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)

If you do not have a master’s degree, you have the option to enroll in the 60-unit track and complete 17 units of coursework in the Master of Education in Learning Design with AI and Emerging Technologies (LDAI) program prior to advancing into doctoral coursework. Students on this track do not earn a Master’s degree, but are awarded a Learning Design and Technology certificate, a University-recognized academic certificate designed to demonstrate completed coursework in a specialization and to support career advancement on the path to an EdD degree. 

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 content experiences and coursework assignments on the learning management system. Live class sessions are facilitated by faculty and include highly interactive, engaging and collaborative small-group discussions.

On-Campus Immersion 

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 will give you the opportunity to meet your classmates and professors face to face and complete various collaborative learning exercises designed to build essential leadership skills.

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