Vanderbilt Peabody Launches Four Online Master's Degrees

New online programs offer flexibility and access to Peabody's renowned education expertise.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vanderbilt University Peabody College of education and human development will offer four new, fully online master of education programs in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Innovative Design and Technology in Education, and Multilingual Education. The programs are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals and extend Peabody's educational opportunities beyond its campus.

Why it matters

As a leading college of education, Peabody's new online master's programs will expand access to its renowned expertise and prepare graduates for in-demand roles across a range of educational settings. The flexible, online format allows working professionals to earn advanced degrees without having to relocate or pause their careers.

The details

The 30-33 credit hour programs can be completed in 15 months to 2 years, depending on individual requirements. They combine asynchronous learning with live sessions and optional on-campus convenings. Students can tailor their learning through specialized pathways in the Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness program, and earn micro-credentials in the Innovative Design and Technology in Education and Multilingual Education programs.

  • Applications for all four programs are currently open.
  • The programs will launch in Fall 2026.

The players

Camilla P. Benbow

Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Shilpa Patwardhan

Assistant dean for strategic enrollment management and executive director of the Peabody Leadership Institute at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Johanna Staubitz

Associate professor of the practice of special education at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Eve Rifkin

Program director and senior lecturer of leadership, policy, and organizations at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Andrew Hostetler

Program director and professor of the practice of teaching and learning at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Shannon Daniel

Program director and associate professor of the practice at Vanderbilt University Peabody College.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As a leading college of education and human development, Peabody offers unique value to its graduates. We are especially excited to be able to extend this opportunity to qualified candidates regardless of their location or professional obligations.”

— Camilla P. Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development (Mirage News)

“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.”

— Shilpa Patwardhan, Assistant dean for strategic enrollment management and executive director of the Peabody Leadership Institute (Mirage News)

“Our online master of education in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to combine Vanderbilt's academic rigor with real-world relevance. 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.”

— Johanna Staubitz, Associate professor of the practice of special education (Mirage News)

“In this program, we bring together evidence-based practice and real-world experience to help you lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. 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.”

— Eve Rifkin, Program director and senior lecturer of leadership, policy, and organizations (Mirage News)

“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. 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.”

— Andrew Hostetler, Program director and professor of the practice of teaching and learning (Mirage News)

“When learners expand their languages, they expand their possibilities. 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.”

— Shannon Daniel, Program director and associate professor of the practice (Mirage News)

What’s next

Prospective students are encouraged to apply early for enrollment in Fall 2026. Detailed application procedures are available on the Peabody College website.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's Peabody College is expanding access to its renowned education expertise by launching four new online master's programs. These flexible, online degrees will prepare working professionals for in-demand roles in fields like applied behavior analysis, educational leadership, instructional design, and multilingual education.