How To Apply - Master's & Ed.D. - Peabody College | Vanderbilt University | Peabody College of Education and Human Development

Application Checklist

On-Campus Program Application Dates

Submission Type	Submission Date
Priority Decision 1	December 1
Priority Decision 2	January 3
Rolling Admissions	After January 3

Online Program Application Dates

	Spring Start	Fall Start
Applications Open	Early August	Early January
Priority Decision 1	October 14	May 28
Priority Decision 2	November 9	June 25
Rolling Admissions	After November 9	After June 25

Application Timeline

Graduate and professional applications open in early August each year for the following academic year. For example, applications for programs starting in the summer or fall of 2027 open in early August 2026. You can start an application at any time and go back to it over the course of days, weeks, or months. You do not need to have all of your materials ready to begin your application, and in fact we encourage you to take your time and review your application regularly.

Application Walkthrough

See our Application Walthrough video for information and tips on completing your application to Peabody College.

Before You Apply

Find your program. Explore Peabody master’s, Ed.D. and online offerings to determine the best fit for your goals.
Review deadlines. Note your program’s Priority 1 and Priority 2 dates.
Check application requirements. Confirm transcripts, recommendations, statement of purpose, GRE, and any supplemental materials for your specific program.
Learn about funding options for your program.

Create Your Application Account

When you start an application, register with an email address you’ll have access to through your program start date, so you can save progress and return to your application.

You’ll receive a temporary PIN by email to set your password and log in. This usually arrives within minutes but can take up to 24 hours—check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it. If you don’t receive the PIN, use the “Forgot password” link to set a password and access your account.

Create Account and Start Application

Supplemental Application Materials for Master's & Ed.D.

Materials apply for both on-campus and online programs.

Transcript(s)
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process. You should include transcripts from all previous post-secondary work (bachelor's and master's studies) with your application. Your application will not be considered complete without a transcript from bachelor's level work.
- All entering master's and Ed.D. students must submit final, official transcripts (and any necessary supporting documentation) in order to register for classes for their first semester at Vanderbilt. A final, official transcript should list the degree(s) awarded and the month and year of conferment.
- Official transcripts should be sent to cdm@vanderbilt.edu or CDM/PMB 407833, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7833.
International Applicants should review the International Applicants page for additional transcript requirements.
Letters of Recommendation

Master’s and Ed.D. programs (on-campus and online): 2 letters required
You may submit your application before recommendations are received; recommenders can upload after you submit using the secure link sent by the application system.
Letters of recommendation submitted by the applicant (even if written by the recommender) will not be accepted.
Letters of recommendation emailed or mailed by the recommender will not be accepted. Letters of recommendation are only accepted through the specific link emailed to the recommender through the application.
After you add names and contact info of recommenders in the application, please let them know that they will get a secure link in the email to complete the recommendation. You can send reminders to your recommenders from the application if needed.
Statement of Purpose
- Use your statement to explain your interest in Peabody and your program, what you’ll bring to the cohort, and how you plan to use your Peabody education.
- Follow any program-specific prompts in the application; these should guide the focus of your statement.
- Typical length: about two pages (double-spaced) for master’s applicants and three pages (double-spaced) for Ed.D. applicants.

GRE Scores

The GRE is optional for master’s and Ed.D. applicants.

If you believe your scores strengthen your application, you may upload self-reported scores with your application. Official scores are required only if you enroll.

Program type	GRE status	Notes
Master’s	Optional	Submit if you feel scores enhance your application
Ed.D.	Recommended	Strongly encouraged; may submit self-reported scores with your application

If you submit GRE scores and enroll, you must send official score reports to institutional code 1871 (no department code).

Supplemental Materials
- Upload any optional or program-specific materials (e.g., resume/CV, writing sample, portfolio) in the “Additional Materials” section of the application.
- You’ll gain access to this upload section after you submit your application form.

International Applicants

International applicants have additional requirements for their application. You can find those requirements on our How to Apply - International page.

View International Requirements

After You Apply

Monitor your portal. Log in regularly to confirm your application status and see which materials have been received.
Watch for recommendations. Recommenders can submit their letters after you submit; continue to check that all required recommendations are received.
Faculty review begins after deadlines. Applications submitted by Priority 1 and Priority 2 are reviewed in batches after those dates; rolling applications are reviewed as they become complete.
Decision notification. Master’s and Ed.D. applicants typically receive decisions in early spring; online applicants usually receive a decision within 4–6 weeks of a complete application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Master's & Ed.D. Programs

When will my application be reviewed?

Applications submitted by Priority Decisions 1 and 2 are reviewed in batches, and won’t be reviewed until after the priority decision date. Applications submitted during Rolling Admissions are typically reviewed within 2-3 weeks after the application is considered complete.
Can I apply to more than one program in the same application cycle?

Yes. You are allowed to submit two applications per cycle.
Can I submit self-reported test scores with my application?

Yes, you can submit self-reported GRE scores with your application to Peabody. We will require official test score reports if you are admitted and choose to attend Peabody.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts with my application?

Absolutely – and we encourage you to submit unofficial academic transcripts with your Peabody application! Official transcripts are not required unless you are admitted to and choose to attend Peabody College.
Do I have to submit any additional paperwork to be considered for scholarships?

No you do not have to submit any additional application to be considered for merit-based scholarships at Peabody College. Every master's and Ed.D. application receives consideration for admission and scholarships.
If you are awarded a scholarship, it will be included in your letter of admission.
Can international students apply to Peabody Online programs?

For Fall 2026, Peabody College will accept international students from select countries. To be eligible for admission to Peabody College online programs, an international student must reside and study in one of the countries listed below, regardless of citizenship status:
Argentina, Australia*, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait*, Mexico*, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa*, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE , Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
*These countries may have additional restrictions imposed by the respective governments. Students applying from these countries should contact us at peabody.admissions@vanderbilt.edu before completing the application.
Are international students eligible for scholarships for online programs?

All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships. No separate application is needed. If you are eligible, any amount awarded will be included in your admit letter. For more information, visit the Funding Your Education page.

Meet the Peabody Admissions Team

Rick Holaway

Sr. Director of Strategic Enrollment Management
Samantha Rogers-Burnett

Director of Financial Aid

615.322.8410
peabody.admissions@vanderbilt.edu

Master's & Ed.D.