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EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development

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Shape the future of your organization with an EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. In this practitioner-based program, become both a leader and a scholar with deep knowledge of adult learning and change. This innovative degree develops advanced professionals who lead education and learning of adults and/or are developing organizations.

This program aligns with the design principles of the prestigious Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, an organization dedicated to transforming doctoral education for the advanced practitioner. Our unique framework emphasizes both the core competencies and disciplinary expertise needed to lead in your specialty area and context. Capping your studies is an action-research-based dissertation that allows you to focus on a "real time" challenge in your own organization while simultaneously bridging theory and practice.

Our students are leaders in their communities or organizations who wish to further develop their knowledge and expertise. They come from diverse backgrounds and organizations that include private, non-profit, higher education, and governmental sectors.

Deadline to apply: Jan. 1 (even years)

Program Highlights

  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

Faculty and Curriculum

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

Admissions

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, email leapinfo@uga.edu.

Deadline to Apply

  • January 1 (even years)

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Additional Resources

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Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Meet Your Advisor

Meet Your Advisor

A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.

Find Your Advisor

Student Life

Student Life

In this program, you will meet face-to-face no more than five times per semester (Friday-Saturday) at the UGA Gwinnett campus and engage in virtual learning between sessions.

A hallmark of our program is the cohort model, which fosters collaborative learning beyond the traditional classroom experience. Our graduates say this community becomes a valuable part of their professional network during and after the program. Also, the University of Georgia Lifelong Learning Association (UGALLA) provides a supportive network for students, faculty, and professionals interested in lifelong learning. The group also supports learning experiences such as seminars, field trips, workshops, and leadership opportunities.

The EdD program typically hosts student/alumni events one to two times a year.