LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
X CLOSE
Doctor of Education Performance Improvement Leadership courses
Performance Improvement Leadership coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 64
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Performance Improvement Leadership course requirements
- Core 5 courses
- Specialization 5 courses
- Doctoral Project 6 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
Show all descriptions
EDD8010
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain understanding of the EdD program and insights into how cycles of inquiry and systems thinking are utilized to address problems of practice. Additionally, learners engage in critical thinking and communication while reflecting on their own personal learning and growth. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
ED7631
Specialization Course Introduction to Training and Performance Systems
4 quarter credits
This course is an overview of training and human performance improvement (HPI). Learners review the evolution of HPI through the introduction of associated theories, concepts, and processes. Learners experience the power and value of HPI in organizations by reviewing and assessing real-world projects that include business, performance, gap and cause analyses, intervention selection and implementation, and change and evaluation plans. Prerequisite(s): ED5010 or EDD8010 or EDD8000 or HRM5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
EDD8020
Core The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to fundamental systems principles and skills of leadership in organizations with a focus on continuous organizational learning and improvement processes. Learners use basic principles of systems thinking, systems mapping, and approaches to inquiry cycles in relation to leadership processes and organizational change. In addition, learners apply disciplines of learning organizations and a change model to a problem of practice to real-world leadership challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
ED7641
Specialization Course Needs Assessment: Models and Procedures
4 quarter credits
This course is a survey of the needs assessment models and procedures used to diagnose the causes of organizational performance problems. Learners design and develop needs assessment instruments and collect and analyze data to differentiate organizational performance issues that require training solutions from those that require non-training interventions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
EDD8030
Core Investigating Problems of Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine continuous improvement models, engage in an inquiry cycle, develop skills of data and information literacy, and collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and dynamics. Learners identify an organizational issue, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop valid inferences. Learners document the process utilized to tell the story of their research as a way to effectively share with stakeholders. This course requires obtaining an organizational site and completing site-based-related assignments. Prerequisite(s): EDD8010 or EDD8000, EDD8020. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8534
Specialization Course Designing, Delivering, and Managing Human Performance Improvement Interventions
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners design effective solutions to resolve human performance problems in organizations. Learners apply the procedure and tools needed to select, design, and evaluate interventions to improve performance. The design and delivery process incorporates both training and non-training interventions, including electronic approaches. Prerequisite(s): ED7631, ED7641. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8040
Core Research Design for Practitioners
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners are introduced to research approaches, designs, and methods with a focus on the needs of educational leaders. Learners assess conceptual and theoretical foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and action research designs and analyze a variety of research literature and journal articles through the lens of a practitioner. Learners acquire the knowledge necessary to assess the applicability of research and theoretical literature to practice and become critical consumers of research. Learners apply course concepts to the design of an action research study relevant to the learner's organization. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8536
Specialization Course Implementing and Sustaining Organizational Change
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course are immersed in the professional literature to provide the knowledge and skills needed to manage and control changes designed to improve organizational performance. The course is designed to prepare learners to initiate a planning process that includes the process, tools, and techniques to manage the people side of change to achieve the required business outcome. Prerequisite(s): EDD8534. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
ED7675
Specialization Course Return on Investment in Training and Performance Improvement
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course use a return-on-investment (ROI) methodology to develop a plan to measure the impact of an intervention. The process model includes evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The course provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct an impact study and support achievement of ROI Certification from the ROI Institute. Prerequisite(s): ED7631, ED7641; or EDD8534. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
EDD8050
Core Data Literacy for Leaders
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply the data literacy skills required by leaders for effective organizational planning, decision making, and communication with stakeholders. Learners examine skills such as data interpretation, data aggregation and disaggregation, transformation of data, use of multiple data sources, analysis, statistical techniques, and selection of appropriate metrics for the intended purpose. Learners also utilize technology to process data and present and communicate results. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9951
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 1
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project sites to collect evidence and share relevant literature to identify and frame a chosen problem of practice. Learners demonstrate inquiry, analysis, communication, and leadership skills as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret organizational data to determine performance gaps and root causes. Learners increase knowledge and understanding of a problem and the factors that impact it in order to develop a problem statement for their doctoral project. Learners also secure the commitment of their project site to conduct their applied improvement project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; ED7675 or EDD8508 or EDD8518 or EDD8528 or EDD8538 or EDD8548. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9952
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 2
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to begin to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice. Learners develop an in-depth literature review that synthesizes relevant theory and best practices pertaining to the problem and the proposed solution and begin to develop an implementation plan to address a problem of practice. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9951. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9953
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 3
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners continue to collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice and develop a detailed implementation plan. Learners complete and submit IRB applications for approval. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9952. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9954
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 4
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collect and evaluate doctoral project data, applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. Learners make valid inferences from the data in relation to the goals of the intervention and the implementation process. Learners incorporate written and visual formats to effectively communicate their results in preparation for developing their written report in EDD9955. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9953. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9955
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 5
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners synthesize their findings, key learnings, and next steps in relation to their doctoral project in a written report that includes learner reflections on the applied improvement project experience, and provides the basis for the doctoral project presentation learners develop in EDD9956. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9954. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9956
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 6
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners complete their doctoral project by developing a presentation on the problem, intervention, results, and sharing with stakeholders. In addition, learners submit a portfolio of their signature assignments related to their doctoral project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9955. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
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.
