EdD in Organizational Leadership
The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EDOL) program prepares students to work in a wide variety of leadership roles and to transform organizations for optimal success and growth. This program is ideal for current leaders looking to expand their career path and rising executives who would like to advance their academic and professional goals.
This cohort-based doctorate program employs the practitioner-scholar model of doctoral training in which academics, clinical training, and research are conjoined. Through rigorous coursework and experiential learning, students gain advanced knowledge in the theory and practice of leadership, learning, and policy. Required national and international trips are woven into the program, providing students with a global perspective on leadership and policy. This program culminates in a doctoral dissertation.
Program Benefits
Reputable Program
The EdD in Organizational Leadership program is among the highest-ranked in the United States.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, & meaningful service.
Quick Facts
| Format: | Online-Hybrid |
| Term: | Fall |
| Locations: | West Los Angeles |
| Length: | 3 years / 51 +2 units per term for dissertation |
| Tuition: | $1,970 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.
Highly-Ranked
Ranked as one of the best doctorates by the Leadership Excellence and Development Awards in 2018.
Convenient Format
Our Global Access (70% in-person/30% online) format is ideal for working professionals and full-time students.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Incorporates core courses shared between all doctoral offerings, program-specific classes, elective options, and an international immersion experience.
Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway
Options for students without a master's degree to earn both a master's and a doctorate.
EdD-to-PhD Pathway
Pathway available for EdD students interested in applying for a PhD.
Nationally Recognized Faculty
Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
No GRE or Standardized Tests
We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
Facts by Numbers
EDOL Program
International Trip
Policy Trip
Up to $10K Available in Scholarships
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's EdD in Organizational Leadership program.
Get in Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.
Attend an Info Session
Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.
Start Your Application
Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.
Program Deadlines
Fall Term 2025: Early Application Submit - Submit the application form by this date to be eligible for a $2,500 scholarship.
Fall Term 2025: International Application Complete - Submit your completed application form and all supplemental application materials by this date.
Information Sessions
Curriculum Overview
This doctoral program includes 51 units plus 2 units per term until completion of the dissertation. You will experience a curriculum focused on preparing professionals in leadership roles and rising executives with well-rounded and unparalleled leadership theory and practice courses, learning theory, and much more.
There is an additional emphasis on hands-on instruction through domestic and international travel experiences. Research design and analysis methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation.
Pathway Opportunities
- Options for students without a master's degree to earn both a master's and a doctorate.
- Pathway for EdD students interested in applying for a PhD.
- Graduates need only 29 units to complete the PhD in Global Leadership.
Contact your enrollment officer for details and eligibility.
Program Details
- Ideal for full-time students or working professionals with 70% of coursework completed in-person and 30% online. The online portion provides flexibility, while the classroom component offers an enhanced experience, a personalized/hands-on approach, relational interaction with peers, and increased quality of learning.
- In-person classes are conveniently located on our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus just off the 405 freeway.
- Cohort model emphasizes leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- The small class sizes and low faculty:student ratio provide a collaborative learning environment, meaningful student-faculty interactions, and long-term relationships.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.
GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.
The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.
To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.
International Student Opportunities
- This program is approved for international students pursuing an F-1 or any other type of visa.
- A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
- Domestic and international students are integrated across campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
- We offer opportunities to participate in University social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
- Our cohort model is designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- A robust alumni network is available to all students.
- We provide career advancement opportunities through our partnerships with professional networks and conferences.
Expand Your Career Possibilities
The EdD in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine provides a strong opportunity for employment growth and earning potential. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential and help make a lasting difference in a variety of business and organizational roles.
A doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine is valuable in many professional settings, including public and higher education institutions, businesses, and non-profit and governmental organizations.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"What led me to Pepperdine was initially the face-to-face. I really enjoyed being able to start off by coming in every week to class and meeting with my peers and my professors, and building a camaraderie. Being able to connect with everybody, knowing that there's such a huge diversity, I think that really exceeded my expectations." – Asia Ghazi (EdD '21), Alumna
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"I am now equipped with all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to help others and work on my passion for making a difference."
—Sunny Im, EdD in Organizational Leadership '16
"GSEP allows for a lot more critical thinking, depth of thinking, and purposeful thinking regarding having an impact in life."
—Vernita Lynn Adkins-Barlow, EdD in Organizational Leadership '17
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Inva Lumi
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
310.568.5532
Email
Schedule an Appointment
Take The Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's EdD in Organizational Leadership program.