Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

The GW Advantage

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.

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree:

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

Department:

Human and Organizational Learning

Course Delivery:

Hybrid*

Program Entry:

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 entered the program Fall 2024 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.

 

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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

  • 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.

 

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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 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 >

 

Russell Robinson headshot
quotation mark

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

 

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 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
professional female addresses a room of colleagues, photo taken from behind speaker
  • Senior Vice President of Human Resources
  • Chief of Civilian Talent Development
  • VP Global Learning & Leadership
  • Chief Learning Officer
  • Director of Leadership Coaching
  • Instructional Design Leader
  • Leadership Instructor
Potential Employment Settings
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Students graduate from the program prepared to lead in multiple settings. Our recent graduates include:

  • Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Capitol One
  • Chief of Civilian Talent Development , US Army
  • Leadership Instructor, US Air Force
  • VP Global Learning & Leadership, Marriott
  • Chief Learning Officer, Deloitte
  • Director, Leadership Coaching, Center of Excellence
  • Instructional Design Leader, IBM

 

 

 

Human and Organizational Learning (EdD) Faculty

Dr. Maria Cseh

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

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

Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

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

Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(202) 994-1146
Dr. Russell Korte

Department Chair and Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

Dr. Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura

Assistant Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

Dr. Sarah M. Ray

Assistant Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

Dr. Ellen Scully-Russ

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

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

Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning

(571) 553-3787

 

 

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 Upcoming Events

 

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 Take the Next Step in Your Career

Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.


 
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