Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD)

Pepperdine University GSEP does not offer full scholarships. You can read more about the available opportunities for new students here. Pepperdine University GSEP also offers graduate assistance, teaching assistance, and research assistance opportunities. GSEP does not provide tuition reimbursements.

Values-Based Leadership That Transforms

This program strengthens and develops leadership skills while preparing students to work in a wide range of settings. Individuals are equipped with the knowledge and ability to recognize, harness, and channel forces of change to transform organizations for optimal success and growth. It is recognized as the top doctoral program with an emphasis on leadership and organizational development by the Leadership Excellence Awards for 2016 for outstanding achievements in leadership and organizational development programs.

Program Overview

Embodying the scholar-practitioner program, which blends theory with real-world experience, the EDOL program is ideal for current leaders looking for relevant skills to expand their career path. It is also designed for rising executives who would like a doctoral degree to advance academic and professional goals. Emphasizing a humanistic approach to leadership, management, and change, the program prepares individuals to be visionaries within their organizations. Graduate students begin and complete the program with a cohort of business and academic professionals from diverse fields. The cohort model enables students to build upon leadership skills while forging valuable relationships with colleagues.

Benefits

• Two program formats: Traditional and Global Access (60 percent face-to-face/40 percent online), ideal for working professionals
• Flexible classes which meet in the evenings and on occasional weekends
• Small class sizes provide an environment for faculty mentorship and the building of lifelong peer relationships
• A supportive learning environment and faculty with exemplary academic achievements and professional experience
• Scholar-practitioner model integrating theory and best practices
• Required national and global trips to provide a well-rounded perspective on leadership and policy
• Pepperdine network connecting you to influential business leaders in the community

Key Facts

• Program Length / Units + Dissertation Units: 3.5 years average / 51 EdD units + (2 units per term until completion of dissertation)
• Unit Cost: $1,550
• Start Term: Fall
• Campus Locations: West Los Angeles, Irvine (Please note that your campus of choice cannot be guaranteed. Campus offerings are contingent upon availability and subject to change.)

Admission Deadlines:

• Fall Term 2018 Final Deadline: August 6, 2018, 11:59 PM PST
• The program kicks off with a High-Performance Community Workshop and Orientation in August at the West Los Angeles Campus. Classes will begin in September.
• Admissions for this program are rolling. Once an application is complete, it is reviewed for admission. We do not wait for the deadline to review your application. For applications which are received after the deadline, students will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Admission Requirements:

In an effort to process your application quickly, we only accept electronic application materials.

To apply for this program, please submit:

1. Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee.
2. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
3. A postgraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
4. Official transcripts sent electronically via one of the approved companies listed on the GSEP website from the institutions that awarded the baccalaureate and master's degrees to the applicant as well as all transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended.
5. Three recommendations that attest to the applicant's academic and/ or professional character and leadership experience and/or potential. The online Professional Recommendation form should be emailed to gsep-admissions@pepperdine.edu.
6. A two-page proctored essay on a selected topic. Applicants who do not perform satisfactorily on this essay may be required to attend a writing workshop course at GSEP such as ED 692. Alternatively, applicants may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE—verbal and quantitative sections) taken within the past five years.
7. A 1,000- to 2,000-word statement of interest in the Organizational Leadership program addressing such topics as the candidate's view of leadership, ability to create followers, propensity to take risks, perseverance and demonstrated achievements, future career and life objectives, and reasons for pursuing a doctoral program.
8. Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is optional but recommended.
9. A personal interview may be required for qualified applicants who apply to the program.