Learners 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.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
EDD8050
Core Data Literacy for Leaders
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply the data literacy skills required by leaders for effective organizational planning, decision making, and communication with stakeholders. Learners examine skills such as data interpretation, data aggregation and disaggregation, transformation of data, use of multiple data sources, analysis, statistical techniques, and selection of appropriate metrics for the intended purpose. Learners also utilize technology to process data and present and communicate results. Prerequisite(s): EDD8040. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8010
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain understanding of the EdD program and insights into how cycles of inquiry and systems thinking are utilized to address problems of practice. Additionally, learners engage in critical thinking and communication while reflecting on their own personal learning and growth. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8020
Core The Dynamics of Organizational Improvement
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to fundamental systems principles and skills of leadership in organizations with a focus on continuous organizational learning and improvement processes. Learners use basic principles of systems thinking, systems mapping, and approaches to inquiry cycles in relation to leadership processes and organizational change. In addition, learners apply disciplines of learning organizations and a change model to a problem of practice to real-world leadership challenges. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8030
Core Investigating Problems of Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine continuous improvement models, engage in an inquiry cycle, develop skills of data and information literacy, and collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and dynamics. Learners identify an organizational issue, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop valid inferences. Learners document the process utilized to tell the story of their research as a way to effectively share with stakeholders. This course requires obtaining an organizational site and completing site-based-related assignments. Prerequisite(s): EDD8010 or EDD8000, EDD8020. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8040
Core Research Design for Practitioners
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners are introduced to research approaches, designs, and methods with a focus on the needs of educational leaders. Learners assess conceptual and theoretical foundations of quantitative, qualitative, and action research designs and analyze a variety of research literature and journal articles through the lens of a practitioner. Learners acquire the knowledge necessary to assess the applicability of research and theoretical literature to practice and become critical consumers of research. Learners apply course concepts to the design of an action research study relevant to the learner's organization. Prerequisite(s): EDD8030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
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.
Learners 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.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
ED7631
Specialization Course Introduction to Training and Performance Systems
4 quarter credits
This course is an overview of training and human performance improvement (HPI). Learners review the evolution of HPI through the introduction of associated theories, concepts, and processes. Learners experience the power and value of HPI in organizations by reviewing and assessing real-world projects that include business, performance, gap and cause analyses, intervention selection and implementation, and change and evaluation plans. Prerequisite(s): ED5010 or EDD8010 or EDD8000 or HRM5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED7641
Specialization Course Needs Assessment: Models and Procedures
4 quarter credits
This course is a survey of the needs assessment models and procedures used to diagnose the causes of organizational performance problems. Learners design and develop needs assessment instruments and collect and analyze data to differentiate organizational performance issues that require training solutions from those that require non-training interventions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
EDD8534
Specialization Course Designing, Delivering, and Managing Human Performance Improvement Interventions
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners design effective solutions to resolve human performance problems in organizations. Learners apply the procedure and tools needed to select, design, and evaluate interventions to improve performance. The design and delivery process incorporates both training and non-training interventions, including electronic approaches. Prerequisite(s): ED7631, ED7641. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD8536
Specialization Course Implementing and Sustaining Organizational Change
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course are immersed in the professional literature to provide the knowledge and skills needed to manage and control changes designed to improve organizational performance. The course is designed to prepare learners to initiate a planning process that includes the process, tools, and techniques to manage the people side of change to achieve the required business outcome. Prerequisite(s): EDD8534. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
ED7675
Specialization Course Return on Investment in Training and Performance Improvement
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course use a return-on-investment (ROI) methodology to develop a plan to measure the impact of an intervention. The process model includes evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. The course provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct an impact study and support achievement of ROI Certification from the ROI Institute. Prerequisite(s): ED7631, ED7641; or EDD8534. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
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.
Learners 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.
Doctoral Project course requirements
Upon completion of all required core and specialization coursework, complete at least 24 credits from the courses shown.
Show all descriptions
EDD9951
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 1
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project sites to collect evidence and share relevant literature to identify and frame a chosen problem of practice. Learners demonstrate inquiry, analysis, communication, and leadership skills as well as the ability to evaluate and interpret organizational data to determine performance gaps and root causes. Learners increase knowledge and understanding of a problem and the factors that impact it in order to develop a problem statement for their doctoral project. Learners also secure the commitment of their project site to conduct their applied improvement project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD8050; ED7675 or EDD8508 or EDD8518 or EDD8528 or EDD8538 or EDD8548. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9952
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 2
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to begin to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice. Learners develop an in-depth literature review that synthesizes relevant theory and best practices pertaining to the problem and the proposed solution and begin to develop an implementation plan to address a problem of practice. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9951. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9953
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 3
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners continue to collaborate with stakeholders at their doctoral project site to develop a potential intervention that addresses a problem of practice and develop a detailed implementation plan. Learners complete and submit IRB applications for approval. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9952. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9954
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 4
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners collect and evaluate doctoral project data, applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. Learners make valid inferences from the data in relation to the goals of the intervention and the implementation process. Learners incorporate written and visual formats to effectively communicate their results in preparation for developing their written report in EDD9955. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9953. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9955
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 5
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners synthesize their findings, key learnings, and next steps in relation to their doctoral project in a written report that includes learner reflections on the applied improvement project experience, and provides the basis for the doctoral project presentation learners develop in EDD9956. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9954. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
EDD9956
Doctoral Project EdD Doctoral Project 6
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners complete their doctoral project by developing a presentation on the problem, intervention, results, and sharing with stakeholders. In addition, learners submit a portfolio of their signature assignments related to their doctoral project. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): EDD9955. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
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.
Learners 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.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Explore the Capella courseroom ->
How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.