The PhD curriculum encompasses three core areas of concentrated study that will build your capacity to serve as a qualified leader. The colloquium courses provide a platform for scholarly discussions and in-depth research analysis.
Credits
60
School of Business
Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement - Business Concentration
A research-intensive PhD program that will build your expertise and confidence to be an influential leader.
A doctorate for leaders driving organizational change
The Business concentration within the PhD in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement (LICI) prepares experienced professionals to lead complex organizations through ethical, data-informed, and sustainable change. Designed for executives, senior leaders, and consultants, this interdisciplinary doctorate integrates leadership theory, business analytics, improvement science, and applied research to help organizations improve performance, people, and systems over time.
Virtual TourProgram Overview
Delivered collaboratively by the School of Business and the School of Education, LICI offers a distinctive alternative to a traditional DBA by focusing on how organizations actually change. The LICI Business concentration is designed for experienced professionals, including:
- Executives and senior managers
- Organizational and operational leaders
- Consultants and change leaders
- Leaders in business, healthcare, nonprofit, higher education, and faith-based organizations
Students apply coursework and doctoral research directly within their professional context, ensuring immediate relevance and organizational impact.
A distinct alternative to a DBA
While many Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs emphasize narrow technical or financial specialization, the LICI Business concentration focuses on leadership, systems, and continuous improvement. This program is ideal for leaders who want:
- Doctoral-level rigor with real-world application
- Research that informs strategy and decision-making
- A values-driven approach to leadership and innovation
- A cohort experience with experienced professionals
What to Expect
LICI prepares leaders to align strategy, people, and performance across complex environments. The Business concentration equips leaders with the tools to move beyond short-term initiatives and build systems that improve continuously. This doctoral program emphasizes:
- Executive leadership and organizational change
- Business intelligence and predictive analytics
- Quality management, Lean systems, and Six Sigma
- Human-centered, ethical decision-making
- Applied research tied to real organizational challenge
Program outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement with a Business concentration are prepared to:
- Lead enterprise-wide organizational change
- Translate data and research into executive-level decisions
- Design systems that improve quality, productivity, and outcomes
- Align innovation with ethics, mission, and human dignity
- Serve as executive leaders, consultants, strategists, or academic-practitioners
Testimonial
The LICI doctoral program transformed the way I think as a leader and an innovator. As an accountant by training, I was naturally focused on tasks, processes, and getting the work done. Through the program, my perspective shifted to focus first on the people I serve. I developed a deeper understanding of servant leadership and how to lead with empathy, purpose, and intention.
Dr. Amber Gray
/
2021
Latest News
A doctoral path shaped for today’s business leaders
Beginning this coming academic year, CUW will offer the LICI Ph.D. with a business emphasis. The program is delivered collaboratively by the Batterman School of Business and the School of Education, bringing together faculty expertise in leadership, organizational change, research and professional practice. Read More
Steve Forbes to CUW students: ‘Learn by doing—and don’t worry too much about GPA’
Concordia University Wisconsin welcomes business leader and two-time presidential candidate Steve...
MBA Industry Leaders Seminar Series (Fall 2025)
Concordia University Wisconsin's Batterman School of Business will kick off the next MBA...
6 reasons to accelerate your future with our MBA Fast-Track program
If you're interested in earning your bachelor's and MBA in 5 years, check our...
CUW accounting educator elected WICPA board chair
Stacy Stinson, CPA, MBA, assistant professor of accounting at Concordia University Wisconsin, was...
Related Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A customizable, flexible MBA that helps you move your career forward.
Doctor of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI)
Lead change. Improve systems. Make a meaningful impact.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Get answers to your questions
Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.
Loading...