The PhD curriculum encompasses three core areas of concentrated study that will build your capacity to serve as a qualified leader. The colloquium courses provide a platform for scholarly discussions and in-depth research analysis.
Credits
60
School of Education
Department of Graduate Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI)
A research-intensive PhD program that will build your expertise and confidence to be an influential leader.
LICI Launch Grant
First two classes free for LCMS workers!
LICI Launch Grant
For those working for recognized service organizations of the LCMS (schools, church workers...), the LICI Launch Grant is for you! Get started with your Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement EdD or PhD at CUW and pay no tuition for the first two courses. Complete the Christian Community Uncommon Scholarship application below to get started.
Advance scholarship. Shape the future. Lead with purpose.
Become a research-driven, visionary leader who can transform organizations and contribute new knowledge to your field. Concordia’s Ph.D. in LICI equips scholars, educators, executives, and innovators to lead with clarity, creativity, and Christian conviction.
Virtual TourProgram Overview
The Ph.D. in LICI is a flexible, faith-shaped doctoral journey for working professionals who want to deepen their scholarly expertise, publish research, and influence systems across education, business, healthcare, ministry, and nonprofit settings.
This program allows full-time professionals to advance academically without pausing their careers. You will strengthen your expertise in Leadership, Research, and Improvement Science & Innovation—three pillars that power meaningful, evidence-based change.
Program highlights
- Interdisciplinary cohort model – Learn alongside leaders from business, nursing, pharmacy, education, health professions, nonprofits, and ministry.
- Designed for working adults – Online asynchronous coursework delivered in 8-week sessions, with structured deadlines to keep you on track.
- Colloquium experiences – 16-week scholarly courses with periodic Zoom sessions for deep discussion, analysis, and community-building.
- Assigned dissertation chair in your first semester – Begin your research journey with ongoing guidance.
- Embedded scholarly engagement – Submit journal manuscripts, present at conferences, and participate in dissertation defenses.
Alternative Pathway: Consider the practice-focused Ed.D. Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement degree instead.
Who should experience this program?
To be a leader and educator in your industry, you need to be well versed in evidence-based teaching and practice. Our interprofessional curriculum is lead by interdisciplinary experts who will build your skillset to successfully implement new strategies and initiatives that employees and key stakeholders will follow.
Healthcare Professionals
Provides a career pathway to teach health-related courses in higher-education institutions. It is also for individuals in the field of healthcare seeking to learn innovative ways to improve health, lower costs, and enhance the care of patients.
Students in this program:
- Teach health-related courses in higher education
- Improve patient care delivery and outcomes
- Lead innovation within healthcare systems
Business Professionals
For those in business who want to bring new skills, dispositions, and improvement science to their practice and vocations or are not seeking a DBA.
Students in this program:
- Strengthen organizational improvement and strategy
- Lead change and guide teams with purpose
- Ideal for professionals seeking a practical expertise
Education Professionals
For individuals that have a goal of teaching in higher education or possibly holding administrative positions in technical colleges.
Students in this program:
- District leaders, curriculum directors, higher ed faculty
- Technical college administrators
- Candidates pursuing superintendent and administrative pathways
- Seeking electives to support District Administrator licensure
Mission statement
The LICI PhD program is inspired by a Christian worldview, stewardship, and service. The mission of this program is to prepare scholarly leaders who will bring positive and impactful change in their vocations.
What to Expect
- Cohort model - You start with a specific group of doctoral students and progress through the program with these peers for improved learning and greater collaboration.
- A majority of the course time is online and asynchronous. There will be periodic synchronous sessions via Zoom during the colloquium courses.
- Assigned a research advisor (dissertation chair) within the first semester
- Complete a dissertation including your public defense to a committee
- Submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal
- Submit scholarly material to a conference or do a face-to-face presentation in a professional group setting
- Attend a conference and/or participate in dissertation defenses for other PhD students
- Attend two required in-person residences. Each residency is 3-4 days in length.
- 1st residency takes place as you begin the doctoral program
- 2nd residency occurs sometime after you have completed your first year
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Doctor of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI)
Lead change. Improve systems. Make a meaningful impact.
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