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What is an EdD Degree?

Prepare to lead organizational initiatives with a doctor of education.

A Doctor of Education, or EdD, is a graduate degree that explores the theory and practice of leadership in the education and human development fields.

Though grounded in educational theory and subject matter, this degree is not reserved only for traditional educators. Rather, the EdD prepares its candidates to  drive change in organizations across industries through the use of educational tools  including instruction, curriculum development, technology and media, counseling, policy, and systemic organization.

As a student in an EdD program, you will study educational theory pertaining to psychology, motivation, access and equity, and how to apply this knowledge to  positively impact organizations, systems and the people within them .

Why Earn an EdD?

If you aspire to become a leader capable of driving systemic change in your field or organization, an EdD will give you the proper skills to effectively manage projects and teams, and will help you stand out in the candidate pool.

EdD graduates can apply their skills to  leadership roles in colleges and universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and private firms and companies . Because programs such as the  USC Rossier EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership online  include experiential opportunities at organizations located near each student’s community, students are able to immediately apply practical knowledge to their careers.

Through an EdD program that includes classes and experience in the field, you can develop expertise in the following leadership practices:

• Development of  innovative curricula  for an organization
• Identification and  analysis of organizational roadblocks  or problems of practice
• Instructing  professional development  through educational methods
• Promoting  equity and transparency  in professional settings

EdD candidates will learn how to carry out these functions by  creating and implementing strategic plans to lead their organizations to success . As a student, you will learn to:

• Develop a plan that outlines goals consistent with an organization’s mission
• Effectively communicate the strategic plan and its goals
• Collect and evaluate data for developing plans and measuring success of initiatives
• Assess the fiscal viability of initiatives and develop a budget

Gain the Hands-On Experience Needed to Become an Effective Organizational Leader. Earn a USC Rossier EdD

Get more information, is an edd right for you.

If you are a current or rising leader in your organization or industry and want to drive change through innovative, educational methods, returning to school for an EdD may be worthwhile for your career. An EdD can help you enhance your organizational skill sets and learn advanced methods for making a  widespread impact in your field .

When exploring degree programs, you should identify your personal and professional goals. What do you want to accomplish in your career, and how might an EdD help you get there? If your goals require development of leadership and organizational skills, as well as the ability to create a strategic plan for long-term and widespread growth, choosing to earn your EdD is a shrewd decision.

What Can You Do With an EdD?

The Doctor of Education degree can be applied to a number of positions that incorporate facilitation of learning processes, training, professional development or overall systemic change.

EdD graduates can become experts in creating more effective environments  to influence greater shifts in organizations ranging from schools to corporations. The degree can also help students  gain insight into modern media and learning technologies  that can be used to drive organizational success.

Online Options: Work While You Earn Your EdD

A Doctor of Education may be a good option if you are already a working professional looking to advance your skill set, but need to stay in your current position.

If you are reluctant to pursue your doctorate due to time constraints, a lack of doctoral programs in your area, or not being able to afford to temporarily give up your job,  an online EdD can allow you to earn a degree that works with your schedule and location .

Doctor of Education Jobs

The doctorate can prepare you for a host of leadership careers. Potential positions you can pursue with an EdD include:

• Nonprofit director
• Educational consultant
• Leader in the armed services or police force
• Superintendent
• Chief academic officer
• Chief learning officer
• Director of human resources
• Education lobbyist
• Curriculum specialist

The USC Rossier OCL: An Online Program

The USC Rossier  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership online  is ideal for experienced working professionals looking to advance their leadership roles within higher education settings, private firms, nonprofits and government organizations. The USC OCL program offers professionals an opportunity to effect change in an organization by sharpening their communication, assessment, inquiry and management skills.

Applicants who already hold a master’s can be admitted to the USC Rossier OCL online with advanced standing and complete a shortened 43-unit degree program.

Applicants with appropriate professional experience can be admitted to a 60-unit degree program that they can complete in three to four years. Students in the program will also complete a capstone project or a consulting project in which they outline how the skills gained in the program will translate to their careers.

The USC Rossier OCL online program also offers online learning tools that allow students to experience a seamless graduate education. Each week, students attend live online classes via HD streaming video that bring students and faculty face to face in real time.

The online classroom takes advantage of dynamic sharing and collaboration features that are designed to enhance students’ learning experiences. Tools and functionality include:

• Small group break-out rooms
• Video and document sharing
• Live chats, surveys and polls
• Collaborative content annotation
• Screen-sharing capabilities
• Full class recordings

The entire suite of classroom features and functions are fully accessible from any desktop, tablet or mobile device.

