Leadership and Innovation

Doctor of Education

Time to Completion: 3 years

Application Deadline: January 15

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

Why Winthrop?

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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.

CPED consortium member emblem over a photo of Scholars Walk

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.

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Gain New Skills

Gain the skills to understand learning theories, address student needs and lead positive change in your organization and community.

Click below to learn more about the program!

Curriculum, Program Requirements and Learning Opportunities

Application

Application Deadlines

Application Requirements

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:
1. Leadership Experience and Context: Describe your leadership, supervisory, or mentorship experience, including specific roles and responsibilities. Explain how this experience has shaped your perspective on the challenges and opportunities within your professional setting.
2. Challenges and Research Interests: From your leadership experience, identify key challenges, questions, or problems of practice that are significant in your context. Explain why these issues matter and how addressing them could lead to meaningful improvement in your organization or field. Outline a potential research focus that emerges from these challenges and connects directly to your leadership practice.
3. Motivation and Goals: Reflecting on your leadership experience and the challenges you seek to address, explain why you are pursuing the Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. Discuss how this program aligns with your long-term professional aspirations and will help you generate impact in your field.
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.

Beyond Graduation

“As an alum, I appreciate Winthrop considering adding doctoral degrees. Having a local university with such a strong reputation offering this opportunity is definitely a positive and I believe it would be well received.”

“This is an AMAZING program and definitely needed as we continue to transform education to meet the needs of our ever-changing population.”

“As a two-time Winthrop graduate, I have first-hand knowledge of the caliber of education provided. Beyond that, the Winthrop community is so supportive and has always left me feeling seen, heard, cared for, and valued.”

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:

Demonstrate a commitment to service-oriented leadership, actively engaging in community service, educational outreach and initiatives that contribute to the betterment of society.
Foster positive change in a broad range of educational and community settings, emphasizing service and advocacy.
Recognize and address the needs of constituents, providing responsive leadership.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of learning environments and the needs of learners across various contexts and ages.
Develop an appreciation for how research and practice mutually inform each other, applying that knowledge across a variety of settings.

Graduates of the Ed.D. program will also have skills in:

Building partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.
Planning and implementing educational or social programs that address community needs.
Leading service-oriented projects and initiatives.
Conducting applied research to address real-world problems.
Using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and practices.
Designing and fostering inclusive environments for learners of all ages.

Graduates could go on to hold titles such as:

Instructional Coordinator
Training Specialist
Museum Director
Policy Advisor
Nonprofit Leader
PK-12 School Administrators
District Office Leadership Positions (e.g., Assistant Superintendents, Directors, Curriculum Specialists, Human Resources Director, Coordinators, Chiefs of Operations)
Higher Education Student Services Personnel
Professional Development Providers in business environments
Educators in non-traditional environments

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