The doctor of education (Ed.D.) in leadership and learning in organizations is developed by faculty within Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development. The program is designed for mid-career professionals who hold at least three years of leadership experience and are inspired to drive positive systemic change. Bridging the divide between theory and practice, the program equips students with the deep understanding and contextual experience needed to lead organizational change across industries.

Across industries, effective leaders provide the support and direction necessary to foster development, leverage resources, create solutions and resolve complex systemic challenges. The Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations from Peabody College develops results-oriented, forward-thinking professionals who can confidently drive systemic change.

Our students will strengthen their communication, management, inquiry and assessment skills and immediately apply what they learn in the program to the real world. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will learn to use data analytics tools to lead organizational growth while developing a unique perspective in learning and design.

The final deadline for the May 2025 cohort is March 10, 2025.

The online Ed.D in leadership and learning in organizations is a 54-credit* program and can be completed in three to four years. Students in the program are required to attend all classes, complete a capstone project, and attend three on-campus convenings.

* The full program consists of 54 credit hours in addition to 30 transfer credit hours from an accepted master’s degree program for a total of 84 credit hours.

The online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations curriculum prepares students to identify, assess and resolve organizational challenges from a learning and design perspective. Students learn how to improve operations in the workplace while focusing on three key competency areas:

Through the 54-credit hour curriculum, students develop leadership skills and an in-depth understanding in the following areas:

View a list of courses.

The online Ed.D. brings together online learning and in-person experiences to offer students a program that is robust and challenging.

Weekly online classes

Live, online classes led by Peabody College faculty serve as the starting point for engaging group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and guided learning. The classes take place on our online platform via webcam, allowing students to interact face-to-face no matter where they are. Class attendance is required for all students.

On-campus convenings

The on-campus convenings bring online Ed.D. students together with their peers and professors to Vanderbilt University’s campus in Nashville, Tennessee. Through collaborative projects and creative problem-solving, students demonstrate mastery of subject matter and leadership skills.

Capstone

Using their knowledge and existing data, students identify an organizational issue or problem of practice, test a solution and make recommendations for long-term improvement. Students present their projects in front of a faculty panel for assessment.

If you’re ready to get started, contact an admissions counselor at +1-855-338-4540 or request information.

Peabody College also offers an on-campus Ed.D. Visit Peabody’s website to learn more.

1. U.S. News & World Report, Best Education Schools in 2023. (accessed July 2023) ↩︎
2. The information above reflects all Ed.D. online students as of April 2021. ↩︎
3. U.S. News & World Report, Best Education Schools in 2023. (accessed July 2023) ↩︎
4. The information above reflects all Ed.D. online students as of April 2021. ↩︎