Rivier University expands Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation to serve leaders across industries
Fully online and designed to be completed in two and a half years, New Hampshire's most affordable Ed.D. prepares working professionals to lead innovation and organizational transformation
Rivier University’s Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation (Ed.D.) prepares experienced professionals to lead organizational transformation, drive innovation, and create measurable results across industries.
The fully online doctoral program can be completed in two and a half years, including the dissertation, while students continue working full-time. As New Hampshire’s most affordable Ed.D. program, it is designed for leaders in business, technology, healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit organizations.
“Today’s organizations need leaders who can navigate complexity, make evidence-based decisions, and lead meaningful transformation,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, President. “Rivier’s Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is designed for working professionals who want to strengthen their leadership influence, solve real-world challenges, and create lasting organizational impact while continuing to advance their careers.”
The Ed.D. curriculum blends improvement science, systems thinking, applied research, and innovation to help students lead change with confidence. Students learn to identify complex problems, implement evidence-based solutions, and evaluate outcomes that drive organizational success.
“Students immediately apply what they learn to real organizational challenges and graduate with both a doctoral degree and proven results,” says Sister Paula.
The program is aligned with the principles of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), a national initiative that promotes practice-focused doctoral education through applied inquiry, organizational improvement, and scholarly practice. Through this approach, students develop the skills to connect research with action and drive sustainable change within their professional environments.
A key differentiator of the program is Rivier’s Dissertation in Practice, which is embedded throughout the curriculum rather than completed after coursework concludes. Beginning early in the program, students identify a significant organizational challenge and apply their learning directly to that issue with ongoing faculty support. This integrated model enables students to complete both their coursework and dissertation within the program’s two-and-a-half-year timeframe while producing measurable results for their organizations.
Graduates are prepared for executive and senior leadership roles responsible for strategy, innovation, organizational effectiveness, talent development, operations, transformational change, and more.
Applications are now being accepted for the cohort beginning January 19, 2027. Prospective students are encouraged to apply now. Learn more at rivier.edu/edd or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (603) 897-8508.