Program Highlights
This cohort is designed explicitly for system-level leaders — superintendents, assistant superintendents, and CEOs of independent or charter schools.
Lead Change to Improve Outcomes for All Students
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Executive Cohort (online) program is designed for senior-level system leaders in K-12 education who are committed to driving meaningful change. This program advances your skills as a critically conscious leader, equipping you with strategic thinking, evidence-based research, and the ability to create equity and foster continuous organizational improvement.
You will:
- Earn a doctorate respected by employers in the field of education.
- Be able to maintain a full-time work schedule.
- Learn alongside a cohort of experienced executive-level educational professionals nationwide.
- Engage in coursework grounded in theory and practice, applying research-based frameworks to current K–12 challenges through a case study approach.
- Attend live online classes on Fridays and Saturdays, four weekends per course.
This cohort is designed to bring together senior-level executive K-12 leaders who are ready to shape the future of education through collaboration, research, and transformative leadership.
Flexible
Maintain your full-time work schedule while attending live online classes on Friday Evenings and Saturdays.
Transformative
Advance your real-world senior leadership experience by addressing current K–12 challenges alongside active and retired superintendents who bring proven, research-based strategies from the field.
Prestigious
Earn a doctorate from a university with a reputation for producing leaders and be connected to a robust Trojan alumni network.
Practical
Courses focus on interrogating current and emerging K–12 issues through practical, research-aligned tasks guided by experienced faculty.
Curriculum
Leading with Confidence as an Executive in Education
In the first year of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Executive Cohort (online), you will complete courses that reflect USC Rossier’s mission and the program’s purpose: Urban Education and Leadership. During the second year, your coursework will expand to cover Learning, Leading for Instructional Excellence and Equity Immersion, and Research Methods, providing a deeper understanding of educational leadership and instructional strategies.
Courses
Courses
Admissions
Scholarship
Program Outcomes
95% of alumni said their USC Rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career.
89% of alumni said their studies at USC Rossier prepared them well for future employment.
90% of alumni said their studies at USC Rossier prepared them to understand research.
Advance Your Career Without Pausing It
Class times are scheduled on Friday evenings and Saturdays during the day. Join us and learn firsthand why 95% of our alumni said their USC Rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career.
Is an EdD worth it? Leaders share insights and experiences
Get in Touch
Program Contact
Jessica Romero
Assistant Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships
Faculty
Meet some of our experts.
Maria G. Ott
Professor of Clinical Education, Irving R. and Virgina Archer Melbo Chair in Educational Administration
Meet Professor Ott
Darline P. Robles
Professor of Clinical Educatio, Associate Dean for Diversity & Community Engagement
Meet Professor RoblesEvents
Start your application.
Lead change in ways that will improve academic opportunities and outcomes for all students.