Ed.D.: Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation

An Executive Doctorate is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for experienced professionals who want to lead organizational change, solve complex challenges, and drive measurable results within their organizations. Unlike traditional research-focused doctoral programs, an executive doctorate emphasizes the application of evidence-based strategies, leadership, innovation, and organizational improvement to real-world challenges. At Rivier, students complete a Dissertation in Practice that allows them to address a significant issue within their workplace while earning their doctorate, creating immediate and lasting impact.

Rivier University's Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is designed for experienced professionals who want to lead organizational change and innovation while continuing to advance their careers. The fully online program brings together leaders from business, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, human services, and other professional sectors, creating a rich environment for collaboration and shared learning. Through a practical curriculum grounded in improvement science, systems thinking, applied research, and leadership development, students learn to solve complex organizational challenges and drive measurable results. An integrated Dissertation in Practice allows students to address a real challenge within their organization, creating meaningful impact while earning their doctorate.

Students can complete Rivier University's Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation in as little as 2.5 years. The program is structured to integrate dissertation work throughout the curriculum, allowing students to progress efficiently and complete both their coursework and Dissertation in Practice within the program timeline.

Yes. Rivier's Executive Doctorate is specifically designed for working professionals. Courses are delivered in an accelerated seven-week format, providing the flexibility to balance doctoral study with career, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments.

The program is designed for experienced leaders and professionals seeking to expand their organizational influence and leadership impact. Students come from a variety of sectors, including business, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, and human services.

Yes. Qualified international students are welcome to apply and participate in the program, provided all admission and immigration requirements are met.

International students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Global Engagement to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance with current F-1 regulations and SEVP requirements.

Rivier's Office of Global Engagement provides guidance on immigration compliance, visa-related processes, orientation, and ongoing support throughout a student's academic journey.

A Dissertation in Practice is a doctoral capstone project focused on addressing a real organizational challenge. Rather than conducting purely theoretical research, students apply evidence-based strategies, improvement science, and leadership principles to design, implement, and evaluate solutions that create measurable outcomes within their professional setting.

Students develop expertise in improvement science, systems thinking, organizational transformation, change management, evidence-based decision making, strategic leadership, innovation, policy, governance, and community engagement. The curriculum is designed to help leaders solve complex problems and drive sustainable organizational improvement.

Graduates are prepared for advanced leadership and executive roles across a wide range of industries including business, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, human services, and other professional sectors. Potential career paths include Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President, Executive Director, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Healthcare Administrator, Organizational Development Leader, Human Resources Executive, Strategic Planning Director, Government Administrator, Nonprofit Executive, and School or District Administrator.

Students progress through the program alongside a cohort of experienced professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. This collaborative learning environment encourages networking, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of perspectives that enrich the doctoral experience and support professional growth.

Yes. Rivier University's faculty serve as mentors throughout the doctoral journey, providing individualized guidance on coursework, research, and the Dissertation in Practice. Students receive ongoing support from experienced scholar-practitioners committed to their academic and professional success.

Rivier offers the most affordable Ed.D. program in New Hampshire, providing exceptional value for professionals seeking a respected doctoral credential. Competitive tuition, a streamlined 2.5-year completion pathway, and the ability to continue working while enrolled help maximize the return on your educational investment.

Rivier offers three start dates each year, allowing you to begin your doctoral journey when the timing is right for you. This flexibility makes it easier to align your academic goals with your professional and personal commitments.

Admission is designed for experienced professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to organizational improvement. Applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA, minimum of 3-5 years of professional work experience, and access to an organizational setting suitable for applied inquiry. Applicants should consult the Admissions Requirements for detailed information regarding eligibility, application materials, and deadlines.

No. While the degree awarded is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Rivier's Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is intentionally designed for leaders across multiple sectors. The curriculum applies to professionals in business, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, government, human services, and education who want to lead change and improve organizational performance.

While both are doctoral degrees, they are designed for different career goals. A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a practice-focused degree that emphasizes applying research and leadership strategies to solve real-world organizational challenges and drive meaningful change. A Ph.D. is typically more research-focused and prepares graduates to conduct original scholarly research and contribute to academic knowledge. Rivier's Executive Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is an Ed.D. designed for experienced professionals who want to apply evidence-based solutions, lead organizational transformation, and create measurable impact in their workplaces.