Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation Online
Program at a Glance
- Prepare for leadership roles within all areas of education, including postsecondary, government, corporate, and nonprofit institutions.
- Take doctoral courses 100% online and complete a research project you can apply to your workplace, community, or area of expertise.
- Save up to $12,600 on tuition and graduate in 2 years by transferring eligible credits from your master’s and applying them to your EdD degree.*
- Find resources and support every step of the way, including a Faculty Advisor and Consultant, access to a comprehensive online library, writing support, and more.
- Gain leadership, diversity and inclusion, and research skills to create innovative and transformative learning environments.
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation (EdD) Overview
Make a difference in your workplace with an EdD degree in leadership and innovation. This online doctorate in education at Purdue Global prepares you to assume management and decision-making roles within your area of expertise. You’ll gain the knowledge and develop the skills you need to apply your unique background in a number of education-related settings, including colleges and universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and more.
With applied research courses, you’ll use research-based information to improve learning, foster innovation, and become a change agent. The applied research project can be related to your workplace, community, or area of interest.
Transfer Credits from Your Master’s Degree
Apply up to 30 credits from your master’s degree. This can save you tuition and nearly one year of study. If additional credits are needed, a faculty advisor will assist you.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Our online EdD degree program weaves in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout your courses. You’ll learn to guide your organization with ethics and integrity and will expand your vision as a leader.
Use your master’s degree to earn your doctoral degree one year earlier and save up to 33% or $12,600 on your tuition.*
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A master’s degree is required to enroll in a postgraduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Develop with Faculty Expertise and Support
Our faculty are pioneers and leaders in online higher education and are dedicated to supporting you on your educational journey. You will be assigned a faculty member who will guide you. A Faculty Advisor will confirm which credits will be transferred from your master’s degree and discuss your career goals during the first term.
During your final four applied research courses, a Faculty Consultant will be there to assist you in choosing a research project that focuses on a practical application in your field of expertise. The Consultant will help you with completing the Institutional Review Board process, choosing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and defending your research project.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
The 100% online courses for the EdD degree build your skills in leadership and innovation, with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles integrated throughout. Topics include diversity, equity, and inclusion; transformative learning; ethics and accountability; and more. Your studies culminate in an applied research project, which you can complete at your workplace or in your community.
See All Education, Leadership, and Innovation Courses- Trends, Patterns, and Ethical Issues That Impact Education
- Research in Responsive Curriculum Design and Development Learning and Professional Practice
- Transformative Learning Environments
- Creativity, Innovation, and Intrapreneurship in Education
Program Requirements
- Core Credits60
- Elective Credits30
- Total Credits90
Career Opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for administrators in postsecondary education is expected to grow 7% through 2031. An estimated 15,500 job openings are projected each year, on average, during that timeframe.† Training and development specialists and instructional coordinators are expected to grow 8% and 7%, respectively.‡ The online doctorate in education at Purdue Global equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead education-related organizations in a fast-changing landscape.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Instructing
- Monitoring
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Education Faculty Directory



Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Join an Extensive Alumni Network
Upon graduation, you’ll become part of the Purdue Alumni Association, a vast and prestigious network of professionals. You’ll be able to make connections and access alumni benefits.
Download the Brochure
Download our program brochure to learn more about the online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
*Credit for Prior Learning: Estimate based on maximum cognate open elective credits available in degree plan. The EdD program is a new offering and thus historic data on credit for prior learning are not available. Exact transfer amount may vary. All credits must be validated on official transcript(s) to be eligible for transfer. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.
† Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Growth and Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
‡ Training and Development Specialists and Instructional Coordinators Job Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm; Instructional Coordinators, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.