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Championing Growth:

Charting Your Course and Career in Child and Adolescent Development

Peabody College offers several programs that lead to careers in child studies and school counseling. Which path aligns best with your goals?

Vanderbilt Peabody College

Master’s and Ed.D.
Programs and Resources

Explore education and human development master’s and Ed.D. degree programs and resources by category below, or take our quiz to discover which degree best aligns with your career goals.

Elevate Your Career at Peabody College

Whether you thrive in environments where you engage with students directly, aspire to bring about systemic change through policy initiatives or wish to exercise strategic leadership in complex organizational landscapes, Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development has a program that will fit your goals and the resources to help you reach them.

Explore programs and resources from various areas of human development and education:

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Child and Adolescent Development

Programs and resources for inclusive advocates and developmental practitioners.

Child and adolescent development degree and professional certificate programs at Peabody College are designed with you in mind. By connecting scholarship and practice, they will set you on the path to a fulfilling career with impact.

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Technology in Education

Programs and resources for digital learning pioneers.

With an educational technology degree or certificate from Vanderbilt Peabody College, you can shape the future of learning through human-centered design, applied learning theory and new technologies.

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Teaching and Learning

Programs and resources for classroom catalysts.

There are multiple specialized M.Ed. degree programs at Vanderbilt Peabody College to help you make a lasting impact on students' lives. Which path is right for you? 

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Education Policy and Practice

Programs and resources for policymakers and educational leaders.

Vanderbilt Peabody College offers a range of degree programs designed to empower you to influence policy in education, lead schools and districts, and propel the mission of higher education.

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Research Design

Programs and resources for research trailblazers.

At Vanderbilt Peabody College, future world-class researchers are nurtured by combining learning with application in the areas of cognition, child development and education. Our diverse degree programs boast a commitment to robust research design, profound intellectual exploration and meaningful societal contributions.

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Organizational Leadership

Programs and resources for adaptable leaders and innovative administrators.

Whether your career trajectory leads you to become a change maker for human flourishing, a driver for community change or a master of organizational and team dynamics, our degree and certificate programs prepare you to lead with confidence and compassion. 

Child and Adolescent Development

Programs and resources for inclusive advocates and developmental practitioners.

Child and adolescent development degree and professional certificate programs at Peabody College are designed with you in mind. By connecting scholarship and practice, they will set you on the path to a fulfilling career with impact.

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M.Ed. in Child Studies - Applied Professional Track

With opportunities for scholarly, didactic and in-depth supervised professional experiences, this program is designed for students who want to prepare for careers working with children and families.

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M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling - School Counseling Track

Build a foundation in human development, counseling paradigms and change strategies to support student well-being, drive innovation in school counseling and promote academic and career success.

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M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis

This program is designed for individuals who aim to practice ABA in educational settings or are specifically interested in training focused on school-based applications that integrate best ABA and SPED practices.

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M.Ed. in Special Education

Improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities at the top special education program in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

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Certificate in Pediatric Psychosocial Care

A certificate program for current Vanderbilt
University master's or doctoral students who want to develop skills relevant to studying and meeting the psychosocial needs of children.

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Certificate in Dyslexia Studies

A certificate program for current Vanderbilt
University master's or doctoral students who want to gain the knowledge and skills required to support students with dyslexia.

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Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

A certificate program for non-degree-seeking individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited university who want to work with individuals with disabilities, parents, teachers, paraprofessionals and others through a client-centered approach.

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Charting Your Course and Career in Child and Adolescent Development

Many paths lead to careers in child studies, child life, human development and school counseling. View our guide to explore the potential of child development education and how you can pursue a career in these dynamic fields.

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The Peabody Blog

From careers in pediatric development to the future of psychosocial care, explore child studies topics and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

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Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Technology in Education

Programs and resources for digital learning pioneers.

With an educational technology degree or certificate from Vanderbilt Peabody College, you can shape the future of learning through human-centered design, applied learning theory and new technologies.

