The PhD program prepares students to conduct high quality, consequential research promoting educational excellence. Students also obtain knowledge through research and teaching assistantships, courses and professional development opportunities.
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Build Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Designed for research scholars who are ready to elevate education, USC Rossier’s PhD program offers an immersive, rigorous course of study that prepares you to investigate complex challenges spanning classrooms, institutions and policy systems.
Through close faculty mentorship, hands-on research and teaching assistantships, and a wide range of professional development opportunities, you’ll develop the expertise to produce high-impact, meaningful scholarship.
PhD Concentrations
Students select one concentration reflecting their core interests and are matched with a PhD faculty advisor within that concentration to guide their academic and research journey. Concentrations include:
- Educational Psychology – Includes research in the areas of learning and motivation, neuroscience of learning, learning analytics, generative AI, cyberbullying, socio-emotional learning
- Higher Education – Includes research in the areas of college access, graduate education, organizational productivity and leadership, college student development, and enrollment and retention
- K-12 Education Policy – Includes research centered on K-12 governance, accountability, politics, school and district reform, school choice policies and privatization, teacher policies, standards and curriculum reform and conflicts, organization and institutional change
- Teacher Education – Includes a focus on knowledge for teaching mathematics, teacher knowledge, mathematics education, mathematics teacher education, professional development and teacher learning
“I received invaluable research training during my time at USC. From day one of the program I was able to work on research projects that were innovative and important in urban education, and I was fortunate to do so alongside a vibrant and passionate community of scholars.”
Federick J. Ngo, PhD ’17
Associate Professor, University of Nevada – Las Vegas
Curriculum
Advance Research That Shapes Education Systems
Examine the forces shaping education through rigorous research, policy analysis, and critical inquiry. These courses build the foundation to investigate complex challenges, generate new knowledge, and drive meaningful change in urban education and beyond.
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View All CoursesResearch, Policy, and Practice in Urban Education
Examine how social, historical, and political forces shape urban education systems. Analyze the connections between research, policy, and practice—and their impact on equity and opportunity.
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Build a foundation in statistical methods used in education research. Learn to work with data through sampling, inference, and analysis while understanding key concepts like validity and research design.
Organizations and Policy: Current Issues
Analyze contemporary challenges in education systems, policy, and organizational change across K–12 and higher education. Focus on strategies for improving outcomes in urban contexts.
Controversies in Learning and Instruction
Explore major debates in learning theory and educational psychology. Examine how these ideas apply in diverse, urban settings and inform research, teaching, and practice.
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PhD vs. EdD in Education: Nine expert tips to help you choose
If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree. If you want to elevate your…
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Questions about the program?
Attend one of our PhD webinar sessions for more information or reach out to our program contact.
Contact:
Clara Colin
Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships