An EdD student in a Creighton Bluejays jacket meets with a colleague at a table with a city view through large windows.

Online

Interdisciplinary Leadership (Doctorate)

Accelerate your impact with Creighton University’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) in interdisciplinary leadership. Designed for professionals across all industries, this practitioner-based doctoral degree transforms experienced professionals into ethical, change-making leaders. Built on reflective practice and rigorous scholarship, our values-based curriculum equips you with the strategic problem-solving skills needed to navigate complex organizational challenges. Advance your career alongside a global cohort and turn your insights into action. Key program benefits include:

Immediate workplace application: Implement real-world solutions directly into your current profession through flexible, online eight-week courses
Dissertation in practice: Complete a publication-ready dissertation-in-practice tailored specifically to your exact workplace or personal interests
Cross-Industry networking: Collaborate within a diverse, interdisciplinary online cohort featuring executives, clinical directors and educators
Jesuit, Catholic values-based foundation: Develop a highly effective, ethical leadership style rooted in self-reflection and social justice
Unwavering faculty support: Receive dedicated mentorship from experienced scholar-practitioners at every stage of your doctoral journey

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Rigorous Online Program for EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership

A flexible doctoral curriculum built for working practitioner-scholars.

Creighton University’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) in interdisciplinary leadership is a three-year, 51-credit program designed for professionals balancing advanced education with demanding careers. Anchored in the Jesuit value of cura personalis (care for the whole person), our curriculum prevents burnout by blending an organized, predictable weekly rhythm with deep academic rigor. You will build core competencies in leadership theory, ethics, social justice and policy issues while tailoring your degree through specialized electives like servant leadership or followership.

The dissertation in practice: research with immediate impact.

Unlike traditional, theoretical dissertations destined for a library shelf, Creighton’s dissertation in practice focuses on solving real-world organizational challenges.

Integrated coursework: The research process is embedded directly into your regular classes, guiding you step-by-step alongside faculty mentors.
Publication ready: You will design a practical, submission-ready project optimized for industry conferences or peer-reviewed academic journals.
Collaborative support: Complete your degree on time with intentional milestones and continuous feedback from your cohort and committee.

Structure, cadence and residency.

Predictable weekly rhythm: To maximize your time, initial discussion board posts are due Sunday evenings, while major papers, reflections and projects are due Wednesday evenings.
On-campus residency: At the end of your first eight weeks, you will join your cohort for a mandatory three-day on-campus residency in Omaha to foster deep, professional bonds with your faculty and fellow cohort members while exploring Creighton's beautiful campus. (Note: International students requiring an I-20 visa will complete this requirement virtually).
Optional learning institutes: Take advantage of non-mandatory, on-campus workshops for one-on-one faculty writing support and peer camaraderie.

Transformational outcomes across industries.

Creighton’s interdisciplinary approach prepares you to lead organizational change in business, healthcare, education, government, the nonprofit sector, the military and beyond.

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Admission Requirements for Doctoral in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Joining Creighton University’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) program requires a holistic review of your academic history and professional leadership potential. We look for motivated scholar-practitioners eager to apply rigorous research to real-world challenges. Review the required materials below to prepare your application portfolio.

Required Application Materials

Online graduate application: Submit the formal application through the Creighton enrollment portal.
Master’s degree: Hold a completed master’s degree or equivalent professional degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Official transcripts: Provide official academic transcripts detailing all completed graduate-level coursework.
Current resume or CV: Share an updated professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your leadership and management history.
Personal statement: Submit an essay detailing your professional goals, leadership philosophy, and motivations for pursuing this interdisciplinary leadership doctorate.
Three letters of recommendation: Provide evaluations from professional or academic references who can speak directly to your capacity for doctoral-level work.
EdD Writing Exercise: Complete the program’s required writing sample to demonstrate your analytical thinking and scholarly communication skills.

Important information for international applicants.

Creighton welcomes global perspectives in our interdisciplinary cohorts. However, international students must navigate specific enrollment parameters:

English language proficiency: Applicants must submit official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to meet Creighton's graduate language proficiency standards.
International Residency & Advising Support: Students facing visa or travel restrictions will complete the required on-campus residency virtually, receiving personalized guidance throughout their academic journey from a dedicated enrollment specialist.

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When to Apply

Plan your journey to Creighton's online doctoral program.

Submitting your portfolio early gives the admissions committee ample time to evaluate your application materials and register you for upcoming eight-week cohorts.

Academic Year Cohort Schedule

Term classes start	Apply by
August (Fall Term)	July 1
January (Spring Term)	November 15

Important Timeline Considerations

Rolling evaluation process: Applications are processed as they arrive, making it highly advantageous to apply ahead of the final target dates.
Document processing time: Request your official academic transcripts and professional letters of recommendation early to ensure all files arrive by the deadline.
Personalized enrollment help: If you have questions about specific start dates or missing application checklist items, reach out directly to a dedicated Graduate Admissions Advisor for immediate assistance.

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Interdisciplinary Leadership EdD Career Paths

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
University president or provost
Vice president of student affairs
School district superintendent
Executive director of a nonprofit
Hospital or healthcare administrator
Director of clinical operations
Human resources director
Corporate training and development director
Management consultant
Organizational development consultant
Government agency director
Public policy analyst
Law enforcement or corrections administrator

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“I love how everything I have learned at Creighton is useful to my work now and in my future career path. I also love the community the University builds even though it is an online learning experience.”

Jason Eaglen

EdD candidate, 2028

Tuition, Cost and Financial Aid

Creighton is committed to helping you understand the cost of your education and explore options for financing your degree.

Tuition and fees vary by program and are reviewed annually. View graduate program costs for current tuition rates, fees and estimated cost of attendance.

Financial aid options may include scholarships, federal student loans and other funding opportunities, depending on your program and eligibility. Learn how to apply for financial aid and explore available resources.

Students may also be able to use employer tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits to help cover educational expenses. Check with your employer to explore available opportunities.

Have questions? Email or call our financial aid team at 402.280.2731 for personalized assistance.

Program Costs

Learn More About Funding Your Education

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the EdD in interdisciplinary leadership designed for?

The EdD in interdisciplinary leadership is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance into senior leadership roles or expand their impact within education, healthcare, nonprofit, government or corporate settings. It is ideal for individuals seeking to lead organizational change and solve complex, real-world problems across systems and industries. It’s also for curious, life-long learners who want to explore leadership as a practice, not a position.

How is this program different from a PhD?

An EdD (Doctor of Education) is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for professionals who want to apply research to solve real organizational challenges. Rather than focusing on theoretical research, the EdD emphasizes leadership practice, applied inquiry and real-world problem-solving.

What skills will I develop in this program?

Students develop advanced leadership skills in organizational change, strategic decision-making, collaboration, communication and systems thinking. The program also emphasizes ethical leadership, interdisciplinary problem-solving and the ability to lead across diverse organizations and industries. Students develop the research and methodological skills to create original scholarship, designed to create real-world change in their community.

Can I complete this EdD while working full time?

Yes. The EdD in interdisciplinary leadership is designed for working professionals. The program structure supports continued employment while completing doctoral coursework, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn to their current leadership roles.

What makes Creighton’s EdD in interdisciplinary leadership unique?

Creighton’s EdD stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and Jesuit values-based foundation. Students learn to lead with purpose, integrate perspectives across fields and focus on the common good while developing advanced leadership expertise applicable to a wide range of professional contexts.

Institutional Accreditation

Creighton University is accredited as a whole by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation ensures public accountability and continuous quality improvement by evaluating the entire university, including its academic programs, student support and financial stability.