Key Takeaways:
- Vanderbilt is launching four new online master of education programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Innovative Design and Technology in Education, and Multilingual Education
- Graduates of these programs will be competitive for in-demand roles across a range of educational settings and contexts
- Apply early to take advantage of fall program launch
Vanderbilt University Peabody College of education and human development will offer four fully online master of education programs to meet the needs of busy professionals and to extend Peabody’s outstanding educational opportunities beyond Vanderbilt’s campus.
Graduates of the online M.Ed. programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Innovative Design and Technology in Education, and Multilingual Education will be competitive for in-demand roles across a range of educational settings and contexts and be able to leverage their knowledge to make an immediate impact.
“As a leading college of education and human development, Peabody offers unique value to its graduates,” said Camilla P. Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development. “We are especially excited to be able to extend this opportunity to qualified candidates regardless of their location or professional obligations.”
Programs are 30 to 33 credit hours and can be completed in varying durations, typically from 15 months to two years, depending on individual program requirements.
Shilpa Patwardhan, assistant dean for strategic enrollment management and executive director of the Peabody Leadership Institute, said, “This launch represents a strategic growth moment for Peabody College. By bringing four of our distinguished master’s programs to an online format, we are expanding access and increasing our reach. And it builds on the success of our online doctor of education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations, which has proven our ability to deliver transformative learning experiences in a digital environment.”
Campus-based versions of the programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Innovative Design and Technology in Education, and Multilingual Education have been available and will remain an option for those interested in in-person study, but their online equivalents will structure coursework in digital modalities suited to remote learners.
Applied Behavior Analysis (M.Ed.)
The Applied Behavior Analysis program will prepare education practitioners in clinics and schools to apply principles of learning theory to improve the lives of families and children with disabilities. Students will learn
- the philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis,
- concepts and principles of behavior change,
- how to develop behavior assessment and behavior change procedures,
- how to select and implement interventions and to train and supervise implementers of behavioral programs.
Students also will study experimental methodology used in the science and practice of ABA including experimental design, measurement, and data analysis. The program stresses field-based learning and experience, including two semesters of job-embedded practicum and completion of a capstone project.
On completion, students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for professional practice in applied behavior analysis and preparation for board certification.
“Our online master of education in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to combine Vanderbilt’s academic rigor with real-world relevance,” said Johanna Staubitz, associate professor of the practice of special education. “We prepare students not only to meet certification standards, but to provide ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based services to support meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities.”
Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (M.Ed.)
The Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness (ELOE) program will prepare professionals across a wide range of educational settings to advance in their current roles or transition into new leadership opportunities. They will develop a strong foundation in leadership behaviors, organizational change, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement practices, prepared to lead effectively in PreK–12 systems, postsecondary institutions, and other educational organizations in both domestic and international contexts.
To ensure that students can tailor their learning to their professional aspirations, the program offers three specialized pathways:
- Leading Educational Systems
- Higher Education Leadership
- International Education and Development
The program offers flexible asynchronous learning combined with weekly live sessions. Students are also invited to attend two on-campus convenings. These immersive gatherings provide opportunities to deepen relationships, participate in hands-on learning, and experience the Peabody community firsthand.
“In this program, we bring together evidence-based practice and real-world experience to help you lead with clarity, purpose, and impact,” said Eve Rifkin, program director and senior lecturer of leadership, policy, and organizations. “What truly sets us apart is our commitment to developing leaders who can navigate complexity, use data thoughtfully, and keep people at the center of every decision. We want you to step into your leadership journey with confidence—ready to create educational systems that are equitable, human-centered, and built for meaningful, lasting change.”
Innovative Design and Technology in Education (M.Ed.)
The Innovative Design and Technology in Education program will teach students how to create and study technology-mediated learning environments by leveraging learning theories, human centered design, learning analytics, AI and other emerging technologies. It is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals who want to grow in their current roles or advance in their careers through gaining essential knowledge and skills:
- Applying theories of learning to design and analyze technology-enhanced learning experiences
- Leveraging environments and tools, like analytics and emerging technologies, including generative AI, to enhance learning
- Designing and analyzing learning experiences that are responsive to learners’ needs and that use analytics to inform future iterations
The program’s learning modules combine engaging asynchronous activities using innovative tools with synchronous meetings, offering students both flexibility and meaningful interactions with instructors and peers. Activities support learning about instructional design by connecting theories of learning, design thinking, emerging technologies and analytic processes. In addition to learning core curriculum, students can earn a micro-credential in Learning Analytics, Emerging Technologies and AI in Education or Transforming Educator Leadership in Language Learning.
“Our Innovative Design and Technology in Education Online M.Ed. offers students flexibility like never before and access to learning opportunities they might never have had, with modules designed by world-class faculty renowned in their fields,” said Andrew Hostetler, program director and professor of the practice of teaching and learning. “Whether your goals are to advance your career as an instructional designer, technology specialist, curriculum developer, corporate learning specialist, or to pursue a PhD, we are excited about what this program has to offer to support your learning.”
Multilingual Education (M.Ed.)
The Multilingual Education program is designed to bring together a diverse, global community of students with wide-ranging professional goals to excel in three high-demand areas:
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): preparing educators to support multilingual learners across age levels and educational settings, with the option for teachers to add an ESL endorsement to their licensure
- Improving Learning through Applied Research (ILAR): equipping students to conduct, analyze and apply research that drives real-world educational change in multilingual contexts
- Innovative leadership: Students choose between a micro-credential focused on Transforming Educator Leadership in Language Learning (TELL) or Emerging Technologies and AI in Education, developing skills to mentor, lead and innovate through educational initiatives locally and globally
Graduates can pursue careers in K-12 and higher education, educator coaching, instructional design, nonprofit leadership, immigrant and refugee support, or any field where multilingual and cross-cultural communication skills are essential. This fully online program is designed for educators and professionals who want rigorous, collaborative learning without having to pause their careers or relocate.
“When learners expand their languages, they expand their possibilities,” said Shannon Daniel, program director and associate professor of the practice. “Our M.Ed. program prepares educators to guide that growth through collaboration, inquiry and real-world application across multilingual contexts. Graduates leave ready to teach, research, and lead, helping multilingual learners thrive.”
Application process and deadlines
Peabody College encourages prospective students to learn more about these programs and to apply early for enrollment in Fall 2026. Applications for all four programs are currently open. Detailed application procedures are available on the How to Apply page. There is no application fee, and all accepted students are automatically considered for merit aid. For more information on individual programs, please visit their webpages.
