Unlock your team's full capacity and lead talent development performance with evidence-based learning initiatives to strengthen your organization.
Develop your skills as a learning and talent management leader.
The Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D. program prepares senior-level executives for success in their roles as learning and talent development leaders. Developing an organization's talent is a critical component of its success. Learning leaders who are committed to human capital development within organizations must use evidence-based practice to create and oversee leadership development, learning, and managerial initiatives. The program provides a rigorous academic environment where members build the skills necessary to ensure successful learning outcomes that will align with the organization's strategy.
September 1 Application Opens
Fall, Spring, Summer Entry Terms
Executive* Enrollment Format
21 Course Units
3 Years Duration
Hybrid* Modality
The Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D. (Penn CLO) program offers the rigor of an Ivy League institution and the flexibility of an executive format. This 3-year doctoral program empowers senior learning leaders to drive organizational success by strategically aligning learning initiatives with business objectives. The curriculum is structured around five essential blocks—Leadership, Learning, Business, Evidence, and Technology—and equips students with comprehensive skills to thrive as impactful learning executives.
Students will gain expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and persuasive communication to advocate for learning initiatives. Grounded in evidence-based principles of adult and workplace learning, the program emphasizes fostering inclusive environments, leveraging informal learning methods, implementing performance-based assessments, and forming strategic educational partnerships.
Additionally, students will develop essential business acumen in managerial finance, strategic marketing, global learning management, knowledge management, and project management—equipping them to align learning initiatives with organizational goals. They will also gain proficiency in rigorous, ethical research methodologies, enabling them to critically evaluate and conduct impactful scholarly research with a strong emphasis on ethical standards and actionable insights. Finally, students will master the strategic implementation and management of innovative educational technologies, including navigating critical security and privacy issues, to maximize the impact of organizational learning and enhance performance.
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
As the first program of its kind, the Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D. empowers mid- to senior-level professionals to align learning with strategy, applying evidence-based practices to elevate performance, develop leaders, and drive organizational transformation across industries.
As the first program of its kind, the Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D. empowers mid- to senior-level professionals to align learning with strategy, applying evidence-based practices to elevate performance, develop leaders, and drive organizational transformation across industries.
Designed for working professionals, our The Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D. program unfolds over approximately three years. The first 18 months consist of five sequential academic course blocks—each required and offered three times per year. After completing at least three blocks, students begin the Master’s Thesis and Dissertation Preparation course.
Each block includes two intensive weeks per semester featuring a blend of in-person and virtual sessions. Coursework is enriched through seminars, field projects, academic writing, practitioner-oriented writing assignments, and collaborative group work.
Following coursework, students spend 12–18 months completing an independent research project and dissertation. Successful completion of all components—including a comprehensive exam—advances students to become candidates for the doctoral degree.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Penn Chief Learning Officer Ed.D. program in the University Catalog.
We are here to help! Contact the program Assistant Director, Nicole Guerrero, nicmg@upenn.edu.
| Virtual Sessions | |
| Leadership | June 8–13, 2025 | Jul 13–18, 2025 |
| Learning | Sept. 28–Oct. 3, 2025 | Nov. 9–14, 2025 |
| Business | Feb. 22–27, 2026 | Mar. 22–27, 2026 |
| Dissertation Seminar | May 13–15, 2026 | |
| Evidence | June 7–12, 2026 | July 12–17, 2026 |
| Technology | Sept. 27–Oct. 2, 2026 | Nov. 15–20, 2026 |
Graduates of the program will possess the skills and expertise to strategically implement and manage innovative educational technologies, while addressing key security and privacy concerns, to drive organizational learning and improve performance. Alumni hold senior leadership positions—such as Chief Learning Officers, Vice Presidents of Human Resources, and Training Directors—across diverse industries, recognizing the profound impact a well-developed workforce can have on organizational success. Check out The Practitioner-Scholar: Penn CLO Podcast Series to learn more about our alumni and student accomplishments and their contributions as global impact makers.
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
The Penn Chief Learning Officer Doctoral Program's Podcast Series, The Practitioner-Scholar, showcases and celebrates alumni/student accomplishments and their contributions as global impact makers.
