Doctor of Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary Education

Are You Ready to Advance Your Career in the Most Impactful Ways?

Unlike traditional doctoral programs, Ball State University’s new Doctor of Education (EdD) in Interdisciplinary Education is designed to equip forward-thinking educators and other professionals with applied knowledge, theories, and research that drive innovation, improve practices, and tackle real-world problems.

What Sets Ball State’s EdD Apart?

• 100% online offers flexibility for busy professionals balancing academic pursuits with career and personal commitments
• Synchronous and asynchronous coursework is available
• Interdisciplinary and applied research focus prepares students to analyze complex problems of practice and use evidence to guide meaningful change in professional settings

Customized Academic Pathways

Ball State’s EdD in Interdisciplinary Education is practice-focused, empowering you to apply what you learn in your coursework to lead change and solve real-world issues in your field. You'll customize your degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with your passions and career goals.

Foundational Expertise (27 credits): Complete 27 credits of core coursework that connects theory, research, and practice. Your core courses will be the foundation preparing you to lead, innovate, and design solutions that improve educational, community, and organizational systems. Coursework topics include:

• Organizational change
• Program evaluation
• School, family, and community partnerships
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Specialized Concentrations (24 credits): Tailor your degree to the area you want to make a lasting impact. Through coursework and applied projects, you’ll develop specialized knowledge and leadership skills to address real-world challenges in professional and educational contexts. Take 24 credits in one of the following:

• Adult and Community Education – Lead learning and development across workplaces, nonprofits, and community organizations
• Early Childhood Education – Advance outcomes for young children (birth through 3rd grade) and their families through research, advocacy, and developmentally appropriate practices
• Educational Studies – Shape curriculum, instruction, and educational systems through critical approach
• Elementary Education – Implement innovative teaching, learning, literacy, and data-informed practices
• Special Education – Support learners with disabilities using evidence-based instruction

Cognate Selection (24 credits): Broaden your perspective beyond your selected concentration to promote integrative thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem solving. Cognates are intentionally flexible to help you tailor your degree to your learning and career goals. Take 24 credits in one of the following cognate areas:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Policy, Advocacy, and Systems Change
• Technology, Teaching, and Applied Practice
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Each concentration and cognate offers advanced study in theory, research, and applied projects, equipping you with specialized knowledge and leadership skills to navigate real-world challenges and make an immediate impact on education.

Dissertation in Practice: Lead and apply the change in your workplace. Your dissertation is not a typical dissertation, but an applied research project dedicated to your professional interests. You’ll identify a real, significant issue or opportunity for improvement in your workplace or community and integrate your learning to provide actionable solutions. Your dissertation process will include:

• Conducting literature reviews
• Applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Analyzing data
• Collaborating with workplace and community stakeholders
• Reflecting on your findings’ implications

Flexible Education for Working Professionals

Ball State University’s EdD is fully online to accommodate busy professionals with the flexibility they need to balance family life, a full-time career, and the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

• 100% online
• Asynchronous coursework
• Choose your concentration during or after the application process
• Supportive faculty members who understand the demands of working adults
• Immediate application of course materials into your workplace

The program is perfect for full-time teachers, community leaders, higher education professionals, nonprofit and organizational leaders, and anyone committed to improving educational, community, and organizational systems.

Why Should I Choose Ball State for an Online EdD?

A Legacy of Excellence: Ball State started as a teacher-training college to meet Indiana's demand for more and better teachers and has evolved into a nationally recognized university.

Indiana’s Largest Educator Preparation Program: Teachers College’s mission has remained the same from day one—prepare educators and leaders who will shape the future of education. You'll learn from doctoral-level professors who are practitioners with extensive industry experience and expertise.

Hands-on Learning: Our curriculum and practicum experiences ensure that you can immediately apply your learnings to your career. You will graduate ready to lead with confidence.

Ready to Apply?

Review our admission requirements, dates and deadlines, and instructions. Then complete our online application. Remember, you can choose a concentration when you apply or after you are admitted into the program. 

Apply Now

Program Contact

Michael T. Ndemanu, PhD
Director of EdD in Interdisciplinary Education
Professor of Multicultural Education
Department of Educational Studies
Teachers College
mtndemanu@bsu.edu
765-285-2721

Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.