Royal Oak, MI — Baker College has been accepted as a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), an international consortium of more than 165 colleges and universities dedicated to strengthening the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree and preparing educational leaders to address today’s most pressing challenges.
The invitation-only network brings together institutions committed to advancing doctoral education through scholarly practice, innovation, and collaboration. CPED members work collectively to redesign and enhance EdD programs that prepare graduates to lead meaningful change across education and other human-serving organizations.
Baker College joins 17 other institutions recently welcomed into the consortium, expanding a global community focused on developing scholarly practitioners who integrate research, professional knowledge, and real-world problem-solving to improve organizations and communities.
“For nearly two decades, CPED has been the leading voice in advancing the Education Doctorate as a rigorous, practice-focused degree,” said Dr. Jill A. Perry, Executive Director of CPED. “Each new member institution brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to preparing transformational leaders who can navigate complexity, exercise leadership responsibly, and create meaningful change.”
Baker College’s Doctor of Education program already reflects many of CPED’s guiding principles by offering students the flexibility to pursue either a traditional dissertation or a capstone pathway, allowing candidates to tailor their scholarly work to their professional goals while addressing authentic challenges facing educational organizations.
“Joining CPED is an important milestone for Baker College and a testament to the strength and vision of our Doctor of Education program,” said Robert Walker, EdD, Program Director of Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. “Our program is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners who can lead with purpose, apply research to solve real-world challenges, and create meaningful change within their schools and communities. Membership in CPED connects our faculty and students to an international network of educational leaders dedicated to advancing excellence in professional doctoral education.”
Through CPED membership, Baker College faculty, students, and administrators will gain access to a collaborative professional learning community that promotes scholarly exchange, research, innovation, and continuous program improvement. The partnership further strengthens the college’s commitment to preparing educational leaders equipped to improve systems, influence policy, and positively impact student outcomes.
The Doctor of Education program at Baker College prepares experienced educators and organizational leaders to become transformational change agents through research-informed leadership, strategic decision-making, and practical application. By combining academic rigor with flexible pathways designed for working professionals, the program empowers graduates to address complex educational challenges while advancing their careers.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about the College of Education and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.