The LICI PhD will grow your influence with purpose and integrity.
If you are considering doctoral study, you are likely already leading in meaningful ways — asking deeper questions and shaping organizations to work better for people and purpose. Concordia University Wisconsin’s PhD in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement, known as LICI, was designed for leaders like you.
Beginning this coming academic year, CUW will offer the LICI PhD 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.
Amber Gray, EdD, CPA, MSA, director of academic innovation and professor of accounting, said many professionals who consider doctoral study want to deepen their leadership rather than step away from it.
“Many business professionals who consider doctoral study are already leading teams, driving strategy and making complex decisions in dynamic environments,” Gray said. “What they need is not just deeper business knowledge, but the ability to lead change, innovate responsibly and continuously improve systems and processes.”
The LICI PhD with the business emphasis prepares experienced leaders to apply research, innovation and improvement in ways that strengthen organizational performance and support meaningful change.
Many disciplines, one reality
Many prospective doctoral students share a common goal: to deepen their knowledge while continuing to work and lead. At the same time, they recognize that today’s organizational challenges rarely exist within a single discipline.
The LICI PhD reflects that reality. The program integrates leadership studies, improvement science and research preparation to equip scholar-practitioners to guide change across sectors. Students develop skills in data-informed decision-making, systems thinking and organizational improvement that apply across industries, including business, health care, education, engineering, nonprofit organizations and consulting.
For professionals who may have previously explored a PhD in business administration or a DBA, the LICI PhD with a business emphasis offers a clear and credible pathway forward. Rather than narrowing doctoral study, the program broadens it while maintaining a strong focus on applied business and organizational research.
Two emphases, one PhD
The LICI PhD is a 60-credit doctoral program offering two emphases: business and interdisciplinary leadership. Both pathways lead to the same PhD degree and share a common doctoral core in leadership, research and continuous improvement.
“Students select an emphasis that aligns with their professional goals,” Gray said. “The business emphasis is designed for professionals who want a stronger grounding in traditional business content, whereas the interdisciplinary leadership emphasis serves professionals who lead across systems or sectors and want a broader approach.”
While the emphases differ in focus, both pathways allow students to align doctoral study with their professional roles, responsibilities and long-term goals.
Structured for you
Doctoral study is demanding, and the LICI PhD is intentionally structured to support working professionals and executive leaders.
Students progress through the program as part of a cohort, building professional relationships while benefiting from shared learning and accountability. Small class sizes and faculty mentorship across two schools help ensure students are supported throughout coursework and research.
One of the program’s defining features is early and sustained engagement in the dissertation process. Students begin working on their research early and are paired with a dissertation chair from the start.
“We are very intentional about helping students finish,” Gray said. “That structure keeps students moving forward, prevents them from stalling after coursework is complete and provides consistent support throughout the entire dissertation process.”
Research with purpose
At its core, the LICI PhD is a research-focused doctorate. Students receive preparation in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, equipping them to design and conduct studies that inform leadership decisions and organizational improvement.
Research in the program is applied and practice-oriented. Students are encouraged to examine real challenges within their organizations or fields, contributing knowledge that strengthens systems and informs professional practice.
Graduates leave prepared to lead with credibility, confidence and clarity.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The PhD in LICI is a flexible, faith-shaped doctoral journey for working professionals who want to deepen their scholarly expertise, publish research, and influence systems across education, business, healthcare, ministry, and nonprofit settings.
This program allows full-time professionals to advance academically without pausing their careers. You will strengthen your expertise in Leadership, Research, and Improvement Science & Innovation — three pillars that power meaningful, evidence-based change.