Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Governors State University prepares advanced leaders to address complex organizational and community challenges through research, strategic leadership, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
The Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Governors State University is designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead meaningful change in education, nonprofit organizations, government, and community-based settings. Built on a practitioner-scholar model, the program integrates leadership theory, organizational analysis, policy, and applied research to help students address real-world challenges through collaborative and data-informed approaches.
Students engage in interdisciplinary coursework that emphasizes strategic planning, equity-focused leadership, research methodology, and organizational transformation. Concentration options such as Higher Education Administration, Superintendent (P–12), and Not-for-Profit/Social Entrepreneurship Leadership allow students to tailor the degree to their professional goals. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers flexible online and hybrid learning opportunities while supporting students through faculty mentorship, applied research, and a culminating doctoral capstone experience.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Leadership Ed.D. program are prepared for executive and leadership roles across education, nonprofit organizations, public administration, and community-focused institutions. The program develops advanced skills in organizational leadership, strategic planning, research, and systems-level problem-solving.
- School District Superintendent – $140,000–$250,000
- College or University Administrator – $100,000–$180,000
- Nonprofit Executive Director – $85,000–$160,000
- Organizational Leadership Consultant – $90,000–$170,000
- Postsecondary Education Administrator – $102,000 (median)
- Education Policy Analyst / Research Director – $80,000–$130,000
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Graduate assistantships allow students to work on campus in teaching, research, or administrative roles while receiving a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. These positions require part-time work during the semester and provide hands-on experience that strengthens professional credentials and career networks.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is available to help graduate students explore available resources, understand eligibility requirements, and develop a financial plan that includes budgeting, loan counseling, and scholarship applications tailored to their goals.
Get Involved
Doctoral students in the Interdisciplinary Leadership program are encouraged to engage with professional organizations, applied leadership initiatives, and scholarly communities that support research, advocacy, and organizational leadership.
Professional & Academic Organizations:
Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)
American Educational Research Association
University Council for Educational Administration
Campus & Experiential Engagement
- Participate in applied leadership research and doctoral capstone projects addressing real-world organizational challenges
- Attend leadership institutes, policy forums, and academic conferences related to education and organizational change
- Collaborate with faculty and professional peers on interdisciplinary research initiatives
- Engage with community organizations, school systems, nonprofits, or higher education institutions through leadership-focused projects
Highlighted Faculty
Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences, E2578
- Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu