Governor's State University
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Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.

Earn Your Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Leaders are the backbone of organizations and communities across the nation. The Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctoral (INLD) program prepares advanced leaders to meet real-world problems and issues with sophisticated, multi-dimensional solutions. Our Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) is designed for working professionals who are looking to positively impact the communities in which they serve. 

Candidates must have their master's degree

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To Learn More, Attend an Upcoming Virtual Information Session

Dates for upcoming information sessions will be announced here soon. 
All sessions are held from 6 pm to 7 pm, via Zoom. Registration is required.

Deadlines for Fall 2026 Applications


First Deadline: March 1, 2026
Second Deadline: April 1, 2026
Final Deadline: May 1, 2026

Concentrations

The INLD program offers three unique concentrations so you can focus on your area of interest.

    Higher Education Administration

    Learn the theories and practices that you can apply as a leader of two- and four-year higher education institutions in the INLD Higher Education Administration concentration. 

    Courses taught in this concentration focus on topics such as strategic planning, business, and fiscal management, political and legal issues, as well as emerging trends.

    Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship Leadership

    Master the process of how to develop new ventures that can achieve both social benefit and financial return on investment in the Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship Leadership concentration. 

    Courses taught in this concentration explore topics such as strategies for finding solutions to societal problems, techniques for the evaluation of emerging social ventures, as well as the investigation of the management, marketing, and funding required to run a successful not-for-profit social entrepreneurship.

    Superintendent (P-12)

    Acquire the decision-making and problem-solving skills required to successfully lead institutions teaching students anywhere from preschool through high school in the INLD Superintendent concentration. 

    Courses taught in this concentration focus on topics such as the functions of recruitment, development, coordination, compensation, appraisal, negotiations, in-service education, motivation, and dismissals. 

    Candidates must have their PEL, principal endorsement, and at least two years of experience in a school administrative position.

    Career Paths

    Upon receiving your Interdisciplinary Leadership Ed.D., you will be an effective and influential leader equipped with the knowledge, insights, and strategies that can be immediately applied to your current job, as well as help you advance towards future career opportunities. Through your studies, you will be prepared to pursue professional, academic, administrative, research, or clinical positions in your area of concentration.

    What You'll Study

    Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.

    Courses are offered in a mix of online synchronous and online asynchronous formats.

    View Catalog

    Program Requirements

    • Master's degree from an accredited university
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be admitted

    Superintendent Concentration (additional requirements)

    • Valid Illinois PEL
    • General Administrative/Principal Endorsement
    • Two or more years of experience in an administrative position

    Application Materials

    • Official transcript(s) from all previous college work
    • Two references- one can be personal, the other professional (an automatic email will be sent to these individuals)
    • Statement of Interest and Form
    • Interview with the admissions committee (not all applicants will be interviewed)
    • Superintendent Track Only - Screenshot of your Professional Educator License with General Administrative/Principal Endorsement

    Financial Aid and Scholarships

    At GovState, many scholarships are available and can make your education even more affordable!

    Learn More about Financial Aid
    Imelda Macias
    The impact on my career was immediate! Through the strategic combination of core and concentration courses, along with the curriculum’s theoretical and practical approach, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of research, leadership, and higher education as well as hands-on skills that are relevant and applicable at my job.
    Dr. Imelda Macias Class of 2021

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