Doctor of Education
The purpose of this 100% online doctoral program is to cultivate versatile leaders in PK-12 and higher education, nonprofits, health education, policy advocacy and corporate training. Its content emphasizing a holistic approach to leadership that prioritizes learning, service and advocacy. Content will focus on understanding theories of learning, recognizing needs of constituents and facilitating positive change for individuals and communities. As a Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) member institution, our practicum is structured as a problem of practice where participants leverage their own settings as a laboratory to merge theory and practice, culminating in a dissertation focused on solving a complex, authentic problem and advocating for change within their organization.
Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Lisa Harris
harrisl@winthrop.edu
803/323-2588
Prepare for Leadership Roles
This program prepares students for leadership roles in education, nonprofits, health, policy, and corporate training with a holistic program emphasizing learning, service and advocacy.
Create Solutions That Matter
As a member institution of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), we empower students to solve real-world challenges through dissertations that merge theory and practice to drive meaningful change in their professional settings.
Gain New Skills
Gain the skills to understand learning theories, address student needs and lead positive change in your organization and community.
The Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation program's content will focus on understanding theories of learning, recognizing needs of constituents and facilitating positive change for individuals and communities.
Time to Completion: 3 years
Total Credits: 51 Credits (prior coursework may be counted)
Format: Online
June 1 for Fall 2025 admission
Application requirements for the Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation include:
The online Graduate Studies application with the non-refundable application fee.
Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Note: Transcripts must be sent directly to Winthrop's Graduate Studies office from the issuing institution(s). Transcripts can be sent to 211 Tillman Hall, Rock Hill, SC 29733 or gradstudies@winthrop.edu
Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25
Minimum 3 years of leadership, supervisory, or mentorship experience
Current resume
Submit a Statement of Purpose (1,000 words maximum) that addresses the following:
Three professional letters of recommendation as indicated in the online application, who can speak to applicant's ability/potential to complete the program. One must be from the applicant’s current supervisor.
Interview after initial screening based on requirements above.
This Doctor of Education program is designed to help our students acquire leadership positions in PK-12 and higher education, non-profits, health education, policy advocacy and corporate training and lead through a holistic approach that prioritizes learning, service and advocacy. With this in mind, it can help you advance in your current role; improve practice in learning, leadership and organizational change; and improve research experience in an applied setting.
Graduates will:
Graduates of the Ed.D. program will also have skills in:
Graduates could go on to hold titles such as:
