Program Highlights
This full-time, online EDL International Schools Cohort is designed explicitly for educational professionals working in English-medium school settings across Asia.
Lead Change to Improve Outcomes for All Students
The USC Rossier School of Education offers a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a new cohort focused on the international school context. This full-time, online EDL International Schools Cohort is designed explicitly for educational professionals working in English-medium school settings across Asia. The program serves students who either aspire to or currently serve in leadership roles such as principals, coordinators, directors, heads of school, or superintendents.
Students apply to the EDL online program, K12 concentration. The International Schools Cohort follows the traditional USC Rossier EDL coursework, however, readings, assignments, and direct applications to practice are tailored specifically to the international school setting.
Students take core courses in leadership, foundations of learning, research methods, and designing educational organizations for equity and excellence, and four elective courses for deeper engagement in areas that include policy, finance and governance, instructional strategies in rapidly evolving landscapes, and school and system leadership. Students’ capstone project is a dissertation on a problem of practice that emerges from their professional context and interests and holds practical significance for their organization or professional field.
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 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.
This cohort is designed to bring together international school educators and leaders who are ready to shape the future through collaboration, research, and transformative leadership.
Flexible
Balance your full-time professional responsibilities with live online courses delivered on a set schedule aligned with Asia time zones.
Transformative
Advance your real-world senior leadership experience by addressing current K–12 challenges alongside active and retired school educators 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.
In the International Schools Cohort of the EDL program, students will progress through a 3-year sequence of courses together. Courses are taken in fall, spring, and summer terms in Years 1 and 2, and in fall and spring terms in Year 3. Students will have the option to take an elective course in their second or third fall term, in place of a concentration course. This elective course is offered through the Global EdD program and includes a one-week international residency, with recent destinations such as Singapore and São Paulo. Students will be responsible for an additional fee to cover travel and accommodations for the global in-person session.
Curriculum
Leading with Confidence in Education
In the first year of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership International Cohort, 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
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 evenings at a time convenient for educators in Asia. 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.
Ruth H. Chung
Professor of Clinical Education, Educational Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy
Meet Professor Chung
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.