University of Southern California

Program Information

Degree Offered

Doctor of Education, Students in K-12 concentration can earn Tier II credential at USC if they meet the CCTC requirements

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is a 3-year program that equips practitioner-scholars with the skills needed to connect research with practice, lead high-performing organizations, and help all students learn. The program is geared towards full-time working professionals with at least 3 to 5 years of full-time work experience who want to be leaders in urban education. Four concentrations are offered that tailor to the following professional fields:

Higher Education Administration: For individuals interested in advancing their career in senior administrative leadership positions at two- and four-year colleges and universities.

Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies (TEMS): For aspiring leaders in the field of pre-service and/or in-service teacher preparation, focusing on more equitable learning for culturally and linguistically diverse students in urban settings.

Educational Psychology: For professionals in K-12, higher education, and business, military, and government organizations who seek to improve the motivation, achievement, performance, and retention of diverse learners.

K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings: For current and prospective K-12 site and district administrators and/or those working with educational policy and practice at local, state and federal levels.

The first four courses in the Ed.D. Program were collaboratively designed by a team of faculty members on the Rossier’s four guiding principles: accountability, diversity, leadership, and learning. These are four areas in which all Ed.D. students are expected to demonstrate mastery, regardless of their concentration areas. After completing the core, students take courses in one of four academic concentrations, providing in-depth knowledge related to students’ specific work setting. Throughout the second year, students build upon the broad base of knowledge gained in the core while taking courses that align most closely with their career objectives. Each concentration exposes students to context-specific best practices and cutting-edge research and emphasizes the application of theory to practice.

All Ed.D. students complete an international study course and trip. These 10-day trips to Asia or Latin America promote cross-cultural understanding among educators.

Distinctive Program Benefits:

-Thematic dissertation and cohort model provide working professionals the support needed to complete a doctorate in 3 years.

-Flexible schedule for full-time working professionals. Classes are typically offered one night a week or every other weekend (Fri/Sat).

-Off-site locations. Cohort offered in Hawaii, and students have the option to take some classes in Orange County.

-Prominent professors who influence educational policies and practices and clinical faculty who have excelled in the field.

-Personalized advisement through the Doctoral Support Center and Ed.D. Program Office, along with an influential alumni base in the Trojan Family.

Accreditation:

WASC

# of Credits Required:

43

International Student Requirements:

Confidential Financial Statement / Verification of Funds Official TOEFL score report from ETS

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$1420/unit USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above