Student Experience

An EdD Designed for Digital Learning

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online (OCL online) from USC Rossier combines live online classes, dynamic self-paced coursework and personal interactions with a worldwide community to deliver an online learning experience unlike any other.

  • A digital classroom that facilitates discourse — and makes it easy to collaborate. Join your peers and professors in weekly live class sessions on our HD, video-enabled Zoom platform available on all of your mobile devices.
  • Access to experienced USC Rossier faculty. Our faculty are thought leaders in education research, curriculum pedagogy and instructional technology. You’ll be able to ask questions and receive guidance during live online office hours.
  • A program designed for busy professionals, with self-paced coursework that allows you to fit your doctoral education into your schedule.

Classes & Coursework

Live Classes

Led by USC Rossier faculty, weekly class sessions are held in a seminar format on a live video platform.

  • Small Classes: Classes are designed to promote dynamic and engaging conversation and course discussions.
  • Recorded Sessions: Class recordings are available 24/7.
  • Dynamic Functionality: Classrooms can be used for group meetings and faculty office hours.
“I manage an almost impossible schedule, which does not allow me to be physically present in a classroom on specified days and times. With the online platform, as long as there is an internet connection, I can be in class anywhere in the world.

Each week, I log in and take my classes with students who are as far away as the Middle East and Europe … It’s amazing! ”

Shindale Seale, OCL online ’18
Los Angeles, Calif.
Regional Director of Organizational Performance/Culture at Kaizen Human Capital

Coursework

Each week, you’ll tackle a rigorous curriculum developed from the ground-up by USC faculty and produced by world-class instructional designers. Coursework consists of interactive online lessons, various reading materials, videos and recorded video. It can be completed at your own pace from anywhere using a computer, iPhone, iPad or Android device.

OCL online On the Go

Our mobile application, 2SC, gives you access to our flexible learning platform from anywhere using your mobile device, where you can:

  • Upload photos and updates, check in with groups and interact with peers and professors
  • Access videos and course content, including all readings, assignments and videos
  • Take notes, complete coursework and submit assignments directly in the app
  • Set reminders for upcoming due dates, events and more
  • Work from anywhere with Mobile Offline Mode, which allows you to download coursework to complete without an Internet connection.

Capstone

Your three-part capstone experience will help prepare you for the next step in your career as you work with an organization of your choosing and demonstrate your mastery of core OCL online proficiencies.

Real Connections

USC Rossier brings OCL online students from all over the world together in a collaborative learning environment. You’ll build relationships with our unmatched community of future, cross-disciplinary leaders, faculty and alumni as you participate in study sessions, social groups, online events and collaborative discussions.

On-campus Immersion

You’ll attend a mandatory annual immersion weekends on our Los Angeles campus where you can network with classmates and professors face-to-face and complete collaborative learning exercises designed to build your leadership skills.

“I was surprised by the sense of community created in the classroom. The asynchronous model really works. I am connected to my classmates and have developed relationships with them. I also feel very connected to USC — I have only been on campus two times, yet I am a Trojan!”

Melinda Clark, OCL online ’18
Tampa, Fla.,
Associate Vice President of Financial Aid at Saint Leo University

Customized Support

From the application process to one-on-one academic and professional support to alumni resources, USC Rossier is committed to providing you with the highest quality of support — just like our on-campus students receive. Your personalized support system includes:

  • A dedicated Admissions Counselor to guide you through the application process, take you on a personal tour of the online classroom and answer your questions.
  • An Academic Counselor who will meet with you one-on-one throughout your program.
  • A Student Support Team to provide you with any technical assistance you need and help you acclimate to our online learning community.
  • Access to USC’s library resources, networking events, speaker series, and student and career services.
  • All of the Trojan Family —our global alumni network where you can build important personal and professional connections.

WeWork Access

All USC Rossier online students receive a complimentary membership to WeWork’s rapidly growing global community of coworking spaces. You’ll be able to reserve study spaces, meet with other nearby students and network — all while enjoying plentiful coffee and fast Wi-Fi.