Program Overview

Introduction to the NYU Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation

The NYU Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is a unique online program designed for working professionals seeking to create transformative change in their organizations. This doctorate program blends academic theory with real-world practice, providing students with the tools to harness change and drive innovation.

Program Overview

The EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than a doctorate program; it's a cohort of professionals, faculty, and distinguished cross-sectoral leaders from various spaces, including for-profit companies, healthcare, higher education, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, public and governmental organizations, and Pre-K12. The program examines the most critical issues cross-sectoral leaders face today and discovers solutions that make change possible for tomorrow.

Key Features

• The program is designed as a cohort model, allowing students to work together and leverage their unique leadership skills and professional experiences.
• The 42-credit curriculum includes 17 consecutive courses that can be completed in as few as 24 months.
• Students continue working while earning their degree, examining and solving a persistent challenge in their organization throughout the program.
• The program culminates in a Problem of Practice (POP) project, where students identify a persistent problem in their organization and examine it through an academic lens, emerging with a thoroughly researched, actionable solution.

The Problem of Practice (POP)

Unlike traditional doctoral programs that require a dissertation, NYU Steinhardt challenges students to examine and create an academically informed solution to a persistent organizational problem throughout the EdD program. This unique project enables students to create real value for their organizations.

Who is this Program For?

The NYU online Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is designed for diverse leaders from the worlds of business, government, nonprofits, healthcare, and education who seek to create real change in their fields. Current and former students' employers include notable organizations such as IBM, Google, and the World Bank, with job titles ranging from Chief Executive Officer to Director of Educational Assessment.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the EdD in Leadership and Innovation program, applicants must hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree and have seven years of work experience in a leadership role. The GRE is not required for admission.

Tuition and Duration

The program is 42 credits at the doctoral level, with a tuition rate of $2,272 per credit hour based on 20252026 rates. The minimum time to degree completion is 24 months, making it one of the shortest durations in the country relative to other education doctorates.

Immersive Residency

At the beginning of the program, the cohort convenes at NYU for a three-day immersive residency. This residency deepens students' connections with peers and faculty and serves as a foundation for the EdD curriculum.

Conclusion

The NYU Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation offers a unique opportunity for working professionals to gain the knowledge, skills, and network needed to drive transformative change in their organizations. With its cohort model, real-world application, and focus on solving persistent organizational problems, this program stands out as a leading choice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in their field.