Earn An EdD Without Leaving Your Job or Your Home

Edd vs. phd: what’s the difference.

Not all doctoral programs are the same, and there are some distinct differences between an EdD and a PhD.

Doctor of Education (EdD):

An EdD is focused on building the skills and foundational knowledge to successfully address organizational, leadership and educational issues and apply these skills in corporate, nonprofit and academic settings. While PhD graduates aim to shape their field through research, EdD graduates try to drive systemic change in their field through managerial and leadership roles. They use research to inform their practices in real-world settings.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

A PhD program is best for those on a research-based pathway that leads to a role in academia. With a focus on research methodology, this degree is suitable for future college professors and subject-matter experts. Their dissertation research usually focuses on national and international trends as opposed to a specific organization or industry.

What Is the Difference Between an EdD and an MBA?

If you have an interest in nonprofits, government agencies or human resources, both an MBA and an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership may seem like suitable programs. However, the programs often entail different learning outcomes and career paths.

Master of Business Administration (MBA):

MBA programs usually take two years to complete full time, and these programs prepare graduates to become leaders in the business, government and nonprofit sectors. Students typically choose a specialization, like human resources or finance, which will be the focus of their studies.

MBA programs are specifically geared toward students who come from or plan on returning to the business industry. MBA programs develop business leaders, while EdD programs develop leaders who want to promote change and learning in organizations.

EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership:

This three- to four-year program prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of settings, including but not limited to the education field. There is no specialization in an EdD; instead, students focus on coursework that can be applied in a range of organizations and industries.

Additionally, EdD candidates will usually write a dissertation or complete a capstone project in which they reflect on how they can apply their knowledge to their current positions.

How to Earn Your Doctor of Education

Begin exploring EdD programs that will suit your schedule, location and career goals. Remember, an online program from a reputable institution can be a good way to earn your degree without changing your working or living situation.

If you desire to drive greater change in your organization, launch or lead a nonprofit, or rise to leadership roles in a government agency or learning institution, an EdD focused on organizational change and leadership will help you reach your goals. Start learning more today by  viewing the USC Rossier OCL online program’s application requirements .

Drive Innovation and Change

Request more information to get in touch with a USC Rossier Admissions Counselor and learn more about this online EdD program.

What are you looking for?

Graduate admission, the university of southern california is one of the world’s leading private research universities., we are home to more than 28,500 top-caliber graduate and professional students— more than half the entire usc student population., our students represent all 50 states and 130+ countries around the world., prospective students can choose from more than 400 highly regarded graduate and professional programs in our liberal arts college and 20 professional schools..

Join us for a virtual or in-person program to learn more about USC, our academic programs, the application process and all that USC has to offer.

Our Programs

Graduate and professional studies at the University of Southern California prepare students for leadership positions in research, education and professional practice. Students can choose from a wide array of master’s, PhD, dual-degree and graduate certificate programs in our distinguished liberal arts college or 20 professional schools.

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Our step-by-step application guidelines are designed to help you easily navigate the application process and ensure that you complete your application in a timely and efficient manner.

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Graduate & Professional Degrees

The university of southern california is one of the top-ranked universities in the country and offers a diverse range of graduate and professional programs to suit various career pursuits. students can gain access to exceptional academic scholarship, accelerated degrees, top faculty, leading research opportunities and collaborative learning communities. with state-of-the-art facilities and competitive faculty and staff committed to excellence, usc's graduate and professional programs serve as an attractive option for those seeking higher education on the west coast., graduate certificate | keck school of medicine of usc.

University Certificate Programs

Academic Medicine Certificate

Students who do not wish to pursue a Master of Academic Medicine degree at this point may earn a university certificate in Academic Medicine. The certificate requires 12 units of course work. Each learner may only seek a single certificate. There are two options available, the Teaching/Learning Track and the Leadership Track. The teaching learning track provides graduates with the essential principles of teaching and learning needed to integrate leaning principles, teaching techniques and assessment methods within the health professions to effectively teach health professions' learners at all levels: undergraduate, graduate and continuing education. The leadership track is designed to prepare those in academic medicine for leadership positions, for example assistant/associate dean, program director (including assistant or associate), designated institutional officer and associate or vice chair for education. After completion of the certificate, if a learner decides to go on to pursue a Master of Academic Medicine (MACM) degree all 12 units of the certificate can be applied to the MACM degree. 

