Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning | GSEHD

Transform the Future of Leadership & Learning

Become a change leader with the expertise to meaningfully reshape organizations and systems. Established more than 65 years ago as the first program of its kind, the Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) program prepares scholar-practitioners dedicated to advancing learning and development.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum integrates rigorous research, critically reflective practices, and real-world application to develop forward-thinking organizational leaders. Students enhance their leadership competencies to solve complex workplace challenges, optimize team performance, and foster innovative learning environments.

Student cohorts consist of working professionals in primarily mid- or senior-level roles, bringing diverse backgrounds in business, education, engineering, psychology, technology, and more. This diversity enriches the learning experience, exposing students to multiple perspectives from which to make decisions, lead, learn, and grow.

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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.

Accommodating
A hybrid format delivers a refined, curated curriculum proven to maximize investment for students. Two weekend residencies will be required (one at VSTC campus in Ashburn, VA, 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.

Gain Credentials
Advance in your field faster with training in psychometric and statistical methods by enrolling concurrently in the Graduate Certificate in Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education. All 12 credit hours can be applied to the EdD degree. (All requirements must be met.)

Current Students: To apply, please contact your Student Success Coach.

Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., our program offers unparalleled access to influential organizations, research institutions, and policy networks, opening doors to meaningful collaborations, mentorship, and career opportunities.

Join a vibrant, cross-sector community of scholar-practitioners whose diverse professional backgrounds enrich classroom dialogue, fuel innovative research, and broaden your perspective. Our students work across education, government, nonprofits, and industry—creating a collaborative learning environment that continues well beyond the classroom. Our global alumni network remains an enduring source of mentorship, insight, and professional opportunity.

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 Requirements

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 2025-Spring 2026 Academic Calendar

The following schedule is for new students beginning the Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) EdD program in Fall 2025 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 21 – Sunday, August 24, 2025
Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25, 2026

Synchronous Saturdays
Students are required to synchronously attend two online HOL classes from 9 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 4 PM ET on each of the following Saturdays:

September 20, 2025
October 18, 2025
November 15, 2025
December 6, 2025
January 17, 2026
February 14, 2026
March 21, 2026
April 11, 2026

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 mesolomongwu [dot] edu (mesolomon[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Academic Calendar

The following schedule is for new students beginning the Human and Organizational Learning (HOL) EdD program in Fall 2026 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, and at the Foggy Bottom (Main Campus) in Washington, DC, as follows:

Thursday, August 20 (afternoon) – Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ VSTC (Ashburn, VA)
Friday, March 19 – Saturday, March 20, 2027 @ Foggy Bottom (Washington, DC)

Synchronous Saturdays
Students are required to synchronously attend two online HOL classes from 9 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 4 PM ET on each of the following Saturdays:

September 26, 2026
October 24, 2026
November 21, 2026
December 5, 2026
January 16, 2027
February 6, 2027
April 24, 2027

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 mesolomongwu [dot] edu (mesolomon[at]gwu[dot]edu).

*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 entered the program Fall 2023 term and later will complete the program in our newly introduced hybrid format. The new format includes three required in-person, on-campus residencies and synchronous online Saturday 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 askholgwu [dot] edu (askhol[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now

Schedule Meeting with Admissions Coach

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)

Due to the hybrid nature of the program, international students are not eligible for a Student Visa for this program.

View more details about requirements

Applications are being accepted for Fall 2026. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application Timeline	Fall
Priority Deadline	Nov 1
Round 1 Deadline	Dec 1
Round 2 Deadline	Jan 15
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 askholgwu [dot] edu (askhol[at]gwu[dot]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 hybrid EdD in Human and Organizational Learning program is $1,905 per credit hour.

This program requires 60 credits.

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

*Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

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

Organizations worldwide need visionary scholar-leaders to drive sustainable growth and meaningful change. Our graduates become thought leaders, consultants, and executives who lead transformative initiatives across diverse industries, shaping the future of workplace learning, culture, and leadership. With access to our extensive alumni network, students gain valuable connections to industry leaders and influential professional networks, opening doors to new opportunities and lasting impact.

Human and Organizational Learning Career Opportunities