Explore the Cross-Sectoral Career Impact of an Online EdD

Solving local and global problems requires innovative cross-sectoral solutions and collaborative efforts. As a current leader exploring ways to enhance your skills and reach your full potential, enrolling in a doctoral-level degree program offers a logical next step. 

The online Doctorate (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development caters to leaders in any industry seeking to transition into an education career or gain the skills to catalyze change in their current organizations. This article explores how an online EdD can benefit leaders outside the education sector. 

Why an Online EdD for Leaders Outside of Education? 

An EdD in Leadership and Innovation benefits individuals outside the education field. Its emphasis on leadership, organizational change, and applying research to practical issues applies across sectors, building valuable skills for driving innovation and improvement. Diverse leaders from business, government, nonprofits, healthcare, and education pursue the NYU doctoral program to challenge their thinking beyond their expertise, create new solutions, and catalyze change in their organizations.

How the EdD in Innovation and Leadership Prepares You to Lead in Any Sector  

Becoming a transformational leader requires unique qualities, including strategic thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and change management acumen. NYU Steinhardt’s online doctorate helps you develop these skills. Continue reading to learn how. 

Rigorous, Research-Rich Curriculum and Projects

A research-driven, academic approach to leadership development benefits leaders in any industry by teaching evidence-based strategies, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging continuous learning. These competencies enable leaders to make informed decisions and effectively address complex challenges. NYU’s online doctoral curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary research, experiential practice, and problem-based learning to train innovative, advanced problem-solvers. Course work covers various executive leadership topics, including organizational change and innovation, data management and ethics, and organizational theory. 

The online EdD’s Problem of Practice (POP), which replaces the dissertation frequently required in doctoral programs, makes the NYU program an excellent choice for leaders seeking a practical advanced leadership degree. The POP allows students to address real-world issues by combining what they learn in the EdD program with their unique skills and experience. Students employ an academic lens to examine their problems and explore research and solutions from various disciplines and industries.

Collaboration With Classmates Across Sectors and Industries

The cohort approach utilized by NYU’s online EdD connects leaders with other professionals at different stages of their careers and across various industries. The program emphasizes collaboration in all aspects, from live online class discussions to group projects and the in-person residency. This collaborative environment enables students to gain new insights, learn how others address similar issues, and expand their professional networks. Additionally, these interactions benefit students’ careers by enhancing their teamwork skills and opening doors to new opportunities through networking.

As Dr. Audrey Kajumbula (EdD ’22) puts it: “We become better at what we do by hearing about the challenges in another industry, learning about best practices and frameworks, and rethinking theories and how they connect.” 

Dr Diane Geng (EdD ’21) adds: “I appreciated the chance to hear so many real-world examples and dilemmas from my cohort members as we discussed what we were learning and reading. I found the cross-country and cross-cultural exchange of professional experiences and contexts very inspiring.” 

Career Mentorship from Cross-Sector Leaders

The NYU Steinhardt faculty includes educators, nonprofit founders and leaders, college presidents, lawyers, and computer scientists. With their diverse experience and interests, the online EdD faculty share a wealth of knowledge with students to help them prepare for their next professional challenge, regardless of who or where they lead.

Founding faculty member Dr. Lisette Nieves brings experience as a social entrepreneur and public sector leader. Program director Dr. Trish Beck brings three decades of leadership experience with various executive leadership roles in nonprofit and private companies. Dr. Anne Washington, a computer scientist trained in organizational ethnography, applies her proficiency in digital government to emerging data governance issues.

Immersive, Interactive On-Campus Residency 

NYU Steinhardt’s online EdD program complements the degree’s online elements with an immersive, on-campus residency. During the residency, students meet their classmates and faculty members, discuss their professional experiences, and examine some of the persistent challenges they face in their organizations. The residency allows students to set expectations for their doctoral studies and learn from cross-sector experts. The experience offers practical, real-world insights, valuable networking opportunities, and exposure to diverse perspectives, enhancing cross-sectoral leadership.

Take the Lead: Apply to the Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation at NYU

As a current leader, enrolling in a cross-sector-focused online EdD program can help you build the skills to advance your career. NYU Steinhardt’s online EdD in Leadership and Innovation, designed for leaders in any field, features a research-driven curriculum, collaboration with other leaders, and cross-sectoral mentorship opportunities. 

To learn more about the Steinhardt online EdD, attend an upcoming information session or contact an enrollment advisor. If you’re ready to take the next step, review the admission requirements and start your application today.