Ph.D. Or Ed.D. In Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education

The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) will prepare you to make significant contributions to your organization and will help you become a transformational leader in higher education.

The program is designed for current and aspiring leaders working in two- and four-year colleges and universities and community and technical colleges who seek to be a catalyst for meaningful change within their organization.

The curriculum for the Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education focuses on contemporary leadership theories with a strong foundation in research. A broad understanding of the complex nature of higher education is woven throughout the curriculum, but the primary focus of the program is to prepare you to lead your organization through meaningful change and transformation. Rather than simply building your knowledge of higher education theory, you will learn to become a leader who will function effectively within your organization to create positive change.

A new cohort starts once per year in June. The program starts with a two-week, all-day Summer Institute, which is held on campus in Milwaukee. Upon completion of the Institute, classes meet at the Cardinal Stritch University City Center in downtown Milwaukee. Classes meet one weekend per month during the fall and spring semesters: Fridays 4-8 pm, Saturdays 8 am - 4 pm, and Sundays 9 am-1 pm.

Degree Options

Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education

Individuals may pursue either an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in this program.

The Ph.D. curriculum is more research-based, while the Ed.D. curriculum is more practitioner-oriented. The Ph.D. program requires an additional 3 credits in theory and research; 63 credits are required for the Ed.D. program.

At the end of the first year of doctoral studies, you decide whether you want to pursue an Ed.D. or Ph.D.

Cardinal Stritch University was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 1937 and was chartered by the State of Wisconsin as a fully-accredited, degree granting institution. Today, Stritch is one of the largest Franciscan institutions of higher education in North America. We offer more than 60 exceptional undergraduate and graduate degree programs that help students develop new skills, gain career-related experience and build professional networks. These academic programs prepare students of all ages, faiths, races and socio-economic backgrounds to succeed in the communities where they live, work, serve and lead.

Stritch is known as an excellent choice for studying business, education, liberal arts, leadership, nursing and the sciences. Students with diverse faith and cultural backgrounds embrace and live our core Franciscan values of creating a caring community, showing compassion, reverencing creation and making peace.