EdD in Transformational Leadership & Coachingonline

Tailor your research to your own field

While you develop proficiency in the essential domains of coaching, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your research and apply your skills to the professional and personal contexts that are most relevant to you.

As a graduate, you’ll possess the expertise to craft and execute transformative visions and strategies for individuals, groups, and institutions.

Program structure

During this three-year online program, students should expect to dedicate 14 hours per week to coursework during the first year, including six hours of live class time (three two-hour classes). Students can expect up to six more hours of work in some of the second-year courses, particularly those related to research and writing the dissertation proposal.

The program also includes three required residency weekends: two in the first year and one in the second year. US students are strongly encouraged to attend in person on our campus in Fairfield, Iowa, and remote attendance is also available. International students cannot receive visa approval for short residencies in the US and will attend remotely.

MIU’s EdD in Transformational Coaching & Leadership covers five areas:

• Doctoral course work in the core disciplines related to coaching and leadership
• Experiential lab courses in developing social-emotional intelligence and coaching expertise
• Intervention design courses to facilitate individual and organizational learning in organizational contexts
• Research courses to determine the effectiveness of interventions in a variety of contexts
• An applied dissertation research project that demonstrates your expertise and influence as an effective scholar-practitioner.

Integrated MA to EdD pathway

Students entering through the integrated MA to EdD pathway begin in the MA in Consciousness-Based Leadership & Coaching, with semesters two and three counting toward the EdD.

Experience our approach: Levels of Listening

Listening is more than simply hearing words – it’s a skill that shapes the quality of our relationships, our work, and even our inner growth. Developing deeper awareness of how you listen can transform the way you understand others and yourself.

Watch this 11-minute talk on “Levels of Listening” from Program Director Mike Zwell, PhD. It’s a perfect example of how we integrate consciousness with practical coaching skills, teaching you not just what to do, but how to be as a coach and leader.

Students in the EdD program say:

“The content of the program is phenomenal, and the faculty delivering that content are highly skilled, highly evolved individuals. Moreover, I am experiencing a deeper sense of community than I have ever experienced. I never dreamed that I could integrate my TM practice with emergence coaching so beautifully. […] I have no words to fully describe the beautiful marriage of TM and this Transformational Leadership & Coaching program in my life.” – Carolyn Baker

“I have been on the EdD program in Transformational Leadership and Emergent Coaching since September 2024 and can’t believe, first on how fortunate that I am to be on the program and second, on how much I have grown in such a short period of time. All elements of what it takes to make a great qualification are included in the structure and delivery. The facilitators are knowledgeable and caring, the coursework is informative and well thought out and the homework and assignments ensures transfer and application of knowledge. Never did I think it was possible to study something that I would be so interested in and that by studying I can help myself personally and professionally as well as being able to help others.” – Tiffiny Humphries

“The EdD program at MIU is a continuous and unexpected blessing in my life. I knew that enrolling in this program would provide me with countless learning opportunities, and it has. What I did not anticipate was finding a source of deep soul nourishment. I typically spend the majority of my time tending to the needs of others: my employees, family members, friends, and relationships. As a student in this program, I am returning home to myself. It is a regular reminder to be present and patient in my own emergence. I feel renewed by the resources shared and assignments that are so thought-provoking and clearly curated by a faculty that contains a wealth of experience and information. Above all, this Ed.D program encourages us to trust our process and honor ourselves. To be a student here is to be showered by grace and rooted in gratitude.” – Jeannie O’Neill M.Ed., E-RYT

“Being in the EdD doctoral program at Maharishi International University is deeply transformative for me, as it bridges my lifelong journey as a student of human life and spiritual matters. Before joining the program, I often felt unseen and unrepresented, uncertain about how to express or channel my purpose into meaningful leadership. This program has not only given me the tools to serve my own being but has also provided the words and insights to shape my leadership approach. It empowers me to integrate my inner development with my outer contributions, paving the way for authentic and purposeful service in the world.” – Susan Angel Beech

Entrance requirements

All applicants must have a master’s degree in any field from an accredited university. Admission will be based on undergraduate and graduate transcripts, professional recommendations, and interviews.

Additional requirements