EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development

1. Develop deep knowledge of adult learning and change to lead organizations
2. "Executive format" classes blend with virtual learning
3. Member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate
4. Action-research through your dissertation lead change within an organization

You are invited to participate in a brief (40-60 minute) information session to learn more about the EdD in Learning, Leadership and Organization Development program. We are recruiting now for the new cohort that will begin in May, 2022.

These sessions are entirely virtual, and facilitated by an LLOD faculty member involved in the program.

To register, just click on the date/time that works best for you (under Upcoming Dates on this page). You'll be prompted to register for that session, and will receive a confirmation with a link for it when your registration is complete.

This 51-credit program may be completed within 3½ to 4 years. Coursework and critical milestones develop expertise in learning, leadership, and organization development and the action-research dissertation progress.

First year

Your courses fulfill your core requirements, covering the foundations of adult learning and organization development. As a part of the first critical milestone of the degree, you will scope and frame the "real life" challenge that will be the focus of your dissertation and launch the action-research process.

Second year

Deepen your knowledge and skills related to learning and change, and learn a variety of research methods.

Third and fourth year

During this time, your focus is on your action research project/dissertation, while strategically timed coursework supports the phases of the process and completion of your dissertation.

During your time in the program, you will work alongside faculty who are internationally recognized as leading scholars in the fields of adult learning, adult education, human resource development, and organization development.

Download a Program of study

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development

The EdD in Learning, Leadership & Organization Development admits students only in summers of even years (2020, 2022, etc.).

When completing the Graduate School application, you will be asked to submit the following documents:

1. Resume/CV

2. Official transcripts (graduate and undergraduate).

3. Valid (within the past five years) GRE scores*

4. Statement of Purpose that outlines your goals for pursuing the EdD degree (maximum 3 pages). Why is this EdD degree, with its emphasis on leading change, and specifically completing an action research dissertation, relevant for your education and career goals? What have you done already and what do you propose to do with a degree that prepares you to be a scholar-leader with a doctoral-level understanding of learning and change in order to transform your world?

5. Three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from an individual who can evaluate your scholarly capability and potential for success in a doctoral program.

6. Optional: An academic writing sample (maximum 10 pages - excerpts are welcome).

Admissions interviews take place in February/March. If selected for an interview, applicants will be asked to write a brief (maximum 3 pages) that outlines their understanding of action research, the specific methodology that all students in this EdD program engage to complete their dissertations. A more specific writing assignment will be sent to applicants only if selected for an interview, and that paper will need to be submitted within a 3-week time frame (which is also at least one week prior to the scheduled interview). Applicants are encouraged to conduct their own research about action research to ready for that assignment.

*GRE Waiver: The LLOD program may consider waiving the GRE as a requirement for EdD admission if (a) you have more than 5 consecutive years of full-time, professional work experience related to LLOD and have previously earned a graduate degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA above a 3.0 or better OR if (2) you have a test score from a valid entrance exam [such as GMAT, LSAT, MAT] within the past five years that can be used in lieu of a current GRE. For information about this waiver or how to apply for it, participate in an Ed.D. Virtual Information session (see above for details and to register).

• January 1 (even years)

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