Global Executive Doctor of Education

The curriculum includes three concurrent streams that focus on a critical aspect of educational leadership as well as a dissertation project. The program will increase your capacity to understand the context in which educational systems operate; measure where an educational institution or system is and where it needs to be; utilize a deep understanding of how people learn and mobilize human, fiscal, physical and technological resources to facilitate change. 

Dissertation in Practice

Building on the foundation established by coursework, you will complete a dissertation in practice that researches, diagnoses and develops recommendations for a field-based educational problem using one of three problem-solving frameworks. 

The dissertation in practice is deeply integrated into the curriculum to streamline the completion of your degree. You will complete your dissertation by participating in a thematic dissertation group, which brings together a small number of students working on closely-related topics or utilizing a common methodological approach. In this way, you will benefit from a highly collaborative environment while still completing your own unique work of scholarship. 

Learning Experience

The Global EdD learning experience combines assignments completed online, live online class sessions, and one- to two-week intensive class sessions each term. 

Self-Paced Assignments and Online Sessions

Throughout the year, you will complete assigned coursework asynchronously. Occasionally (approximately one to three times per month), faculty facilitate lectures and highly collaborative small group discussions in a live online format. These online class sessions provide you the opportunity to interact virtually with faculty and student colleagues. 

Intensive Class Sessions

Throughout the program, nine intensive class sessions (one per academic term) are offered in various international locations around the world. These one- to two-week sessions require all-day participation in class discussions, lectures and learning activities, student work groups and more. While locations change each year, past intensive sessions have been held in destinations throughout Asia, Europe, South America and Africa.

When Participating in Person during Intensive Sessions

When you attend intensive class sessions in person, you will travel to that location for one to two weeks. You will participate in class discussions, lectures and learning activities, student work groups, readings and site visits to schools, universities and other educational organizations. Lodging and most meals during instructional sessions are included. In-person class sessions are contingent on favorable public health conditions and university approval.

When Participating Online outside of Intensive Sessions

You will join class discussions and lectures virtually. You will also participate in learning activities, student work groups and readings.

Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost to begin the program in the 2026 summer term will determined in July 2025. This cost will include:

• Tuition
• Mandatory student fees
• Instructional materials
• Accommodations for intensive sessions 
• Most meals during intensive sessions 

Airfare, local transportation, and visa fees are not included.

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to confirm enrollment. This deposit will be applied to tuition costs. You will be billed for the remainder of the cost in installments.

Financial Aid

United States citizens and legal residents are eligible to apply for financial aid in the form of student loans. Federal loan programs currently allow eligible students to borrow up to the full cost of study. 

The USC Office of Student Financial Services provides information regarding student accounts, tuition payment plans, campus-based loans, payment options and tax credits. In order to be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA by the annual deadline. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

The Global EdD program prepares graduates for roles as senior educational leaders, policymakers or administrators in universities, school systems and education-related corporations. Some positions held by our graduates include:
 

• Chief operating officer
• Branch chief of U.S. study abroad at the U.S. Department of State
• Executive vice president
• Assistant dean
• Associate dean
• Dean
• Faculty member
• Consultant