The online doctorate in education with an interdisciplinary studies focus is designed to help professionals in the education field complete prior doctoral work while cultivating their approach to an emphasis or non-emphasis degree path. The program is also built for new doctoral students who wish to further their education beyond their masters and advance their careers. The interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to explore areas of interest outside of their selected content area in areas as diversified as STEM teaching and library media and technology. The program allows for up to 30 hours of prior credit transfer. If maximized, students can potentially complete the program in one year.
Foundational concepts within education are examined around specialized coursework in education theory, instructional expertise, applied education, leadership in education, and more. The doctorate in interdisciplinary studies at Lindenwood University offers an engaging online experience that prepares students to pursue a number of practice areas within the field of education and beyond.
100%
Online
2.5-5 Yrs
Program Length
48
Credit Hours
$896
Cost per Credit
Career Outlook
Those with an advanced background in education and interdisciplinary studies have an opportunity to pursue diversified careers in education, business, communications, healthcare, government, and the non-profit sector. Specific career paths in the education field can include leadership and administration roles, such as Superintendent, Higher Education Administrator, Provost, Chief Learning Officer (CLO), and Professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators can earn an annual salary of $102,610 and take advantage of more than 6,200 additional jobs projected in this field through 2033.
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this doctorate in interdisciplinary studies program covers the following:
- Leadership Approach. Learn to productively assess your strengths and weaknesses as a tool to develop your leadership skills and methodology within your education specialty.
- Critical Thinking. Develop your aptitude for research- and evidence-based thinking that translates to effective practice.
- Learner-Focused. Foster an approach to education guided by achieving the optimal outcome for learners.
- Technology Aptitude. Gain an understanding of effectively using technology within education to enhance learning experiences.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this program is $896. Besides being ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.
Admissions Requirements
For admission to your program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:
- Online application
- Official undergraduate transcript(s), as well as official transcript(s), from any graduate school(s) attended.
- Current Résumé
- Writing Sample
Curriculum Overview
Your online doctorate in education coursework covers an advanced exploration of education through the lens of your emphasis area, or if you have chosen a non-emphasis track, you will examine advanced methodologies and practices within education – from curriculum design and implementation to administration, and more. Course studies build on your current approach to the education field while developing a robust foundation in your emphasis area. An exploration of your specialized path within education can include coursework in:
- STEM teaching
- Designing E-learning curriculum
- Integrating technology in library media
- School administration
Check out this online Interdisciplinary EdD video featuring an introduction from Dr. Mitch Nasser to learn even more about this online doctorate in education program!
Community Engagement Coursework – 3 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 53000 | Public and Community Relations | 3 |
| EDA 58300 | Relational Leadership and Community Outreach in Diverse Societies | 3 |
| EDA 75500 | Seminar in Educational Leadership: Perspectives on Policy and Practice | 3 |
| EDAH 71600 | Public Policy in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDAH 75500 | Seminar in Educational Leadership: Perspectives on Higher Education Policy and Practice | 3 |
| EDHE 54000 | Social Issues in Education | 3 |
Leadership Coursework – 3 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 51500 | School Supervision | 3 |
| EDA 58200 | Managerial and Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| EDA 58400 | Visionary and Innovative Leadership | 3 |
| EDA 60000 | Administration, Instructional Leadership, and Assessment | 3 |
| EDA 70000 | Instructional Program Leadership and Assessment | 3 |
| EDHE 52000 | Leadership Development | 3 |
Organizational Management Coursework – 3 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 50500 | Foundations of Education Administration | 3 |
| EDA 61000 | Human Resource Administration | 3 |
| EDA 62000 | School District Administration and Visionary Leadership | 3 |
| EDA 71000 | Human Resource Administration | 3 |
| EDAH 71500 | Business Management in Higher Education Administration | 3 |
| EDL 50500 | Library Media Administration | 3 |
Decision Making, Ethics, or Law Coursework – 3 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 52500 | School Law | 3 |
| EDA 54600 | Data-Based Decision-Making | 3 |
| EDA 76500 | Administrative Decision-Making in Schools | 3 |
| EDAH 70500 | Legal Aspects of Higher Education | 3 |
| EDHE 53500 | Ethical Decision-Making | 3 |
| EDT 50060 | Ethics and Issues in Instructional Technology | 3 |
Research Methods Coursework – 3 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDR 57500 | Action Research | 3 |
| EDR 58000 | Writing for Research and Publication | 3 |
| EDR 66000 | Introduction to Institutional Research | 3 |
| EDR 66500 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| EDU 57000 | Educational Research | 3 |
Advanced Research Methods Coursework – 6 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 64500 | Statistics in Educational Administration | 3 |
| EDA 76700 | Quantitative Methods Design in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDA 76800 | Qualitative Methods in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDA 76900 | Mixed Method Design in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDR 66700 | Introduction to Applied Quantitative Analysis | 3 |
| EDR 66800 | Introduction to Qualitative Research Design | 3 |
Dissertation Coursework – 12 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 75005 | Capstone I: Dissertation Design | 3 |
| EDA 77005 | Capstone II: Dissertation Research and Analysis | 3 |
| EDA 77505 | Capstone III: Dissertation Writing and Defense | 6 |
Emphasis Areas
Higher Education Administration
Prepare to take the lead in shaping education at the college and university levels. Cultivate expertise in leadership, advanced communications, and key areas within school administration such as finance, organizational strategy, and more.
Educational Administration Superintendency
Develop your approach to oversight at the school or district level. Advance your administration proficiencies in communications, leadership, school finance, and more.
Transfer Credits
The online doctorate in education offers the opportunity to accelerate completion of your post-graduate degree through our generous transfer credits policy. Students can save time and money on completion of their doctorate in interdisciplinary studies in one of two ways:
- ABD Completion (All but Dissertation) – Transfer up to 30 hours. Students who completed coursework for a doctoral program but did not complete the dissertation, have the ability to enroll in this program and complete their degree!
- Students integrating an emphasis from a previous master’s degree can transfer 15 to 18 hours. Get credit for previous coursework in your selected content area!
Through Lindenwood’s flexible Prior Learning program you can transfer in credit through one of three pathways, including examination, experiential learning, and experiential learning exhibited in a portfolio submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
An interdisciplinary doctoral degree integrates knowledge, methods, and approaches from two or more academic disciplines to address complex problems or explore broad topics that don’t fit neatly into a single field. These programs are designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration by combining diverse perspectives and expertise.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are both terminal degrees that represent the highest level of academic achievement, but they differ in key ways. Where the Ed.D. applies research to practical application, the Ph.D. operates in reverse, advancing academic and theoretical understanding through research. Additionally, Ph.D. programs are designed to prepare students for roles within academia, research, or thought leadership, while Ed.D. programs equip students for leadership within education, in administration, policymaking, or educational consulting.
The time it takes to earn a doctorate in education can vary depending on the type of program, the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and individual circumstances. Generally, pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education takes about three to five years to complete.
An Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program generally offers diversified that draws from multiple disciplines to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of areas within education, leadership, and real-world problem-solving. The courses typically blend traditional educational theory with perspectives from fields like psychology, sociology, business, and technology.
It depends on your goals for your future. This type of program offers unique advantages and potential challenges, so evaluating its value requires weighing the benefits against your individual circumstances, including your professional aspirations and specific career targets.
Due to the complexity of balancing coursework from multiple departments, many interdisciplinary doctoral programs are not available online. However, for those interested in online programs in education with interdisciplinary studies focus, Lindenwood University’s Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies offers an integrated disciplinary approach for those in educational leadership or administration.
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