EDG 9000 |
Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice In this three-credit course, students will examine leading leadership theories, analyze the affordances and limitations of each theory, and apply the theories to a diverse set of real-world leadership challenges and opportunities. Learners will complete this course with a solid grounding in leadership theories that will serve as a foundation for future courses in the program. They will also shift their understanding of leadership theory from popular texts and notions about leadership to a deeper understanding that is rooted in the most robust and current research on the subject.
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EDG 9010 |
Exemplary Leadership Case Studies Step into the real world of leadership through dynamic case studies, reflective practice, and compelling stories of leaders past and present. Students will tackle complex challenges, engage leadership biographies, and draw on biblical wisdom to sharpen their ability to think critically, act decisively, and lead with integrity. This course equips learners with a versatile leadership toolbox grounded in the reflection of their own personal life experiences, lessons and legacies learned from the study of impactful leaders, and biblical truth. Participants will not only analyze pressing problems but also design solutions that inspire people, strengthen teams and organizations, and advance positive and compelling change. By the end, students will have further developed their own leadership portfolio - mindsets, moral conviction, and practical skills - into a leadership approach that leaves a lasting impact.
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EDG 9020 |
Leading with Emotional Intelligence in the Era of AI In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming work and leadership, this doctoral course equips leaders to thrive by blending cutting-edge skills with timeless truths. Students will examine how exemplary leaders use emotional intelligence, human motivation, empathy, integrity, and faith to inspire and guide others. Through research-based insights, immersive simulations, and reflective practice, participants will strengthen self-awareness, resilience, motivation, and Spirit-led empathy, developing the meta-skills needed to lead teams, organizations, and communities with vision and purpose. This course prepares leaders to navigate technological change with confidence while remaining grounded in the truth that every person is created in God’s image and called to love and serve others.
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EDG 9030 |
Servant and Ethical Leadership This course offers learners an in-depth and applied analysis of servant leadership as illustrated in both the Christian scriptures and current scholarly literature. In addition, participants will examine a Christian approach to ethics in leadership and apply these concepts to a variety of real-world case studies and models. While rooted in scholarly literature, this class also challenges learners to engage in self-reflection about core beliefs and values as well as how those inform one’s leadership practice. Participants should conclude the course with a deeper knowledge, skill set, and application experiences in servant and ethical leadership and be even better equipped for leadership in innovation and continuous improvement.
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EDG 9040 |
Intro to Doctoral Program and Research Methods In this course, students are introduced to the Doctorate of Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI) program and to its foundational educational concentrations (leadership, research, innovation and improvement science, and elective/individual). Students will review program outcomes as a roadmap for successful program completion, and they will also be introduced to the technology associated with program delivery and with university and community resources to supplement learning. In addition, they will formulate potential ideas for relevant dissertation research consistent with Concordia’s mission for service to Christ in the Church and the world. This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the research requirements of the program, an introductory overview of research methods and scholarly research in general, and an unpacking of the dissertation process. Students will learn to identify and implement research methodologies such as correlational, experimental, survey, longitudinal, cross-sectional, causal-comparative, quasi-experimental, descriptive, and evaluative. The course emphasizes the basics of research planning and design in a practicum setting.
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EDG 9050 |
Quantitative Research Seminar This course is a survey of basic statistical methods including descriptive statistics, z-tests and t-tests of means, chi-square analyses, correlation and regression analyses, and analysis of variance. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) will also be used. In this course, students will compare, contrast, and analyze various quantitative research methodologies listed above; and learn how to use them based on context and research question or inquiry.
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EDG 9060 |
Qualitative Research Seminar Students in this course will study the nature of qualitative research in three areas: first, a focus on the design of qualitative research, via distinct methodologies and sampling; second, a focus on validation and collecting qualitative data; and third, a focus on qualitative analysis and writing the results. Throughout the course, students will apply their learnings to their potential research and professional contexts.
