Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of education, TN

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of education and human development is a national leader among graduate schools. Peabody offers a variety programs leading to Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling; education and special education; psychology, the development of individuals, organizations, and communities; and education administration, leadership, and policy.

Teaching and Learning

Programs within the department of Teaching and Learning prepare students for licensure in elementary or secondary classroom settings and provide current professionals an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills. Other specializations include programs focused on English Language Learners, Reading Education, and Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies for professionals hoping to enter careers that explore how diversity shapes the environments inside and outside of schools.

Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools is a tuition-free master’s program within the department. As an integral strategy of Peabody’s partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), the program is designed to develop dedicated educators who will make a difference both in Nashville and in their future employment. During the program students are hired as full-time teachers and satisfy Peabody course requirements over two years. After earning a master’s degree, students continue a three year teaching commitment with MNPS.

Special Education and Psychology

Peabody’s distinguished Special Education program includes specialties in three areas of research and an opportunity for licensure.

The high-incidence disability focus places an emphasis on learning disabilities and behavioral disorders while the low-incidence specialization study severe disabilities, autism, and visual impairments. Early childhood special education is the third concentration available.

Individuals hoping to not only work with children, but also their families, may pursue the master’s program in child studies offered through the department of Psychology. The program is grounded in theory and students typically choose research areas in health care, developmental disabilities, child advocacy, and other areas of focus.

Human and Organizational Development

Peabody’s commitment to the study of human development thrives through the College’s master’s programs in Human Development Counseling and Community Development Action

Human Development Counseling prepares students for careers in community counseling, social service agencies, mental health agencies, or k-12 school systems. Specializations are offered in three tracks: community counseling, school counseling, and prevention science. All students have a certification opportunity prior to graduation through the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs.

The Community Development Action program at Peabody explores social policy issues and serves students interested in how economic, health, environmental, education, and government factors influence community growth both in the United States and abroad.

Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

The department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations is comprised of master’s programs in International Education Policy & Management, Higher Education Administration, Educational Policy, and Leadership and Organizational Performance.

Master’s candidates in the International Education Policy & Management program seek leadership positions that offer a global perspective in the education field. Through courses concentrating on comparative issues and policy analysis, students find employment in U.S. foreign aid agencies, international education organizations, or government sectors

The Higher Education Administration program prepares students for a variety of careers in post secondary institutions. Students may select from multiple tracks including student affairs, enrollment management, or a general higher education administration curriculum. A required practicum experience provides a student with hands on experience in their area of interest and the opportunity to learn from professionals in current leadership roles at colleges and universities.

A program in Educational Policy is dedicated to learning how public policy shapes America’s public school systems. While not a requirement, many students pursuing the M.P.P. at Peabody enter the program with educational experience from organizations concerned with education reform such as the Peace Corps or Teach for America.

The newly formed Leadership and Organization Performance program combines a focus of human resource development with organizational performance skills that prepare students for leadership careers in a variety of settings including non-profit and for-profit organizations as well as government agencies.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, contact the Office of Admissions at 1-866-PC ADMIT,peabody.admissions@vanderbilt.edu or visit us online at peabody.vanderbilt.edu.