Alverno College’s Educational Leadership doctoral programs are built for working professionals ready to lead meaningful change. With a focus on real-world application, these programs blend research, practice and reflection across multiple concentrations. Students may choose from three tracks: K-12 Leadership, Higher Education Leadership and Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. There’s also a Dissertation Completion Option for those who have started — but not finished — an EdD elsewhere. Alverno offers an EdS to EdD program where EdS credits take the place of the concentration tracks.
Designated as the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in Wisconsin, Alverno centers its graduate programs around equity and community impact. For educators already leading in classrooms or administrative offices, this means a supportive and inclusive environment where theory translates into practice. With an EdD, students can choose from a wide range of possible professional paths, from curriculum developer to provost.
Alverno EdD – K-12 Leadership Concentration
The K-12 Leadership Concentration from Alverno prepares educators for leadership roles in school systems, districts and educational nonprofits. Graduates of this program qualify for roles such as education coordinator, school superintendent or teacher leader in either public or private schools.
Coursework emphasizes instructional leadership with a focus on ethics, equity, data-driven decision-making, management and finance. The program prepares candidates to address systemic challenges such as the use of technology for efficiency, achievement gaps and culturally responsive teaching.
Graduates often move into roles where they shape educational policies, oversee staff development or design support systems for students. For educators driven to reimagine K-12 learning from the ground up, this track offers a strong foundation.
Alverno EdD – Higher Education Leadership Concentration
The Higher Education Leadership Concentration from Alverno equips current or aspiring educational leaders with a working knowledge of strategy and operations within postsecondary institutions. Coursework integrates topics such as curriculum and assessment, organizational change, legal issues, accreditation and more.
This concentration prepares professionals to excel in roles such as admissions director, dean, financial aid director or provost. Coursework is shaped by current challenges in higher education, from declining enrollment to equity gaps in student outcomes.
A study in the Journal of Leadership Studies points to the growing need for cross-functional leaders who can successfully navigate within complex organizational contexts, including aligning academic priorities, financial realities and student needs. In a time when colleges are being asked to do more with fewer resources, having a doctorate focused on practical leadership and data-informed decision-making can open the door to director and dean-level positions.
Alverno EdD – Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Concentration
Educators with a passion for pedagogy versus policy may find the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education concentration from Alverno an ideal path. This concentration is designed for faculty and academic developers seeking to elevate their approach to instruction.
The program focuses on instructional design, delivery and assessment in post-secondary institutions.
Courses address current trends like inclusive teaching practices and learning environment and student engagement and retention strategies, including the use of technology to address related challenges.
Graduates will have the opportunity to compete for leadership roles within academic departments including dean, instructional coordinator or research director. They may also lead centers for teaching and learning or serve as faculty development coordinators.
Dissertation Completion Support
For candidates who have already completed their coursework and proposal, but left their EdD program before finishing their dissertation, Alverno offers a focused ABD (All But Dissertation) pathway. This option provides individualized faculty support, writing guidance and a structured timeline to help professionals complete their degrees.
It’s a practical solution for those who invested time and tuition in their doctoral work but need that little push to cross the finish line. Given that nearly 45% of doctoral students do not finish their dissertations, programs like this can reignite momentum and open up previously out of reach career opportunities.
Choosing the Right Doctoral Degree
An EdD can lead to roles as varied as chief academic officer, dean of students, instructional coordinator or university department chair — all positions that shape the future of learning. For educators who already lead informally, a doctoral degree adds the research base, professional credibility and decision-making authority needed to lead system-wide.
These highly-ranked and regarded programs help graduates develop essential leadership skills, while having the flexibility of online coursework with only one week of on-campus residency. Students can complete these programs in as few as 2 years of study.
Alverno College’s EdD programs offer more than a credential. They offer educators a chance to convert their passion for education into transformational leadership. Learn more about Alverno College’s Educational Leadership doctoral programs.