Make a Positive Impact

Spark change in your career and community with the graduate programs at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development. Known for our academic and empirical rigor, dedicated faculty invested in your growth and success, and collaborative student community, Peabody College is a place where you can thrive.

No matter what you study, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research, apply your theories in practical settings, expand your professional network, form lasting bonds with your classmates and amplify Peabody’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals, communities and organizations.

Discover How You Can Be a Part of Real-World Change

Peabody has five academic departments, which offer master's degrees (M.Ed., M.P.P. and M.S.), doctoral degrees (Ed.D. and Ph.D.) and graduate certificates in:

  • Education
  • Special education
  • Educational administration
  • Psychological sciences
  • Child and family development
  • Counseling
  • Organizational leadership
  • Applied community studies
  • Education policy
  • Quantitative methods

Our 13 research institutes allow you to engage in solving real-world problems while accessing the latest innovations in your field. Plus, many of our programs are flexible allow you to earn your degree while working full-time.

“ Peabody is giving me the tools and the confidence to step back into the classroom as a stronger advocate for my students. What I love most about the program is how it bridges the gap between the use of evidence-based strategies and research and classroom in practice. I am most grateful for our professors who push us to constantly, critically think about how we meet the needs of all learners. Peabody offers great academic opportunities but the real magic is in the community you’ll build here.”

Andrea Dcosta
Master's student, Special Education: High Incidence (M.Ed.)

Graduate Education That Works for You

Fit graduate education into your schedule without sacrificing any of the rigor, skills or experience you need to move your career forward. Among five academic departments, we offer 30 flexible graduate programs to give you the confidence you need to make a positive impact in the world. Review them below to see which area of study will help you achieve your goals:

Explore Programs
  • Human and Organizational DevelopmentStudy human behavior and well-being to strengthen individuals, organizations and communities.
  • Leadership, Policy and OrganizationsLearn to guide improvements in human learning and outcomes in educational, institutional, governmental, organizational, policy making, and nonprofit or for-profit settings.
  • Psychology and Human Development Explore learning, development and applications of psychological science and quantitative methods to address pressing clinical, social and educational needs.
  • Special EducationGain the skills necessary to assess, plan and monitor the progress of persons with disabilities and advance research and practice in the special education field.
  • Teaching and Learning Harness evidence, experience and technology to investigate the relationships between student learning and the many environments where it occurs.

Make an Investment in Your Future

Seize the opportunity to become a member of a lifelong community that will help you advance your career, make new discoveries and generate positive change. We make our graduate programs more accessible by automatically considering applicants for all scholarships for which they’re eligible, including alumni and educator scholarships. No separate scholarship application is required. You can also explore assistantships, fellowships and federal aid to help fund your education.

Explore Funding Options

A Community of Support

  • Dedicated FacultyLearn from award-winning researchers and leaders in their fields who are invested in your growth. Your professors will help you shape your studies around your goals and involve you in their research and practice. Through these experiences, you’ll gain practical skills and build professional connections in your field. Meet Our Faculty
  • Collaborative CommunityYou’ll be valued, supported and empowered throughout your time at Peabody. Whether it's connecting with your classmates to study, joining professional groups and organizations on campus or meeting people outside your program to explore the vibrant city of Nashville, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere where you can thrive. Explore Student Life
  • Personalized Career ServicesYour career goals are specific and unique and so are the mentorship and support Peabody Career Services offer. We’ll partner with you for one-on-one career strategy and coaching sessions to help you launch your career. You can also participate in our interview relays, career preparation and networking events to gain an edge in the job market. Discover Career Support

Apply to Peabody College Today!

Build the skills to improve how people learn and organizations lead with a graduate degree from Peabody College. When you apply, you’ll take advantage of:

  • No application fee
  • Automatic scholarship consideration with no additional application
  • No GRE required for master’s and Ed.D. programs
  • Holistic application review

Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Please contact us with any questions about program options, admission requirements, funding or anything else.