statistics I and Statistics II, and Algebra. She has also served as a research methodologist to assist faculty in research design and analysis. Her expertise lies in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Dr. Walmsley's research areas include mathematics education, statistics education, and curriculum design.
Education
- Ph D - Mathematics Education, Saint Louis University (2001)
- BS - Mathematics, Education, University Of Illinois-Urbana (1995)
- Master in Education, University Of Dublin (1997)
- Post-graduate Diploma in Statistics, Trinity College (1997)
Contributions
- Serwe, K. & Walmsley, A. The effectiveness of telehealth for a caregiver wellness program. In Anthony Smith (Ed.), SAGE journals: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. http://doi.org/1...
- Walmsley, A. (2020). Examples of how to Incorporate the GAISE Report Recommendations into Teaching. Holmen, WI: Wisconsin Teacher of Mathematics Journal. http://www.wismat...
- Serwe, K., Walmsley, A. & Pizzi, M., (2020). Reliability and Responsiveness of the Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment. In Dr. Frank Stein (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 3,pp. 7-13). Thorofare, NJ: Annals of International Occupational Therapy. http://doi.org/1...
- Serwe, K. & Walmsley, A. (2019). Pilot Study of a Telehealth Delivery Method for Powerful Tools for Caregivers. In Linnea M. Couture, COTA, AAS (Ed.), London, England: Activities, Adaptation & Aging. http://doi.org/1...
- Walmsley, A. (2007). A History of Mathematics Education in the United States During the Twentieth Century. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
Presentations
- Walmsley, A. (2023). Understanding How to Implement GAISE II Recommendations (Statistical Guidelines) into Pre K-12 Mathematics. Lecture. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting and Exposition. Washington, DC.
- Walmsley, A. (2023). The College Admissions Process. Lecture. Educator's Rising Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.
- Serwe, K., Walmsley, A. & Pizzi, M., (2019). The Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment: Psychometrics and Clinical Utility. Poster. 2019 American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo. New Orleans, LA.
- Serwe, K., Pizzi, M. & Walmsley, A., (2019). The Pizzi Health and Wellness Assessment: Psychometrics and Clinical Utility. . Oral Presentation. 6th Annual Concordia University Wisconsin School of Health Professions Annual Conference. Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI.
Research Interests
- Educational policy
- Statistics education
Teaching Interests
- Education
- Statistics
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. Leadership Resilience The Path to Possibilities. Dubuque Iowa: Kendall Huntt.
- 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. & Cario, C. (2022). Use Strategic Decisions in Small Group Reading Instruction . Demonstration. LEA Convocation . Milwaukee Wisconsin.
- 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.
Research Interests
- Teaching Identity
- Transformative teaching and leadership practices
Teaching Interests
- Literacy
- Academic Coaching
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Dissertation Process
Completing a dissertation is a significant undertaking essential to earn your doctoral degree. This unique program is designed for you to begin your dissertation in your first year, paving the way for successful completion within three years. Engage in research seminar courses that provide a structured schedule to guide you through the dissertation process. With a dedicated research chair by your side, you will receive ongoing support and valuable feedback as you craft your dissertation chapters.
Examples of dissertation topics from our doctoral graduates:
- The Relationship of Principals' Leadership Style and Teachers' Job Satisfaction
- Preparation and Motivation: Antecedents of Small City Elected Leadership Participation
- College and Career Training in Middle School Students
- The Impact of Training & Development on Teacher Retention in Urban Schools
- Perceptions of Parent Involvement in Elementary Special Education
- The Effects of Virtual Learning During COVID-19 on Math and Reading Scores
- Increasing Stakeholder Engagement in the Nonprofit Evaluation Process
- Participatory Epidemiology of Foodborne Illness Outbreak
- An OnBoarding Program for First Year Nursing Students and the Relationship to Successful Completion of the Nursing Degree
- Identifying Skills of Industrial Injured Workers to Transition to a Different Career
Research Seminar 1
- Investigate research on possible topics
- Assigned a research chair
Research Seminar 2
- Write Chapter 2 (Draft of Literature Review)
Research Seminar 3
- Write Chapter 1 (Draft of Introduction)
- Update Chapter 2
Research Seminar 4
- Write Chapter 3 (Draft of Methodology)
- Update Chapter 1
Research Seminar 5
- Preparing Chapters 1-3 for proposal
Research Seminar 6
- Data Collection
Research Seminar 7
- Data Analysis
- Write Chapter 4
Research Seminar 8
- Write Chapter 5
- Compile the full dissertation
Research Seminar 9
- Defend dissertation