Online EdD in Organizational Leadership

Designed for working professionals ready to lead transformational change

The online Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University prepares experienced leaders to drive meaningful change across industries, sectors, and communities. Whether you're a rising leader or an experienced executive, this program empowers you with advanced tools to elevate their leadership capacity, broaden their strategic perspective, and apply research-based practices to real-world organizational challenges.

The EdD in Organizational Leadership is offered in a 100% online format, designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Students choose from one of three specializations to tailor their studies to their professional goals:

Most students complete the program in as few as 32 months (approximately 2 years and 8 months).

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Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program Highlights

If you're ready to maximize your impact as a leader, discover how our online EdD in Organizational Leadership program can help you take the next step forward in your career.

Values Centered

Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.

Specialization Options

You will specialize in one of three options, allowing you to align with your career aspirations and interests.

Quick Facts

Format:	Online
Term:	Fall
Length:	32 Months
Tuition:	$2,015 per unit

Top Choice

One of the top choices for EDOL programs in the United States based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics comparing similar programs.

Three Specializations Available

Take charge of your educational journey with focused offerings that span across industries.

Convenient Learning Schedule

The program is offered in the Global Access Format that consists of face-to-face and online instruction.

Six Required In-person Immersion Experiences

Go beyond the classroom and learn at 4 West LA campus immersion experiences, 1 DC experience, and 1 international experience.

No GRE or Standardized Tests

We focus on your desire to inspire change in our communities, not your test scores.

Short Program Length

The program can be completed in as early as 32 months.

EdD in Organizational Leadership Curriculum Overview

Learn to lead your organization to new heights with a robust, diverse curriculum that blends online coursework, immersive in-person learning, and independent dissertation research. The 57-unit curriculum includes:

17 core courses
6 in-person immersion experiences (4 in West LA, 1 in Washington, DC, and 1 international experience)
3 specialization courses based on your chosen focus area
A research-based dissertation program
Assignments within the core courses are designed to be flexible and personalized to your current role and career path—empowering you to apply theory to practice immediately in your organization.

An EdD-to-PhD pathway is available for students interested in continuing a research-oriented career beyond the doctoral level.

Sample Courses Include:

Leadership Theory and Practice
Organizational Psychology, Theory, and Design
Quantitative Research Design and Analysis
Leading Strategic Change

Curriculum

Deadlines

may

Early Application Submit Deadline - Submit the application by this date for priority consideration. Supplemental materials may follow.

jul

Application Submit Deadline - Application must be submitted by this date. Supplemental materials may follow.

jul

Application Complete Deadline - Submit the application and all supplemental materials by this date to be eligible for fall enrollment.

More Deadline Information

Engagement Opportunities

As you explore the online education programs don’t forget to visit online classes, speak to current students about their experience in the program, and attend webinars. Engagment Specialists will help you schedule these opportunities.

Schedule Engagement Opportunity

Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Specialization Options

Students choose one of the following areas of specialization to align their studies with their career goals and interests. Each track consists of three targeted courses that provide deep exploration of relevant leadership practices and strategies:

Change Management: Focuses on leading and managing complex organizational change through strategic vision, communication, and systems thinking.
Learning Technologies: Prepares leaders to integrate emerging technologies into learning environments and drive digital transformation in education and training.
PK-12 Leadership: Equips professionals with the tools to lead effectively in primary and secondary education settings, with emphasis on instructional leadership, equity, and school systems improvement.

What Sets This Program Apart

This program is designed with flexibility, practical application, and global perspective in mind:

100% Online Format with flexible scheduling for working professionals
Scholar-Practitioner Model that connects academic research to practical leadership
Diverse Cohort Experience fostering cross-sector collaboration and network-building
Global Perspective through optional international learning experiences
Three Specializations: Change Management, Learning Technologies, and PK–12 Leadership

Who The Online EdD Is For

This program is a strong fit for experienced professionals across sectors who are ready to step into transformational leadership roles. This Online EdD program is designed for:

Leaders in education, healthcare, nonprofit, corporate, or public service sectors
Professionals seeking executive leadership roles or to lead systemic change
Individuals who want to conduct applied research to solve complex organizational issues

Admissions Requirements

Here at Pepperdine University, we're always looking for applicants who are committed to lead purpose-driven lives and inspire meaningful change in the communities where they live and work. GRE scores are not required to apply to our online EdD program.

