Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy
The application portal for a Fall 2021 start has now closed. Applications for a Fall 2022 start will open August 1, 2021 and will be due December 1, 2021. Information sessions for the next application cycle will begin in March 2021.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Education Policy program prepares you to conduct high quality, consequential research promoting educational excellence and social justice. This effort stands on three pillars: preparing students to pursue educational equity through research; studying educational equity across disciplines; and constructing a diverse, inclusive professional community.
Students in the PhD program are fully funded for four calendar years, and we welcome applicants whose research interests align with USC Rossier’s mission. The program seeks both personal and disciplinary diversity in our student body and prepares leaders to achieve educational equity through practice, research and policy, and seeks candidates who plan to pursue careers as research scholars. Students will benefit from close interaction with a distinguished faculty and a collaborative research community at the University of Southern California.
Our areas of research and study are:
- Educational Psychology
- Higher Education
- K12 Education Policy
- Teacher Education

Curriculum Overview
As a graduate of the PhD program, you will have first-rate research skills, substantive knowledge of urban education, and a strong professional network. Additionally, your record of achievement will include the academic publications and presentations necessary for success as faculty at top research universities, or as research analysts and policy-makers.
Coursework Examples
- Organization and Policy: Current Issues
- Ways of Seeing: Applying Social Science and Critical Theories to Education
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People are saying
Raquel M. Rall – PhD – ’14My time in Rossier allowed me to cultivate mutually beneficial networks with peers and mentors who are challenging the status quo in higher education. These connections continue to shape how I navigate the professoriate as an agent of change.
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All applicants are carefully considered through a holistic review process.
Learn More
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Laura Romero Director PhD in Urban Education Policy |
rsoephd@rossier.usc.edu (213) 740-6303 |
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Alex Atashi Student Services Advisor II PhD in Urban Education Policy |
rsoephd@rossier.usc.edu (213) 740-4069 |