Program Overview

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

The doctor of education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations is an online program developed by faculty within Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development. This program is designed for mid-career professionals who have at least three years of leadership experience and are inspired to drive positive systemic change.

Program Overview

The online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations allows students to join the Peabody tradition by gaining the expertise needed to create widespread change in communities and organizations without the expense of uprooting their life or putting their career on hold. Developed by Vanderbilt faculty who are active researchers and practitioners, the curriculum is designed to help learners build the skills needed to drive organizational success and develop a deeper understanding of human development within the context of management practices.

Why Earn an Online Ed.D. in Leadership from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College?

Since its founding, Vanderbilt University's Peabody College has educated passionate individuals who lead change that positively impacts society. Throughout the program, students collaborate with classmates who are leaders from various cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds and who bring years of professional experience to their learning.

Program Facts

• Program Director: Eve Rifkin
• Program Start Dates: January, May, and August
• Application Deadline: Application Deadlines for 2025 2026 are below
  • Fall 2025: July 7, 2025
  • Spring 2026: November 17, 2025
  • Summer 2026: March 16, 2025
• Time Commitment: The online Ed.D. program can be completed in three to four years.

Program Requirements

• Credit Hours: The full online doctoral program requires a total of 84 credit hours - 54 credit hours in addition to 30 credit hours transferred from a regionally accredited institution. A conferred masters degree of 30 credits or more is preferred.
• Students in the program are required to attend all classes, complete a capstone project, and attend three on-campus convenings.

Online Ed.D. Curriculum

The curriculum for the online doctorate in education prepares students to identify, assess, and resolve organizational challenges. Students will learn how to improve operations in organizations across industries while focusing on three key competency areas:

• Leadership and organizational development
• Data and analytics
• Learning and design Students will also develop leadership skills and an in-depth understanding in the following areas:
• Organizational change and systemic improvement
• Different methods of inquiry and analysis
• Issues of practice from a variety of perspectives
• Impact of systems and practice on learning
• Methods to address organizational challenges
• Context-specific individual and organizational learning
• Organizational improvement, practice, and processes
• Data analytics

Capstone

The program culminates with a capstone project that provides the opportunity to identify a problem of practice, conduct research, test a solution, and make recommendations for improvement. Students will work in small teams of two to three with the approval of a faculty adviser. More specifically, students will:

• Identify and analyze a problem of practice, challenge, or complex phenomenon in an external organization
• Investigate the problem and provide multiple forms of evidence that demonstrate a need to focus on the problem in the particular organizational context
• Design an intervention or process that implements a learning, improvement, or change to solve the problem
• Develop a system of evaluation for the recommended intervention
• Share a detailed plan and evaluation strategy to address the organizations challenges

Ed.D. Admissions

Admission to the online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations depends on several factors, including the overall quality of application materials, depth and relevance of leadership experience, and a record of academic and professional achievements. Those with less than three years leadership experience are unlikely to be admitted to the program. Internships, student teaching, and assistantships during undergraduate or graduate study will not be counted as work experience.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelors degree from an accredited institution
• A superior undergraduate scholastic record, normally above a 3.0 GPA
• At least 30 applicable graduate-level hours: The 30 applicable graduate-level hours must be transferred to this degree program from a regionally accredited institution, and preferably from a completed masters program. Applicants should have earned Grades of B or better in their 30 hours. Grades of P, S, or CR will transfer if approved by the department
• Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is optional
• A Statement of Purpose that explains your reasons for wishing to undertake doctoral study at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development, your professional goals, and any additional information that may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Evidence of a minimum of three years of successful leadership experience
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required of all international applicants, unless you have received a college degree and completed coursework from an accredited institution in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or an English medium university in South Africa

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts: Official academic records from all institutions where you earned your bachelors or masters degrees
• Statement of Purpose: Explains your desire to pursue doctoral study at Peabody College
• Reference Letters: At least three letters of recommendation from current or former employers or former instructors
• Résumé: A professional résumé including all relevant professional and academic experiences and accomplishments
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores (for non-native English speakers)

Ed.D. Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

The Cost of Attendance for the online Ed.D. program can be found on the Tuition and Fees page. Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change and may rise each year.

Federal Aid and Other Financial Options

• Federal Financial Aid: Financial aid for graduate-level students is non-need-based aid. Non-need-based aid for graduate students includes Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans on which the interest accrues from the date of disbursement
• How to Apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Eligibility: Based on the difference between the amount you are expected to pay, any additional financial aid resources, and the total cost of attendance
• Financial Aid Awards: Vary according to each student's eligibility

Faculty

The faculty for the online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations includes:

• Matthew D. Campbell, Senior Lecturer, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations
• Marisa Cannata, Associate Department Chair, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Professor of the Practice
• Xiu Cravens, Professor of the Practice, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Program Director, International Education Policy and Management
• Ana Christina da Silva [Iddings], Professor of the Practice of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning, Professor of the Practice, Leadership and Learning in Organizations
• Lora Delgado, Lecturer, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations
• Shane Hutton, Principal Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Program Director, Quantitative Methods, Principal Senior Lecturer, Leadership and Learning in Organizations
• Kevin Leander, Professor of Literacy Education, Department of Teaching and Learning, Professor of Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Learning in Organizations-Global
• Eve Rifkin, Senior Lecturer, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations, Director of the Leadership and Learning in Organizations, Ed.D.
• Sherard Robbins, Lecturer, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions about the Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

• What is the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations and what are its key learning outcomes?
  • This doctoral program prepares experienced professionals to lead organizational improvement and change. You'll gain expertise in data analysis, organizational theory, and leadership strategy to drive measurable impact within complex systems.
• Is the program 100% online?
  • Yes, this program is offered online, providing the flexibility to study from anywhere. Coursework is delivered through live, interactive online classes and self-paced assignments. No on-campus residencies are required.
• What are the admission requirements for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations?
  • Applicants need a bachelors degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional experience. Submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and recommendation letters. GRE scores are not required.
• What is the total cost of tuition and fees?
  • Estimated total tuition is approximately $127,170. Additional costs may include technology and residency fees.
• How long does it typically take to complete the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Learning in Organizations?
  • Most students complete the program in about 36 months. The flexible format allows working professionals to balance academic and professional commitments effectively.
• Is the program accredited, and by which accrediting bodies?
  • Yes, Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• What is the typical curriculum or course structure for the program?
  • The curriculum integrates leadership theory, organizational behavior, and data-driven decision-making. Core courses include Leading Change, Organizational Theory, and Applied Data Analysis. Students complete a capstone project focused on real-world organizational challenges.
• What career paths and job opportunities are available to graduates?
  • Graduates pursue leadership roles in education, healthcare, government, and corporate sectors. Common career paths include Chief Learning Officer, Organizational Development Director, and Senior Education Administrator.