Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning | GSEHD

Transform the Future of Leadership & Learning

Become a change leader with the capacity to transform organizations and systems. Established in 1958, the Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) program aims to develop scholar/practitioners committed to learning and development. Through rigorous research, an emphasis on critically reflective practices, and bridging scholarship with the real world, our interdisciplinary curriculum offers a unique space to enhance organizational leadership capacities and competencies. Graduates benefit from multiple perspectives from which to make decisions, strategize, lead, learn, and grow.

Typically, students are working professionals in mid- or senior-level positions. Students bring a variety of educational backgrounds, with degrees in fields such as business, education, engineering, psychology, and technology.

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Leading Faculty & Professional Peers
Engage in learning communities that draw upon real-world experiences shared by classmates with a broad range of diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Faculty are hands-on and highly regarded as scholar-practitioners and experts in the field.

Dynamic Community
The diverse work contexts of our students and alumni make for a lively and engaging learning community both during and after the program. Cross-sector perspectives can inform dissertation research, and the diverse network of GW alumni offers mentoring and employment opportunities.

Accommodating
A hybrid format delivers a refined, curated curriculum proven to maximize investment for students. Three long-weekend residencies will be required, two at VSTC campus and one at Foggy Bottom campus. Synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences will occur in between.

A History of Excellence
Established in 1958 as the first program in this multidisciplinary field in the US, the HOL department is a two-time recipient of the Academy of Human Resource Development’s “Outstanding Program” Award.

Take advantage of our unique location in the heart of our nation’s capital. Our connections to influential and multi-sector organizations and institutions provide access to information and research sites and collegial networks of likeminded professionals. Our extensive alumni network, built over decades of doctoral education, is a valuable resource for learning development and doctoral research.

Program at a Glance

Doctor of Education (EdD) in the Field of Human and Organizational Learning

Human and Organizational Learning

Hybrid*

Fall

Our Mission

The mission of our program is to:

Increase the learning capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities
Optimize individual, organizational, and community resilience, effectiveness, and equity
Develop scholar/practitioners with the capacity to design and execute research with meaningful practice implications

Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits in coursework, a dissertation, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Required
HOL 8700	Foundations of Human and Organizational Learning
HOL 8701	Theory, Research, and Practice in Adult Learning and Development
HOL 8703	Human Systems Change
HOL 8704	Leadership Theory, Research, and Practice
HOL 8705	Organizational Culture
HOL 8720	Seminar: Applied Research in Human and Organizational Learning
HOL 8721	Practicum in Human and Organizational Learning (taken for 6 credits)
HOL 8722	Seminar: Advanced Issues in Human and Organizational Learning (taken for 3 credits)
HOL 8724	Creating and Planning Doctoral Research
Research Methods
EDUC 8120	Group Comparison Designs and Analyses
EDUC 8122	Qualitative Research Methods
3 credits of Level B research methods coursework selected in consultation with advisor.
Dissertation
HOL 8998	Pre-dissertation Seminar (taken for 3 credits)
HOL 8999	Dissertation Research (taken for a minimum of 12 credits)
An approved dissertation proposal is required.
Electives
6 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with advisor.
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of comprehensive examination is required.

Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Academic Calendar

The following schedule is for new students beginning the Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) EdD program in Fall 2024 only. Current students: Contact department for schedule.

Program Residencies
Students are required to attend in-person, on-campus residencies, which will be held in the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, VA, as follows:

Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25, 2024
Friday, January 17 – Saturday, January 18, 2025
Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27, 2025

Synchronous Saturdays
Students are required to synchronously attend two online HOL classes from 8 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 5 PM EST on each of the following Saturdays:

September 21, 2024
October 19, 2024
November 16, 2024
December 7, 2024
February 8, 2025
March 8, 2025
April 5, 2025

Please note: The scheduled dates are subject to change in the instance of unforeseen circumstances. Other synchronous and asynchronous activities may be assigned as per each class syllabus.

For questions, contact mesolomon@gwu.edu.

Download a Printable Schedule >

*Course Delivery

The format of this program changed in 2022.

Students that entered the program before Fall 2022 are completing courses in the traditional in-person format following the program plan required for this format.
Students that began the program following the Fall 2022 semester will complete the program in our newly introduced hybrid format. The new format includes three in-person, on-campus residencies and two synchronous online classes. Other synchronous and asynchronous activities may be assigned as per each class syllabus.

Apply Now

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

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Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

Prerequisite: Master's Degree
Resume
Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
Submit a statement of purpose that addresses questions such as: Why are you applying for this doctoral program now? How will this degree contribute towards your personal and professional goals? And what are your background and related qualifications that have prepared you for this doctoral program.
Interview
Two Letters of Recommendation (academic and/or professional)

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2024. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application Timeline	Fall 2024
Priority Deadline	Nov 1
Round 1 Deadline	Dec 15
Round 2 Deadline	Jan 16
Round 3 Deadline	March 1
Round 4 Deadline	May 1
Round 5 Deadline	June 15

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the EdD in Human and Organizational Learning program is $1,870 per credit hour.

This program requires 60 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

View the current fee chart

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

The HOL program helped me navigate my career to a place of purpose. I was a bored CPA when I started on my doctoral journey. Now, I am an industrial and organizational psychologist who has spoken on the international stage. In addition, my published research has been cited by scholars all over the world.

DR. RUSSELL ROBINSON (EdD '18)
Human and Organizational Learning

Career Outlook

There is a growing need for change leaders who can help to build organizational sustainability. Graduates of our program drive leadership and organizational change initiatives around the globe in all types of organizations. Our vast alumni network is proud to connect students with industry leaders and professional networks.

Human and Organizational Learning Career Opportunities