Ed.D. Program Philosophy

Our education doctorate has evolved into one of the most recognized programs of its kind in the country. It has been cited by education researchers as having a strong blend of theory and practice, and a model of what the Ed.D. should be.

Our faculty comprises prominent researchers in such areas as education leadership, school choice, the achievement gap, administration finance, performance incentives, financial aid, and institutional advancement. Program instructors represent an intentional mix of experienced practitioners and researchers, most are regular faculty members rather than adjunct faculty.

Faculty are engaged in the important education issues of the day and three national education research centers funded by the Department of Education are located on the campus.

The program follows the scholar-practitioner model to ensure that you gain a conscious and sustained instructional blend of theoretical and research knowledge and concepts,  as well as applied analytic and communication skills. These are nested within the context of hands-on, day-to-day problems faced by practicing education professionals.

The program's scholar-practitioner philosophy assumes:

• Theoretical knowledge is practical
• Doing things right needs to be balanced by doing the right things
• Engagement with Peabody's faculty and research environment is professionally valuable
• Practitioners should be informed by and be able to comprehend and critique research findings
• Exposure to Peabody's mode of instruction will influence teaching at your home institution

As a student in the Ed.D. program you will begin your studies with a cohort of approximately 20 highly qualified students and progress through a prescribed three-year (36 months), weekend-based curriculum. Each year is divided into summer, fall, and spring semesters. Classes meet an average of six weekends per semester, with classes being held on Friday afternoon and Saturday until 5 p.m.

Vanderbilt and Nashville enjoy the advantages of having a Southwest Airlines hub located at the Nashville airport. Nashville is easily accessible from most regions and offers affordable lodging and dining options

Full-time status is based upon 18 graduate units distributed over the full three-semester year (six hours per semester or two courses). A full degree program is comprised of 54 graduate units in addition to 30 transfer hours from an accepted master's degree for a total of 84 credit hours.