Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership International Cohort (online)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership International Cohort online prepares experienced professionals across Asia and global contexts to lead systemic improvement and advance equitable practices within their organizations through research-based strategies.

Through this program you will:

• Earn a USC doctorate from a school with a strong global reputation

• Continue working full time while attending live online classes scheduled for professionals in Asia

• Learn alongside a diverse cohort of leaders operating across industries and borders
   

Program Structure

The International Cohort is offered as a 43-unit, full-time program beginning in the fall term. Students complete the same rigorous OCL curriculum, with intentional adjustments to case studies, assignments and discussions to reflect international and regional contexts.

Synchronous class sessions are held on Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Singapore Time, allowing working professionals across Asia to participate in real time.

This cohort does not offer a 60-unit pathway or part-time option.

Curriculum

The OCL  International Cohort 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.

International Immersion Experience

In the first and fifth terms of the program, you will be required to attend an immersion weekend held in Singapore. This immersion experience is designed to strengthen cohort connection, deepen faculty engagement, and accelerate applied leadership practice through collaborative learning exercises. A $2,500 immersion fee, per immersion, will be assessed. This fee does not include student travel expenses (e.g., flight and accommodation) and a mandatory student travel health insurance fee (assessed separately by USC).

Students residing in America are welcome to pursue the program online, however the second immersion weekend cannot be waived (the student will be required to participate in Singapore). The in-person program component requirements for the first immersion weekend will be waived, or alternatively, your faculty and/or academic advisor will confirm the arrangements to complete the requirements from the U.S. 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.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the OCL International Cohort advance into leadership roles across higher education, multinational corporations, nonprofits and government organizations throughout Asia and beyond.

Potential roles include:

• Higher Education Administrator

• Human Resources Director

• Healthcare Administrator

• Chief Executive Officer

• Executive Director

• Chief Operating Officer

• Policy and Organizational Strategy Leader