edX Online

About the program

  • Six required immersion experiences:

    Learning comes to life via four onsite experiences at our West Los Angeles campus, along with a domestic and international immersion experience. 

  • Doctoral dissertation:

    Select a faculty chair and work in the final semesters on a dissertation, which includes a proposal, preliminary oral examination, and final manuscript defense.

  • Small class sizes:

    A 12:1 student-faculty ratio allows for robust, thoughtful conversations and questions during class and for dedicated mentorship.

Curriculum

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership cohort-based program is ideal for full-time, experienced, working professionals who are looking to personalize their learning experience and apply what they learn right away in the workforce. 

Leveraging the scholar-practitioner model of doctoral training and integrating rigorous academics, hands-on experience, and robust research, you’ll gain expertise in leadership, learning, and policy. A comprehensive curriculum covers leadership theory and practice, research, organizational change, and more, with a strong emphasis on hands-on instruction through on-campus visits and domestic and international immersions.

  • Tailor your learning experience:

    Choose elective courses within your desired area of interest.

  • Create personalized assignments:

    Flexible, but intentional, assignments within core courses are personalized to your career path and role, empowering you to work in a wide variety of leadership positions across organizations and communities.

  • Learn from a robust curriculum:

    A 57-credit curriculum — with flexibility for your unique dissertation path — progresses from foundational to advanced research theory, preparing you to begin work on your dissertation in the final semesters.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

Students applying to the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program from Pepperdine University should possess a strong desire to transform the organizations and communities in which they live and work. No standardized test scores are required. 

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Bachelor’s degree, along with a master’s or doctoral degree

  • Two letters of recommendation 

  • Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)

  • A statement of interest 

  • Official transcripts

  • A personal and/or group interview is required for qualified applicants

Degree specializations

If you’re seeking a personalized learning journey that empowers you to gain valuable, real-world insights on topics that are important to you, and bring those learnings back to your current role, the EdD in Organizational Leadership offers three degree specializations: Change Management, Learning Technologies, and PK-12 Leadership. 

Change Management: Gain the tools and insights to effectively design and implement change within an organization.

Learning Technologies: Ideate, create, and implement new and proven learning technologies within schools, corporations, and other public and private organizations. 

PK-12 Leadership: Lead the next generation of learners as you guide and develop robust, well-rounded learning environments within schools and school districts. Note, this program does not offer credentials/licensure, but is designed for those who already possess the required licensure to continue their professional learning and elevate their school systems to new levels of academic excellence.