Ph.D. in Education - Human and Organizational Learning Concentration

Explore the Science Behind Learning

The Human and Organizational Learning concentration takes a cross-disciplinary approach to engaging in research and scholarship to study and apply leadership, learning, culture, and change at individual, organizational, and societal levels.

The program of study enables PhD students to conduct research on complex organizational topics and develop theories and models to guide global, equitable, and sustainable organizational practices. These objectives will be met by fostering an environment of cross-disciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and a global mindset.

 

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Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives
Our diverse student body represents educational or professional backgrounds in psychology, sociology, business, the humanities, education, or the sciences.

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Hands-On Experiential Learning
Take part in our larger inclusive cross-disciplinary team as well as a more focused research project. You’ll bring your experience in education to the design, development, data collection, and analyses of a research project.

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Principles of Research
Gain a deeper understanding of the responsible conduct of research with human subjects, research ethics, and how to consider the social impact of the work.

 

 

 

The GW Advantage

As a Carnegie R1 institution (very high research activity), the George Washington University is home to world-class faculty that are leading cutting-edge research, along with diverse labs, cross-collaborative initiatives between schools and local organizations, and unparalleled educational and employment opportunities.

Our connections to influential and multi-sector organizations and institutions provide access to information, research sites, and collegial networks of likeminded professionals.

 

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, Human and Organizational Learning Concentration

Course Delivery:

Main Campus

Program Entry:

Fall

 

Curriculum
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits, including 36 credits in core courses, and 24 credits in the concentration, successful completion of a second-year research project, successful completion of the comprehensive examination; oral defense of both the dissertation proposal and the dissertation.
Required
Core Courses:
SEHD 8200 Foundations of Education I
SEHD 8201 Foundations of Education II
SEHD 8210 Doctor of Philosophy Seminar in Education Research I
SEHD 8211 Doctor of Philosophy Seminar in Education Research II
Research Methods:
12 credits of doctoral-level research methods coursework, selected in consultation with advisor. At least one course must be in quantitative research methods and one in qualitative research methods.
Dissertation:
SEHD 8999 Dissertation Research (taken for at least 12 credits)
Additional Requirements:
Successful completion of second-year research project.
Successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
Oral defense of both the dissertation proposal and the dissertation.
Human and Organizational Learning Concentration Requirements:
15 credits of doctoral-level Human Organizational Learning (HOL) courses and 9 credits of additional concentration credits. Course selections are determined by the focus of the concentration and the specific interests of the student.
Example Research Questions
Students will be dedicated to understanding the changing nature of working in an environment of rapid sociocultural and technological changes. Examples of research questions addressed by this team will include:
  • How do institutional environments, informal learning ecosystems, and emerging lifelong learning patterns foster innovation in global and indigenous workforce development models and framework?
  • What are the emerging learning, leadership, and change strategies in an environment driven by rapid socio-cultural and technological changes such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, virtual work, and networked organizations to foster sustainable economic and organizational models?
  • How can neuroscience and emerging findings from evolutionary biology contribute to our understanding of learning and development in organizations?
  • How can emerging evidence from quantum theory inform new leadership, organizational, and institutional models and frameworks?
  • What are the implications of the changing nature of work on effective organizational structures and change processes, and on social equity and inclusion?

 

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 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.

Apply Now    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 in psychology, sociology, business, education, the sciences, or related fields
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose: An essay of 1200 words or less, through which the applicant clearly identifies the purpose in undertaking cross-disciplinary graduate study in human and organizational learning (HOL) that includes: (a) rationale for seeking a Ph.D.; (b) articulation of research interests aligned with the research questions described above; and (c) how the applicant’s background and related qualifications prepared them for this work and a research intensive career.
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation, with one preferred from a professor in the applicant’s Master’s degree program
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Interview with Faculty: Applicants should be prepared to discuss the alignment of their research interests with those of the research questions provided above. Additional materials may be required of applicants as a result of the interview.
  • Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit a current writing sample. The sample should reflect the applicant’s abilities to articulate complex ideas and to utilize evidence in support of the arguments provided. The writing sample should also provide evidence of the applicant’s research skills and engagement with scholarship.

Please note: The GRE is not required.

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application TimelineFall
Priority DeadlineNov 1
Round 1 DeadlineDec 15
Round 2 DeadlineJan 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 encourage you to apply as early as possible.

 

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 Tuition & Financial Aid


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 PhD in Education - Human and Organizational Learning Concentration program is $1,905 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 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart   

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

 

 

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 Career Outlook


A Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Human and Organizational Learning can lead to a variety of research-intensive careers in education, consulting, and policy research. Additionally, students may find opportunities for interdisciplinary work, combining expertise in education and human and organizational learning with other fields such as psychology, sociology, business, or technology.

Human and Organizational Learning Career Opportunities
small group of women strategize and make a list on a large white poster taped to the wall in a conference room

Some potential career paths include:

University Professor or Researcher: Work in academia, teaching courses in education, human development, organizational behavior, or related fields. You might also conduct research on topics such as learning theories, adult education, organizational change, or leadership development.

Policy Analyst or Advocate: Analyze workforce education policy, advocate for educational reform, or influence workforce education policy at your local, state, or national levels by working in a government agency, non-profit organization, think tank, or advocacy group.

Researcher or Evaluator: Conduct research on workforce pathways, workplace educational practices, program evaluation, or organizational learning initiatives for research institutes, think tanks, or consulting firms.

 

 

Human and Organizational Learning (PhD) Faculty

Dr. Maria Cseh headshot
Dr. Maria Cseh

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(202) 994-8649
Dr. Ellen F. Goldman headshot
Dr. Ellen F. Goldman

Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(202) 994-4004
Dr. Shaista E. Khilji headshot
Dr. Shaista E. Khilji

Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(202) 994-1146
Dr. Russell Korte headshot
Dr. Russell Korte

Department Chair and Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

 Dr. Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura headshot
Dr. Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

Dr. Ellen Scully-Russ headshot
Dr. Ellen Scully-Russ

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(571) 553-3786
Dr. Julia Storberg-Walker headshot
Dr. Julia Storberg-Walker

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(571) 553-3787

 

 

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