EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership
Doctor of Education
Help educators reach their full potential with an online Doctor of Education, Performance Improvement Leadership degree from Capella University. The professionally aligned curriculum prepares you to formulate, implement and evaluate performance improvement initiatives in K-12, adult education and corporate settings. Grounded in standards from the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), the program blends strategic and practical approaches to performance. You’ll explore advanced problem-solving, research and analysis, with opportunities to apply your learning through real-world projects – like an ROI impact study tied to your doctoral work.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 6 Doctoral project courses
- 0 Max transfer credits
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore performance improvement leadership courses
- This program requires a total of 64 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, five specialization courses and six doctoral project courses
What you'll learn
The Capella EdD, Performance Improvement Leadership program prepares you to formulate, implement, and evaluate human performance improvement initiatives in K-12, adult education, and corporate settings. It draws on professional standards to help you advance your career. On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Assess human performance systems
- Select and design interventions to improve performance
- Implement successful human performance
- Evaluate effectiveness of human improvement interventions
- Lead performance improvement processes and initiatives
- Support training and performance improvement in the workplace
How much does the Doctor of Education (EdD) cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule; you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$790 per credit, 64 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Total tuition
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through January 12, 2026
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your capstone
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- School/work/life balance
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion, assuming continuous enrollment |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $790/credit 14 quarters |
$50,650.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$50,650.00 |
| Est. Savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-18,650.00 |
| Est. subtotal with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap* 14 quarters |
$34,450.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through January 12, 2026.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the EdD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
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Education program guide
Get details on the Doctor of Education program at Capella University, learning formats, financing options, and more, all in one place.
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What can you do with a EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to explore with an EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership.
Related job titles to explore*
- Chief of staff
- District leader
- Human resources specialist
- Management and program analyst
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of Veterans Affairs
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General government support
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Veterinary services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.