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EDG 9070 |
Advanced Research and Statistics This course provides background in statistical techniques building on students’ prior knowledge. Advanced statistical topics are discussed including a variety of non-parametric tests, bivariate, multiple, and logistic regression, ANOVA with repeated measures, ANCOVA, multivariate tests, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. It focuses on understanding what a given technique accomplishes statistically, the types of conclusions which can be reached using a technique, and how the results are reported in research articles and dissertations. Students will also refine their own research practice and skills and come away with a more comprehensive appreciation of the research process.
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EDG 9180 |
Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change This course explores how organizations adapt and improve by acquiring, generating, and sharing knowledge. Students will analyze and evaluate key theories in leadership, organizational culture, systems thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. Through applied research, case studies, and collaborative projects, students will apply these concepts to real-world organizational challenges and create strategies that promote learning, performance and change at the individual, team, and organizational levels.
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EDG 9190 |
Innovation and Design Thinking Design Thinking enables leaders to foster change by embracing a human-centered process for innovation. In this course, students will develop a deep understanding of the traditional five phases of design thinking - empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test - along with applying and implementing their learning toward an issue in their professional or community context.
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EDG 9200 |
Six Sigma Applications This course employs a method that organizes an operational improvement project into five components: define, measure, analyze, implement and control (DMAIC). Students will learn the Six Sigma process and how to use measures and statistics to make the right decisions to improve the effectiveness of organizational operations. This is an "application project course" and the project will be the most significant mediator of success and the final grade.
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EDG 9210 |
Lean Systems Analysis This course utilizes a series of concepts and practices directed toward improving customer value and reducing waste. Lean means creating more value to the customer with fewer resources. The course will focus on how to systematically expose unneeded processes, materials, and effort to make operations processes more effective and customer focused.
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EDG 9080 |
Research Seminar 1 In this course, students will begin and complete their search for a research question or research problem they wish to solve. The will also identify key components and begin an outline on chapter one of their dissertation. In addition, students will select a dissertation chair. This seminar is conducted collaboratively in a cohort format.
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EDG 9345 |
Dissertation Research Seminars Students work individually with their dissertation chair on the research process and writing the dissertation. Students will complete 8 research seminar units in order (Research Seminars 2 through 9) which guide the dissertation process.
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EDG 9350 |
Dissertation In this course, students will work individually with their dissertation chair in completing the dissertation process. Students will submit their final, completed dissertation and also submit at least one scholarly article from their dissertation to a peer-reviewed journal or publication.
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EDG 9305 |
The Christian Leader Journey Colloquium The goal of this course is to examine the journey of the Christian Leader. Central to this will be in-depth readings, reflection, and discussion in five areas: 1) Origin: Where do we come from? 2) Identity: Who are we? 3) Meaning/Purpose: Why are we here? 4) Morality: How should we live? 5) Destiny: Where are we going? Here, the focus is less on the “doing” aspects of leadership, and more on the “being” of who the leader is. The course culminates in a formal presentation of their plan for practice. The course is designed for students from all faith traditions and backgrounds.
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EDG 9315 |
360 Thinking and Analysis Colloquium: Thinking Critically about Research The goal of this course is to survey important methods, issues, research designs, and other topics relevant and specific to research as well as to sharpen your scientific skills like critical thought, evaluation of research, and writing. For example, we will discuss topics such as ethics in research, writing and reviewing research, evaluating design and methodology, analytic issues, and the application of research. The readings, assignments, and class discussions are important tools.
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EDG 9325 |
Education and Learning Colloquium The goal of this course is to examine personal beliefs about teaching and learning and discuss current teaching and learning research through the lenses of continuous improvement and leadership. Students are expected to participate in scholarly discussions and reflection related to their held beliefs and the assigned readings. Students are expected to prepare for and lead at least one colloquium discussion. Through this experience, students will improve their communication skills, develop respect for differing opinions, and gain a deeper understanding of the theories, research and practices of leading for teaching and learning.
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EDG 9335 |
Psychology and Human Behavior Colloquium The goal of this course is to survey important topics surrounding psychology and human behavior. The topics include social processes, cognition, and development. In addition to broadening your understanding about human behavior, this course will help you sharpen your scientific skills like critical thought, evaluation of research, and writing. The readings, assignments, and class discussions are important tools.
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| Total Hours | 60 |
