January 2026 University Catalog

EdD, Performance Improvement Leadership

School of Public Service and Education

The EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership specialization is designed for experienced career professionals who wish to pursue leadership roles such as chief learning officer, training director, professor, performance improvement specialist, or manager of learning and performance improvement. Throughout the specialization, students broaden and deepen their understanding of both strategic and tactical issues that are important to the success of any performance improvement intervention. Students gain knowledge necessary to excel as scholar-practitioners, and apply advanced skills in innovative and critical thinking, research, and problem solving. The curriculum is based on the human performance improvement standards and models from the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) and aligned with the Association for Talent Development (ATD) model. Students have the opportunity to conduct an ROI impact study as their doctoral project and apply for an ROI Professional Certification from the ROI Institute. In addition, course competencies are designed to support application for the Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) credential from the International Society of Performance Improvement (ISPI). This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

Core courses

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
EDD8010Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education

4

EDD8020The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement

4

EDD8030Investigating Problems of Practice

4

EDD8040Research Design for Practitioners

4

EDD8050Data Literacy for Leaders

4

Specialization courses

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
ED7631Introduction to Training and Performance Systems

4

ED7641Needs Assessment: Models and Procedures

4

ED7675Return on Investment in Training and Performance Improvement

4

EDD8534Designing, Delivering, and Managing Human Performance Improvement Interventions

4

EDD8536Implementing and Sustaining Organizational Change

4

Upon completion of all required coursework

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
EDD9951EdD Doctoral Project 1

4

EDD9952EdD Doctoral Project 2

4

EDD9953EdD Doctoral Project 3

4

EDD9954EdD Doctoral Project 4

4

EDD9955EdD Doctoral Project 5

4

EDD9956EdD Doctoral Project 6

4

Total

At least 64 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.