Peabody's doctor of philosophy programs follow the master-apprentice model of scholarly training and are designed to prepare the next generation of researchers and scholars studying education and human development.
Program Model Overview
The Ph.D. is geared toward scholars who seek careers as faculty, researchers, or policy analysts. You will engage in research projects designed by academic advisers and study with leading researchers in the nation examining pressing questions in education and human development. As a student, you will develop a comprehensive set of methodological skills and will spend considerable effort crafting and shaping a program of research to launch your academic career.
Entry into Peabody's Ph.D. programs is highly competitive. Candidates must present an academic record of distinction and a mature and insightful statement of purpose.
Explore Programs
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Community Research and Action (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. degree in Community Research and Action (CRA) prepares action-oriented researchers for academic or policy-related careers in applied community studies with a social justice orientation. If your areas of interest include community psychology, community development, social program evaluation, organizational change, health or mental health policy, prevention, urban change and social policy, and the like, the CRA program offers an intellectual community where your knowledge and field skills will be enhanced. -
Education Policy and Leadership (Ph.D.)
Our top-ranked program (formerly Leadership and Policy Studies) allows students to examine education policy and problems through an interdisciplinary lens that incorporates economics, political science, sociology, and international and comparative education. Students benefit from close mentorship by department faculty, along with access to the resources of both a world-class college of education and a major research university. -
Psychological Sciences (Ph.D.)
This program is a joint offering of the College of Arts and Science and Peabody College. Candidates choose from six specializations: Clinical Science, Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognition in Context, Developmental Science, Neuroscience, and Quantitative Methods. Students benefit from access to several world-class research centers, such as the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the Vanderbilt Vision Research Center. -
Special Education (Ph.D.)
The doctoral program is designed to prepare students for faculty and leadership positions in colleges, universities, research institutes, or human service agencies. The program is competency based, with specific emphases on research and teaching. An individually crafted program of study consists of core requirements and an individually designed series of courses and competencies.