A bachelor's degree, as well as a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution is required to apply.

Admission Requirements

Career Outcomes for Online EdD Graduates

Graduates of Pepperdine’s Doctorate in Organizational Leadership program are equipped to lead with integrity and impact in complex, ever-changing environments. With advanced research, strategy, and communication skills, alumni go on to influence organizations in education, business, nonprofit, government, and beyond.

Career Paths Include:

Education & Nonprofit

Superintendent or District Leader (PK–12)
Principal or Instructional Coordinator
University or College Administrator
Higher Education Faculty
Nonprofit Executive Director
Educational/Learning Technologist

Business, HR & Organizational Leadership

Chief Learning Officer or Chief Strategy Officer
Director of Organizational Development
Human Resources Director
Director of Innovation or Learning
Learning & Development Executive
Instructional Design Manager
Training and Development Manager
Leadership Consultant or Executive Coach

This program is designed to support both vertical advancement and cross-sector mobility, preparing graduates for senior leadership roles that require systems thinking, ethical decision-making, and change management expertise.

Explore Career Opportunities

What Our Alumni Are Saying

Asia Ghazi headshot

"Highly consider Pepperdine because you are not going to get this wealth of information, global trips, or the experience of knowing people and creating a family unless you are at Pepperdine."

— Asia Ghazi '21

Jeannette Pugh headshot

"The international trip was an incredible experience. I would encourage any prospective student to think about the fact that they would have an entire global opportunity open to them."

—Jeannette Pugh '21

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Online EdD in Organizational Leadership program:

Why Pursue an Online Doctorate in Education?

You don't need to be a teacher to apply for an EdD. In fact, our EdD program attracts aspiring leaders across a variety of careers and industries, from businesses to nonprofits, as well as in education. If you're interested in driving organizational change and leading teams from within, a doctorate in education program is a great avenue for exploring your career goals.

Is the program fully online?

Yes. The coursework is delivered 100% online, with required in-person immersion experiences throughout the program.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The program can be completed in as few as 32 months (approximately 2 years and 8 months).

Are there any in-person requirements?

Yes. Students participate in six in-person immersion experiences, including four in West LA, one in Washington, DC, and one international experience.

Do I Need a Master's Degree to Apply to the Online EdD Program?

Yes. A master's or a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution is required to apply.

Do I Need to Take a Standardized Test to Apply to the EdD Program?

No—you don't need to take the GRE or GMAT in order to apply to the EdD online program. We place an emphasis on your willingness to drive meaningful change on the job and in the community over standardized test scores.

Does this program lead to licensure?

No. The EdD program does not lead to licensure or credentials, but it is ideal for professionals who already hold relevant credentials and are looking to deepen their leadership impact.

Pepperdine is one of the top universities in the United States, known for its dedication to the highest standards of academic excellence. With a respected legacy of producing purpose-driven leaders in education, Pepperdine empowers students to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in their communities. The online EdD in Organizational Leadership program provides a transformative learning experience, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively and drive positive change.

Pepperdine University primes students for a life of purpose, service, and leadership. We commit to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values

GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.

Our faculty knows that each student provides unique insights capable of enriching their peers' learning experiences. These dedicated educators embody Pepperdine University's mission, and help you do the same. You can count on them to serve you and guide you throughout your education.

GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents.

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program.

Reputable University

Pepperdine University primes students for a life of purpose, service, and leadership. We commit to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values

Student & Career Support

GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.

Hands-on Faculty

GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.

Veteran & Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program.

Take the Next Step

Prepare for the leadership career you want with your EdD in Organizational Leadership.