Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
12-week courses
Start sooner and finish faster with our innovative course design
Finish in 18 months
Average completion time
Year-round enrollment
Become a member of NU’s global community
Take the first step in your National University Journey
Program Overview
Degree:
Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation program is focused on preparing visionary and leading-edge change agents, complex problem-solvers, and effective leaders of various types of educational enterprises including education, government, business, healthcare, military and nonprofit agencies to innovate and provide new solutions in a time of rapid changes in our society.
The program prepares adaptable professionals who are able to innovate, generate creative solutions, and facilitate positive change and organizational transformation in their professional capacity. Learners are provided expanded viewpoints relative to problem identification and applied resolution strategies in education/organizational ecosystems that can be volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. The program evolves leaders who are adaptable and demonstrate the ability to disrupt the status quo with creative and useful innovations that lead to change and transformation that is viewed as impactful and is valued.
Degree Requirements
The Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation is designed as both interdisciplinary and interagency program with a focus on creating visionary change agents and leaders who are involved at a high level with an education enterprise in a variety of organizations such as, government, military, business, community, education, non-profits, health care, and nursing. In this program, candidates will stay current with changes, understand how to view a problem of practice that would require an innovative approach. The program encourages candidates to learn from their own discipline as well as colleagues in other disciplines ensuring candidates have a rich experience. The program is seeking applicants who bring work experience in innovation, have strong communication skills and are prepared for the rigors of doctoral studies.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
- Completed Online Application Form and Fee
- An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- An earned master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Employer Endorsement Letter
- Two Letters of Reference which speak to the applicant’s innovation, communication skills, and the preparedness for doctoral studies
- Problem of Practice Statement- This statement explains a problem of practice in your organization that you have thought about and would like to explore further. You are describing the problem and your thoughts about the parameters of the problem. It should be no longer than 1500 words.
- Official transcripts which include all college and university coursework.
- International candidates: Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency by providing proof of a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam or 6.0 on the International English Testing System (IELTS) exam.
All applications will be reviewed by the Doctoral Faculty Admissions Committee. No single criterion alone determines the Doctoral Faculty Admissions Committee’s decision to admit or deny an applicant. After review of all candidates, selected candidates will be invited to an interview as well as asked to complete a writing sample as part of the interview process.
PRogram Requirements
9 Courses
Intro to Innovation in Ed
9.0 Quarter Units
Perspective on branches of organizational theory related to structure, development, leadership, behavior and processes. In-depth analysis on and evaluation of organizational development and planned change, as applied to implementing innovation within educational institutions, to decipher best practices.
Innovation Theories & Applic
9.0 Quarter Units
Perspectives on the nature of innovation, the stages of innovation, and ecosystems and strategies associated with invention, innovation, and the diffusion of innovation. In-depth analysis on and evaluation of the diffusion of innovation within organizational settings, with specific applications to educational enterprises, to decipher best practices.
Theories, Methods of Inquiry
9.0 Quarter Units
An overview of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research designs with an emphasis on intervention evaluation research. In addition, an overview of statistics will be conducted within all three designs. The candidate is encouraged to use her or his problem of practice and/or innovative design of practice as the lens through which each of these research designs are examined.
Seminar in Exemplary Pract
9.0 Quarter Units
Case study analysis of innovation in different industries, deciphering lessons and best practices. Culminating case analysis of innovation in educational enterprises, collaboratively developing exemplary practices based on seminar learning.
Consult, Collab & Ethical Prac
9.0 Quarter Units
An examination of the concepts of consultation, collaboration, and ethical practice as they pertain to innovative leadership in an educational context. Skills, required for consulting with organizations seeking outside expertise (skills such as effective communication) are demonstrated through role play. Collaboration skills are gained by enacting them within the candidate’s organization (e.g., leading a task force). The concept of ethical practice is investigated through case study analysis, and demonstrated through self-reflection based on the candidate’s work in her or his organization.
Culm Project Proposal
9.0 Quarter Units
Action research design is examined; candidates analyze their program of practice based on tenets of this design. Upon completion of the course, the candidate will have a proposal design ready to defend at the Second Annual Formative Assessment, and be prepared to collect data for her or his problem of practice project.
Knowledge Mgt for Innovation
9.0 Quarter Units
The examination of knowledge management principles within and across organizations, utilizing various knowledge management models, but with an emphasis on understanding of data, information, knowledge, and application in educational enterprises. Special treatment of knowledge management relative to data science as it pertains to analytics and big data applications
Emerg Issues & Trends
9.0 Quarter Units
An examination of innovations and innovative trends within a multitude of contexts including, but not limited to, education. Case studies of innovative practice from industry, non-profit, and government organizations are analyzed. Reflection of the candidate’s own organization as well her or his problem of practice project enhances the examination of innovation.
Culminating Project
9.0 Quarter Units
The finalized problem of practice project becomes the Culminating Project and is aligned to all Program Learning Outcomes. This project will be defended at the conclusion of these course based on a program-approved rubric. The course is designed to allow the candidate and the Advisor to work in a one-on-one fashion, but also collaborate with committee members, when necessary. Teleconferencing sessions are used to connect candidates within the cohort throughout the 12-week experience.
Optional Course Requirements
1 Course (repeatable up to 8 instances)
Individual Support/ Mentoring
1.0 Quarter Units
This course provides additional support for students who need additional faculty support in completing a particular course. The program director in consultation with the student will determine the need for this course.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Chief Executives
- $173,264 avg. salary (USA)
- 24,393 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Finance
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Public Administration
- Financial Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Dollar General
- Jack's Family Restaurants
- Banfield Pet Hospital
- Best Buy
- Bank of America
- Chevron
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Finance
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Education Administrators for Preschool and Childcare Programs
- $52,134 avg. salary (USA)
- 6,717 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Child Development
- Preschool Education
- Working With Children
- Marketing
- Early Childhood Education
- Lesson Planning
- Developmental Psychology
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- KinderCare Education
- YMCA
- La Petite Academy
- Learning Experience
- Learning Care Group
- Right At School
- Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
- $102,861 avg. salary (USA)
- 25,427 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Student Services
- Special Education
- Curriculum Development
- Project Management
- Lesson Planning
- Child Development
- Data Analysis
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- KinderCare Education
- Childcare Network
- Northrop Grumman
- Learning Care Group
- YMCA
- Raytheon Technologies
- Postsecondary Education Administrators
- $102,187 avg. salary (USA)
- 18,783 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Student Services
- Marketing
- Higher Education
- Project Management
- Academic Affairs
- Enrollment Management
- Registration
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- University of California
- Indiana University
- California State University
- State University of New York
- The University of Texas System
- Pennsylvania State University
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Evaluate internal and external factors that influence consideration of innovation adoption in educational enterprises.
- Examine human and organizational dynamics that influence implementation of innovation in educational enterprises.
- Analysis of relevant innovation and organizational theories influencing contemporary educational enterprises.
- Engage contemporary systems of data analysis that inform decisions pertaining to change in educational enterprises.
- Examine contemporary methodologies to incorporate human and organizational dynamics into the evaluation of innovation initiatives.
- Generate alternative solutions in determining whether to adopt an innovation into an educational enterprise.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online
Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Back to top