Program Facts
Program Director: Eve Rifkin
Admissions Coordinator: Laura Booker
Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit Hours: 30
Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness Online (M.Ed.)
Lead transformative change by integrating evidence‑based leadership practice, organizational learning, and strategic improvement science to build high‑performing, equitable, and resilient educational systems.
Duration
15 months (3 semesters + summer); Part time available
Credits
30 Credit Hours
Format
100% Online
Capstone
Capstone experience included
Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (M.Ed.) Program Overview
The master’s in Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (M.Ed.) is an online graduate program for professionals working across PreK–12, postsecondary, and global educational settings. Designed for those eager to deepen their impact and expand their sphere of influence, the program empowers learners to understand, shape, and strengthen the systems in which they work.
This flexible online degree supports busy professionals who want to grow while continuing in their current roles—providing access to a Vanderbilt education and opportunities to advance their practice through applied, human‑centered learning. Students build practical expertise in leadership behavior, organizational change, data analytics, and continuous improvement, gaining the tools to drive meaningful, sustainable progress in the educational communities they serve.
Students will choose one of three specializations: Leading Educational Systems, Higher Education Leadership, or International Education and Development. These specializations allow students to focus on issues of educational effectiveness and organizational change most relevant to their career goals.
Key Application Info
Applications are open for Fall 2026 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions are communicated in 4-6 weeks.
Learn more about admissions requirements on our How to Apply page.
Flexible Course Structure
Full-Time Students
- Finish their degree in as little as four semesters
Part-Time Students
- Take classes and finish the degree at their own pace
The online program is a flexible program of 30 credit hours that can be completed full-time in as little as 4 semesters, or part-time. It combines the best of flexibility of asynchronous learning with access to quality faculty through weekly synchronous live sessions. The program also includes the opportunity for two on-campus convenings that are highly encouraged but not required. The first convening will take place early in the program and serve as an orientation and community-building activity. The second convening will take place at the end of the program where students will make a final presentation.
The 30 total credits include:
- an organizational effectiveness core (9 credits),
- specialization classes (12 credits),
- elective classes (6 credits),
- and a capstone (3 credits).
Curriculum and Coursework
The program centers around a core program that builds the foundations for human‑centered improvement in educational settings, emphasizing how people, data, and systems interact to support meaningful change. Students learn practical approaches to guiding transformation through three integrated areas: understanding how individuals and communities experience change, using data to make informed and strategic decisions, and applying continuous‑improvement methods to strengthen programs and practices. Together, these courses prepare students to foster environments where educators and learners can grow, adapt, and thrive.
Specializations
Leading K12 Educational Systems
Develop the skills to guide improvement across PreK–12 systems through evidence‑based practice, disciplined inquiry, and capacity‑building. This specialization emphasizes program improvement, professional learning, instructional systems, and reform, preparing students to design and implement sustained, data‑informed change that strengthens teaching, learning, and overall system performance.
Focus areas include:
- Designing and implementing program improvement
- Professional learning and faculty development
- Leading instructional systems
- Educational reform
- Equity in education
Higher Education Leadership
Gain a deep understanding of the governance, policy, and operational forces shaping colleges and universities. Students explore political dynamics, legal frameworks, strategic management, budgeting, and workforce alignment, equipping them to navigate complexity and support effective, responsive decision‑making across diverse higher education contexts.
Focus areas include:
- Politics of higher education
- Higher education law
- Strategic Planning and management
- Community colleges and the workforce
International Education and Development
Build the analytical and comparative skills needed to understand and improve education systems worldwide. Through coursework on global organizations, K–12 and higher education policy, and quasi‑experimental evidence in low‑ and middle‑income countries, students learn to evaluate development challenges and design data‑driven interventions that advance equity, access, and learning outcomes internationally.
Focus areas include:
- International organizations and economic development
- International K-12 education policy and management
- Global perspective in higher education
- Education policy in low- and middle-income countries
Who Should Apply
Education Professionals
- This program is designed for working professionals across PreK–12, postsecondary, and international educational settings who want to deepen their impact and expand their capacity to support meaningful improvement. It is an ideal fit for individuals seeking to take on greater responsibility in their current roles—whether by guiding change efforts, strengthening educational systems, or contributing to data‑informed decision‑making.
Distance Learners
- Educators, staff, and professionals from schools, districts, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and global education contexts will find the flexible online format especially well‑suited to continuing their careers while advancing their skills. The program welcomes applicants who are motivated to grow, eager to influence positive outcomes, and committed to improving the educational environments and communities they serve.
Funding Your Education
A professional degree from Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development can take your career to the next level. Yet, we know that the cost of higher education might feel like a barrier.
Students may qualify for our Nashville Metropolitan Area K-12 Public School Scholarship or Teacher Pathway Scholarship depending on their current job and program of study.