EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership

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. This pathway includes completing 17 units of coursework drawn from one of the following programs prior to advancing into doctoral coursework: the Master of Education in Learning Design with AI and Emerging Technologies (LDAI), the Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA), the Master of Education in Educational Counseling (EC), or the Master of Education in Sports Administration and Leadership (MSAL). 

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.

The OCL online curriculum is structured around three themes:

Organizational Design and Change: Develop leadership practices that apply principles of organizational design and change to create organizations where people and performance thrive.
Leadership and Reflective Practice: Strengthen your leadership through critical reflection, examining your own beliefs and experiences to foster inclusive cultures and lead with integrity. Evidence-Based Decision Making: Build your ability to use research and data to make evidence-based decisions, address organizational challenges, and evaluate organizational outcomes.

Dissertation in Practice
The OCL online program culminates in a Dissertation in Practice—an integrated doctoral capstone that demonstrates your ability to apply research, leadership, and organizational design and change to complex organizational challenges. Through applied research, critical reflection, and organizational change planning, you will integrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the program to produce actionable solutions that support people and organizations.

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.Live class sessions are facilitated by USC Rossier faculty and include highly interactive, engaging, and collaborative small-group discussions and activities.

In the first and fifth terms of the program, you will 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 

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.

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.