Graduate Programs

A professional degree program leading to the master of education and graduate programs leading to the doctor of education and the doctor of philosophy are offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning.

The master of education (M.Ed.) is intended for students seeking initial licensure or upgrading knowledge and skills by attaining an advanced degree. The major fields of study for this degree are curriculum and instructional leadership, early childhood education, elementary education, English education, English langauge learners, mathematics education, reading education, science education, and secondary education. A major in curriculum and instructional leadership requires a specialization in one of the other major fields.

The Department of Teaching and Learning administers the teacher education portion of a graduate program leading the to master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.). Students apply for admission to the Graduate School.

The nation's first doctoral program (Ed.D.) in early childhood leadership is designed for highly qualified and experienced early childhood professionals who typically hold leadership roles in local, state, or national agencies and research and policy organizations that provide services to children from birth to age eight.

The Ph.D. program in Learning, Teaching, and Diversity is offered by the Vanderbilt Graduate School with three areas of specialization that are organized around faculty interests and areas of expertise:

• Language, Literacy, and Culture
• Development, Learning, and Diversity
• Mathematics and Science Education

The program prepares students to address the interdisciplinary nature of problems related to learning, teaching, and diversity. Faculty members create opportunities for students to work across the traditional boundaries that separate different subject matter domains, scholarship and practice, and world of schooling from the family, community, and workplace.

The program admits a very select number of students with strong credentials who are interested in a research apprenticeship-based program that emphasizes close working relationships with faculty members in the pursuit of a deep understanding of learning and the environments and cultural and institutional contexts in which it is supported and organized.

The doctoral program has recently been redesigned to maximize synergy between faculty and students. The program focuses on current issues of research and practice, and offers students considerable flexibility to pursue their developing goals and interests. Each of the three areas provides a graduated apprenticeship in becoming a creative scholar and a university teacher.

Applying for Admission
Admission is competitive, and students are selected on the basis of scholastic preparation and intellectual capacity. Peabody College accepts applications for admission for the M.Ed. throughout the year. Applications for the Ph.D. program are for the fall of the following year. However, for priority consideration for admission with financial aid, your application should be completed by the following dates. Applications received after these dates will be evaluated for admission and financial aid on a space- and funds-available basis.

Ph.D. and M.A.T. programs: December 31
M.Ed. program: December 31

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. We encourage applications for scholarships from students from traditionally under-represented minority groups.

Financial Aid
Peabody College annually awards more than $3 million in financial aid in addition to low-interest loans to qualified graduate students in graduate and professional programs. The largest form of institutional funding is through graduate teaching and research or administrative assistantships, some of which carry a service obligation that the recipient must fulfill. Other types of financial aid include scholarships, student employment, and work/study opportunities.