Advance as a leader for positive change through Vanderbilt Peabody College’s online doctor of education (Ed.D.) in leadership and learning in organizations. This 54-hour doctoral program equips mid-career professionals with the theoretical grounding and applied expertise needed to drive measurable improvement across corporate, nonprofit, governmental, and educational sectors.
- 54 hours of coursework
- Designed for working professionals
- Three required on-campus convenings
- Weekly live online classes
- One final capstone project
About this program
Developed by Peabody faculty, the online Ed.D. bridges the divide between theory and practice. The program prepares professionals to implement positive, human-centred change within complex organizational systems.
Designed for leaders with at least three years of professional experience, the program strengthens advanced competencies in organizational leadership, learning design, and data-informed decision-making. Students build the contextual understanding required to foster development, resolve systemic challenges, and improve outcomes within their organizations.
Curriculum overview
The 54-hour curriculum spans three core domains: leadership and organizational development, learning and design, and data and analytics. Coursework integrates leadership theory, organizational communication, inquiry methods, program evaluation, and applied analytics.
Through intensive, practice-based learning, students develop the ability to:
- Lead organizational improvement and change initiatives
- Apply learning and design principles within diverse systems
- Analyse and interpret data for strategic decision-making
- Address complex organizational challenges from a human-centred perspective
The curriculum culminates in a final capstone experience.
Online learning experience
Students attend weekly live online classes led by Peabody faculty, held in the evenings (Central Time) to accommodate working professionals. Classes are interactive and discussion-based, enabling meaningful collaboration with peers from diverse industries.
Students are required to attend three in-person convenings on Vanderbilt University’s campus in Nashville, Tennessee. These two-day sessions provide opportunities for community building, applied problem-solving, and leadership development.
Comprehensive academic support and career resources are available throughout the program.
Capstone project
The Ed.D. concludes with a final capstone project. Students identify a real-world organizational challenge, apply research and data to test solutions, and present evidence-based recommendations before a faculty panel. The capstone demonstrates the student’s ability to integrate theory, applied research, and leadership practice to generate lasting organizational impact.
Admissions and career outlook
The program is designed for mid-career professionals with at least three years of leadership experience. Applicants from all industries are encouraged to apply. Graduates pursue advanced leadership roles across sectors, including chief learning officer, human resources director, educational consultant, public policy leader, nonprofit executive, and organizational development specialist.