Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership (online)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online (OCL online) program will prepare you to lead systemic improvement and foster equitable practices and policies in your organization by applying research-based strategies.

Through this program you will:

• Earn a doctorate from a school with a strong reputation among employers
• Continue to work full time while taking evening classes online
• Gain interdisciplinary insight as you learn alongside a cohort of leaders from a variety of industries
   

Program Tracks

The OCL online program offers two tracks—a track for those entering the program with a master’s or terminal degree and a track for those entering the program without a master’s degree.

43-Unit Track 

If you hold a master’s degree or terminal degree (e.g., PhD or professional doctorate), you may, at the discretion of the admission committee, be admitted with advanced standing and be required to take only 43 units in order to complete the program. The 43-unit track takes approximately three years to complete.

60-Unit Track (only offered in the Fall)

Students without a conferred master’s degree, or equivalent, from a college or university that is regionally accredited or recognized by a ministry of education, and who have substantial work and leadership experience, will be required to complete 60 units. The 60-unit pathway is not eligible for I-20/DS-2019 issuance. International students who would otherwise need an I-20/DS-2019 are welcome to pursue the program online from their home country; the in-person program component requirements will be waived, or alternatively, your faculty and/or academic advisor will confirm the arrangements to complete the requirements from your home country. If you have questions, please contact Jim Lee at  jiml@rossier.usc.edu.

Part-Time Option 

The EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership offers a part-time study option for students in the 43-unit track, available for those starting in the fall term. This option is designed for working professionals seeking greater flexibility while completing doctoral-level leadership preparation. Students interested in the part-time option should contact the Office of Admission and Scholarships for more information.

Curriculum

The OCL online curriculum is structured around three themes:

Leading Organizational Change: Develop leadership practices to advance equity and apply principles of organizational behavior, learning and motivation to enhance the development of talent and organizational performance.  

Data-Informed Decision Making: Strengthen your ability to make evidence-based decisions and effectively use data to inform decisions and address problems.

Critical Reflection: Engage with the USC Rossier mission to assess your own leadership practices and reflect on your own beliefs and experiences to foster inclusive and equitable environments. 

Dissertation in Practice

The OCL online program culminates with a dissertation in practice that will allow you to demonstrate effective application of the program’s theories and concepts. You will address a problem of practice in an organization or professional field and gather data to answer research questions and provide recommendations.

Online Learning Experience

The online learning experience blends interaction with student colleagues and faculty during scheduled weekly live class sessions and asynchronous activities and assignments in a learning management system.  Live class sessions are facilitated by USC Rossier faculty and include highly interactive, engaging and collaborative small-group discussions and activities.

On-campus Immersion Experience

In the first and fifth terms of the program, you will be required to attend an immersion weekend held on the USC University Park campus. This immersion experience is designed to strengthen cohort connection, deepen faculty engagement, and accelerate applied leadership practice through collaborative learning exercises.

This program is not eligible for I-20/DS-2019 issuance. International students who would otherwise need a I-20/DS-2019 are welcome to pursue the program online from their home country; the in-person program component requirements will be waived or alternatively, your faculty and/or academic advisor will confirm the arrangements to complete the requirements from your home country. If you have questions, please contact Anna Chiang at annachia@rossier.usc.edu

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. The admission committee selects recipients based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by the Regular Deadline (for spring admission) and the Rossier Scholarship Deadline (for fall admission). All USC Rossier scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

Many OCL online alumni can be found in leadership roles across a number of private and public industries.

Potential roles include:

Colleges & Universities
Associate Professor
Higher Education Administrator
Athletic Director
Private Firms

Human Resources Director
Finance Director
Healthcare Administrator
CEO

Nonprofit Organizations
Manager/Executive Director
Planning Director
Chief Operating Officer

Government Organizations
Police Chief
Museum Director
Educational Coordinator