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M.Ed. in Innovative Design and Technology in Education

Shape the future of learning with human-centered innovation, applied learning theory and cutting-edge technologies in education through analytics and human-centered design.

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Certificate in Learning Analytics

A certificate for current Vanderbilt University master's or doctoral students who want to strengthen their employability through skill development in learning analytics, assessment, development, instruction, research and policy.

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Certificate in Emerging Learning Technologies and AI

A career-boosting certificate for current Vanderbilt University master's or doctoral students interested in the interplay of cognition, learning science, and technology to support learning and human development inside and outside the classroom.

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Become a Change Agent in Education

Technology has the potential to fuel innovative learning environments. View our guide to learn why this is important and how to foster such innovation in your classroom and beyond.

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The Peabody Blog

From human-centered educational technology to artificial intelligence in the classroom, explore these and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

A woman sits at a table in a library, writing in a notebook and using a laptop, surrounded by books, pens, and headphones.

Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Teaching and Learning

Programs and resources for classroom catalysts.

There are multiple specialized M.Ed. degree programs at Vanderbilt Peabody College to help you make a lasting impact on students' lives. Which path is right for you? 

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M.Ed. in Integrated Early Childhood Education

Prepare to work with infants, toddlers and young children (birth through kindergarten) with a wide range of needs, in home, community and school settings.

Shape Your Skills

M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Connect theory to practice with experience in elementary literacy practices, social studies methods and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) practices.

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M.Ed. in Secondary Education

Collaborate with faculty and gain invaluable experience teaching at the middle and high school levels as you prepare to use education to create a more informed and engaged society.

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M.Ed. in Multilingual Education

Expand your expertise in multilingual and multimodal learning, language sciences, and learner-centered design and pedagogy, with the option to earn licensure in English as an Additional Language and/or World Languages.

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M.Ed. in Reading Education

As a reading educator, develop the skills required of reading specialists and literacy coaches by learning about literacy development, assessment and instruction. 

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M.Ed. in Special Education

Improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities at the top special education graduate program in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

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Empowering the Next Generation with an M.Ed.

Teaching is a cornerstone of our society, playing a critical role in shaping our collective future. View our Teaching for Impact resources to learn more about the paths to specialized, impactful teaching at Peabody College.

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The Peabody Blog

From teaching English as a second language to the rewarding outcomes of special education careers, explore these and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

A woman sits at a table in a library, writing in a notebook and using a laptop, surrounded by books, pens, and headphones.

Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Education Policy and Practice

Programs and resources for policymakers and educational leaders.

Vanderbilt Peabody College offers a range of degree programs designed to empower you to influence policy in education, lead schools and districts, and propel the mission of higher education.

A woman in a red dress is giving a lecture to a group of students.

M.P.P. in Education Policy

Whether you’re interested in K-12 or higher education policy, explore how decision makers influence today’s educational systems in a nationally recognized, top-ranked program.

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M.Ed. in International Education Policy and Management

Learn the essential principles and techniques for understanding and improving education policy and organizational management in diverse sociocultural settings. 

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M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

Prepare for professional roles in higher education administration, consulting firms, state education agencies or related nonprofits.

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Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Bridge the divide between theory and practice in an innovative, cohort-based program designed to meet the needs of mid-career K-12 and higher education professionals.

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M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership

Unlock your potential as an innovator and leader. Explore and master the skills needed to effectively lead an independent school community.

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Make an Impact Where It Matters

Those ​​seeking careers in education administration and policy have a unique opportunity to be part of the next generation of education leaders who want to create exceptional student experiences that deliver transformative outcomes. Learn more about degree programs that will prepare you to shape education policy, leadership and administration in our guide.

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The Peabody Blog

From creating change in K-12 education to building a career in higher education administration, explore these and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

A woman sits at a table in a library, writing in a notebook and using a laptop, surrounded by books, pens, and headphones.

Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Research Design

Programs and resources for research trailblazers.

At Vanderbilt Peabody College, future world-class researchers are nurtured by combining learning with application in the areas of cognition, child development and education. Our diverse degree programs boast a commitment to robust research design, profound intellectual exploration and meaningful societal contributions.

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M.S. in Cognitive Psychology in Context

This program provides educational and research experiences for students who are interested in applying to Ph.D. programs in the future, as well as students interested in working in the psychology sector and related applied settings.

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M.Ed. in Quantitative Methods

Through this program, prepare to apply your psychometric and data analysis skills in health and medical settings, business, government and industry positions, dedicated research institutes, school systems and other academic settings.

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M.Ed. in Child Studies - Clinical and Developmental Research Track

This M.Ed. is designed for those who want to prepare for further graduate study, such as doctoral studies in clinical, developmental or educational psychology, or positions in adolescent research.

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M.P.P. in Education Policy - Quantitative Methods Track

Dive deep into policy decision-making and how those decisions influence today’s educational systems in a nationally recognized, top-ranked program.

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Research Design for Social Good

In a world increasingly reliant on data, understanding research design equips you to discern fact from fiction, quality from fluff and insights from opinion and misinformation. Learn more about interpreting the world using data and changing it for the social good of society in our guide.

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The Peabody Blog

From quantitative data careers to research design, explore these and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

A woman sits at a table in a library, writing in a notebook and using a laptop, surrounded by books, pens, and headphones.

Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Organizational Leadership

Programs and resources for adaptable leaders and innovative administrators.

Whether your career trajectory leads you to become a change maker for human flourishing, a driver for community change or a master of organizational and team dynamics, our degree and certificate programs prepare you to lead with confidence and compassion. 

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M.Ed. in Leadership and Organizational Performance

Equip yourself with the organizational leadership training needed to lead for-profit, non-profit, government and educational organizations.

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M.Ed. in Community Development and Action

Join students committed to learning how to create positive, community-level change in a collaborative and participatory way.

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M.Ed. in Organizational Development for Social Innovation

The ODSI program uniquely combines three pivotal domains to create visionary changemakers: organizational development, human-centered design and social innovation.

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M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership

Unlock your potential as an innovator and leader. Explore and master the skills needed to effectively lead an independent school community.

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Certificate in Social Impact Design and Evaluation

A certificate program for current Vanderbilt
University master's or doctoral students who want to design and assess significant change that impacts a pressing social challenge.

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Lead as a Force for Change

The world needs leaders who can align strategic thinking, team-building and evidence-based decision-making to drive innovation and collaboration. Explore our guide to learn how an organizational leadership degree can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to lead your industry into the future.

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The Peabody Blog

From grassroots leadership to organizational theory, explore these and other valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

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Discover Your Path to Success

Not sure which program is right for you? Discover your path to success by taking our quiz.

Application Resources

App Checklist

Are you ready to begin your application or curious what it entails? Use our checklist as a helpful guide.

Admissions Page

Visit the Peabody admissions page for graduate and professional program information. 

How to Apply

Learn more about the application process for Peabody’s master’s and Ed.D. programs.

Peabody College of Education and Human Development Resources

Are you ready to learn more or take the next steps? Explore these resources to get started:

Program Viewbook

Download our viewbook to explore our wide variety of programs and see what sets Peabody College apart.

Student Employment

Learn how graduate student employment works and how you can find a role that enhances your graduate school experience.

The Peabody Blog

Explore valuable leadership, learning and human development resources on the Peabody Blog.

Request More Information

Select your program of interest and request information today to learn more about the power of a Vanderbilt Peabody College master’s or Ed.D.

Schedule a Meeting

Connect with a member of our team to get answers to all your questions and prepare for enrolling at Peabody.

Ideas in Action

Explore how Peabody faculty turn research into real-world solutions through collaboration with educators, leaders and policymakers in our monthly publication, Ideas in Action: Research News in Education and Human Development.