Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

The USC Rossier EdD in Educational Leadership online (EDL online) program prepares you to be a leader in various sectors of education.

Designed to accommodate your schedule as a working professional, the three-year program will train you to become a critically conscious leader with the skills to address inequities in education.

Students pursuing their online doctorate in education must have a master’s degree, a minimum of three years of relevant full-time work experience and leadership experience. The EDL online program offers four concentrations for students to develop knowledge and expertise in a specific discipline: 

  • K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings 
  • Leading Instructional Change
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Educational Psychology

Request information about the EdD in Educational Leadership online program.

Become a Leader in Education

The EdD in Educational Leadership online program will prepare you to: 

  • Critically reflect on the way your position in society and worldview supports or impedes your ability to lead effectively.
  • Analyze institutional oppression and develop strategies to advance equity. 
  • Drive organizational improvement and ensure compliance with laws, policies and mandates. 
  • Use evidence-based research to improve practice for all learners. 
  • Model high standards of ethical practice. 

Learn more about our online EdD.

Online EdD Curriculum

To earn your online doctorate in education, you must complete coursework consisting of four components: core courses, concentration courses, research methods courses and the dissertation in practice. 

The dissertation in practice is a doctoral dissertation with a more practical focus than a traditional dissertation. Under the guidance of faculty in your concentration, you will apply relevant research methods to tackle a problem of practice that impedes access to equitable educational opportunities and outcomes.

The purpose of the dissertation in practice is to equip students earning their online EdD with the knowledge and skills to address existing problems in the workplace well beyond your completion of the program.

Program Specifications

The EdD in Educational Leadership online program requires a minimum of 43 units. The program can be completed in three years with two courses in most semesters. 

Online Learning Experience

Classes are conducted live in a real-time virtual classroom environment. The live sessions are facilitated by faculty and include highly interactive, engaging and collaborative discussions. Prior to attending live sessions, you will complete assignments submitted through the learning management system.

Take the next step in your career. Request information about our online EdD program in educational leadership.