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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education Program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Enter a journey that will help you become an effective educational leader and open doors of opportunity that allow you to be the change in education that is needed.  Whether your focus is K-12 or higher education – prepare yourself to lead in either public or private academic environments. 

The Doctor of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change is focused on educational leadership, theory, practice, collaboration, research, global perspectives on learning, innovation, organizational change and ethics as part of Christian faith.

We know that you want to start making a difference now. That’s why our program culminates with practical, collaborative doctoral research that addresses real needs in authentic settings for the purpose of informing educational practice.

We offer the same rigorous program in two delivery formats: on-campus and online. Study in a program that includes a focus on the intersection of faith and professional practice—from wherever you are.

Watch to Learn More

Unsure which path to take? Watch our "Ed.D. or Ph.D." video below to learn more about the differences between the programs. Find out more about the Ph.D program, how to apply for admission, as well as Tennessee Administrative Licensure information by clicking the Youtube links below. 

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Current Supervisor is required
  • Two written personal statements on the following topics:
    • Faith and spiritual development
    • Purpose Statement
  • Current resume
  • Writing assessment
Fall 2024 Admissions Timeline
  • Application Deadline- March 31, 2024
    * Applications may be accepted after this date if the deadline has been extended
  • Interviews Begin- Late Spring 2024
  • Admission Decisions - notification is based on the individuals application status and interview process
  • Program Begins- August 2024

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • $715 with 25% in-service discount (K-12 or Higher Education)

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Types of Aid

90%

Retention rate

Ed.D and Ph.D.

Ed.D and Ph.D.

Watch to learn about the important differences between the two options and choosing a doctoral program that meets your personal and professional goals.

Watch Video
Ed.D. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Ed.D. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

The Doctor of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change is focused on educational leadership, theory, practice, collaboration, research, global perspectives on learning, innovation, organizational change and ethics as part of Christian faith. Watch to learn more.

Watch Video
Tennessee Administrative Licensure

Tennessee Administrative Licensure

Administrative Licensure in the State of Tennessee is option is for experienced educators with the required years of teaching experience and who already possess a masters or Ed.S. degree.

Watch Video
Applying for Admission

Applying for Admission

Lipscomb University has a competitive review process for application to either the Ed.D. or the Ph.D. program. Watch the video to learn more about applying.

Watch Video

Cohort Model

Our cohort model emphasizes communal learning and extended field experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to form professional and personal relationships with like-minded peers that will extend far beyond the duration of the program.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Networking

Learning alongside educators from both the K-12 and higher education arena will afford you opportunities to form relationships with leaders in the education community and establish connections that will serve you throughout your career.

2-Year

Accelerated program

Our Faculty

  • Trace Hebert headshot

    Trace Hebert

    Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies

    Trace Hebert serves as Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies. He has been at Lipscomb University since 2010 as the Director of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program and...

    Meet Trace Hebert
  • Debi Hoggatt headshot

    Debi Hoggatt

    Assistant Professor

    Deborah Hoggatt completed her undergraduate work in Michigan. She later earned her master's degree in Human Development at Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University....

    Meet Debi Hoggatt
  • Deborah Boyd headshot

    Deborah Boyd

    Dean Emerita, Professor, College of Education

    Deborah Myers Boyd's experience in education includes teaching and leadership spanning prekindergarten through doctoral levels. Currently dean emerita of the Lipscomb University College of Education, she served as dean of...

    Meet Deborah Boyd
  • Robin Cayce headshot

    Robin Cayce

    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Cayce is an Assistant Professor with Lipscomb University in the Learning Organizations & Strategic Change Doctoral Program within the College of Education. Additionally, she leads coursework in the Educational...

    Meet Robin Cayce
  • Emily Mofield headshot

    Emily Mofield

    Assistant Professor

    Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education serving as Lead Faculty for the Gifted and Advanced Academics Graduate Program and teaching in the Ed.D. Program for Learning Organizations...

    Meet Emily Mofield
  • Alice Nie headshot

    Alice Nie

    Assistant Professor

    Alice Nie began her career in education in New York working with English language learners. Since then, she has taught both domestically as well as internationally in countries including Saudi...

    Meet Alice Nie
  • Keith Nikolaus headshot

    Keith Nikolaus

    Adjunct Faculty

    Living most of his life in Middle Tennessee, Keith Nikolaus is an alumnus of David Lipscomb Campus School (1971) and David Lipscomb College (1975). He earned both his M.Ed. in...

    Meet Keith Nikolaus
  • Tessa Sanders headshot

    Tessa Sanders

    Assistant Director for Ed.D. On Campus Cohorts

    Prior to joining Lipscomb, Contessa Sanders served as an educational consultant in cities such as Detroit Mich., New Orleans La., Charlotte N.C., Fort Lauderdale Fla.. In Nashville, Tenn., she served...

    Meet Tessa Sanders

Career Paths

Education Leadership Positions

Educational leadership positions in K-12 include instructional coaches, lead faculty, assistant principals, building principals, executive principals, a variety of district roles including superintendents, and a variety of roles in the state department of education.

Higher Education Positions

Educators work in higher education as faculty or in administrative roles such as program directors, deans, vice presidents, and presidents. Their job duties vary depending upon the role they fill.

Education Support Organizations

Education support organizations provide services to both K-12 and higher education. These organizations include a number of leadership opportunities in the area of policy formation, advocacy, professional development, assessment services, and support for educational leaders and institutions.