Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change
Program Description

The Benedictine University Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change (Ed.D.) program is intended for practicing professionals who wish to accelerate their career paths or who seek to join the higher education community as university, college or community college administrators. The program also prepares students for management positions in public and private educational agencies and associations. Studies emphasize leadership for educational and organizational improvement.

The program provides both the perspective and the tools to anticipate and lead change in higher education. Coursework is topical in nature, interdisciplinary in focus and grounded in an inquiry-driven methodology characterized by critical thinking, analysis and self-reflection. The program readies students for the rigors and challenges of developing and implementing strategic plans, improving learning, managing resources, leading personnel, implementing policy and orchestrating change within an organization.

Mission Statement

The mission of the doctoral program is to prepare educational professionals with the knowledge and skills to guide postsecondary institutions in an era of unprecedented change.

Online Learning

Designed for students with a need for flexibility, online courses are organized to be completed within an eight-week period. The online program delivers content and promotes learning through careful instructional design and structure. These features provide the discipline that promotes and enables successful and timely online completion. Students engage in virtual learning communities and dialogue, and receive regular, online administrative, procedural and library support.  Relationships with faculty are built and maintained online. Internship requirements may be completed in either virtual or physical environments.

Classroom Learning Team

A learning team that meets at the University typically consists of 15-25 students. These students proceed through the coursework together, meeting approximately every third weekend throughout the year. Studying together and directly with program faculty and staff, team members are encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise freely, to develop close working relationships with the program faculty and staff, and to make full use of the resources and offerings at the University. Much of the team’s study activities occur outside the classroom. A portion will require use of the University’s online Blackboard system, and all course material and student work will be presented and stored on Blackboard.

Methodology and Purpose

The program promotes interaction and collaboration among excellent peers. Students demonstrate, share and develop intellectual and personal skills and aspirations as educational leaders. Content is presented, managed and facilitated by professionals seasoned in the fields of higher education. Program faculty, advisors and distinguished visiting scholars enrich and extend the range and depth of intellectual exploration and personal development that form the basis of the program. 

The degree requires knowledge of theory and extensive practice in the essential subjects affecting higher education. The program asks students to reflect upon  their own unique values, ethics and professional commitments and to consider  them in the context of those represented by Benedictine University. Overall, the program seeks to develop engaging and effective practitioners who are able to use their attributes and knowledge to achieve best practice in their areas of service and can guide the critical changes necessary to keep American higher education the best in the world.