ACMD 501  (Introduction to Academic Medicine Worldwide, 3 units). Students then take two required courses (6 units) related to their selected track. Each student completes the 12-unit certificate with 3 units of elective course work from the courses available within the Master of Academic Medicine program. All courses should be selected with the approval of the learner's adviser.

Master's Degree | Keck School of Medicine of USC

Keith Administration Building 211 1975 Zonal Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 442-2372 FAX: (323) 442-2051 Email: [email protected] Program Director: Julie G. Nyquist, PhD

Core Faculty

Professors: Donna Elliott, MD, EdD (Pediatrics) ; Jerry Gates, PhD (Family Medicine) ; Win May, MD, PhD (Medical Education) ; Julie G. Nyquist, PhD (Medical Education) ; Samuel Yanofsky, MD, MSEd (Anesthesiology)

Associate Professors: Kathleen Besinque, PharmD, MSEd (Pharmacy) ; Cha-Chi Fung, PhD (Medical Education); Tara Humphrey, DO, MACM (Anesthesiology)

Assistant Professors: Cathy Jalali, PhD (Medical Education); Shara Steiner, DO, MACM (Medical Education)

The Master of Academic Medicine is offered by the Keck School of Medicine. The goal is to develop leaders who will create and enhance academic and training programs for health care professions globally. Academic medicine is defined in broad terms as relating to those who lead training worldwide in medicine or in other health care related fields. Enacting this vision is possible due to the flexible delivery model selected. The program employs a hybrid model, combining on-campus face-to-face sessions, blended with online course work. During the 32-unit program, the majority of sessions will be delivered using interactive online delivery methods. All students will also be on campus for one-week intensive sessions in the spring of each year, which focus on community building and the development and evaluation of skills.

The program addresses the unique population of medical and health professions faculty who are focused on leading the academic enterprise for health professionals at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education levels. Our graduates will be positioned to guide future generations of health professionals around the world toward better meeting the health needs of our global society. For those with a clear focus on the academic enterprise, a complementary degree in academic medicine offers the specialized skills needed to lead worldwide development of enhanced training for health professionals, increases professional capacity and provides new opportunity for promotion. The audiences for this degree will typically have primary professional degrees in health fields (e.g., MD, DDS, DPT, RN, MSN, PA, DVM, DO, PharmD, DC, DOM). The Master of Academic Medicine will provide the needed complementary training for clinician educators.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Academic Medicine program are generally expected to have an advanced degree in a health profession. Proof of graduation is required, as well as three letters of recommendation. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Office of Medical Education, (323) 442-2372.

Students are admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall, although those admitted prior to March 15 may enroll in summer courses. Although there is no formal application deadline, complete applications received before March 1 will be given priority. Application inquiries should be made to: Master of Academic Medicine Program, University of Southern California, Office of Medical Education, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 211, Los Angeles, CA 90033, telephone (323) 442-2372.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

A minimum of 32 units of graduate-level course work is required.

Master's Degree | USC Leventhal School of Accounting

The Master of Accounting program with an emphasis in data and analytics combines course work from the Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall's Data Sciences and Operations department. Advances in computing technology are fundamentally changing the way audits are conducted. The data and analytics emphasis of the MAcc is designed to train auditors for the data age.

The program employs a rigorous case analysis approach that requires students to exercise their analytical abilities and develop both teamwork and professional communication skills.

Integrated into the data and analytics emphasis is an audit internship during the spring semester encompassing both audit and data and analytics in an integrated fashion. This required element of the program builds a critical bridge for the student between his or her academic and work lives, ultimately enriching both.

Application

The data and analytics emphasis of the MAcc is open only to individuals who have earned the equivalent of a four-year bachelor of accounting degree from an accredited program. Applicants also must have an offer letter for a spring internship at a "big four" or major national public accounting firm or equivalent. Spring internships must run from January through April and integrate both audit and data analytics.

Program Requirements

The Master of Accounting, Data and Analytics emphasis requires up to 31.5 units including fundamentals, core requirements and electives. Students with prior study in statistics who pass the challenge exam for Data Driven Decision Making receive a waiver reducing the units required to earn the degree to 30.

The Master of Accounting program (MAcc) prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. The program offers students technical and conceptual knowledge, professional development, research and lifelong learning, ethical and professional standards and globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program website at marshall.usc.edu/macc .

An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary, nor is work experience a requirement. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall based on their academic backgrounds. For application information visit marshall.usc.edu/macc/admissions .

The Master of Accounting degree requires 45 units, including fundamentals, core requirements and electives. A student with an undergraduate degree in accounting or the equivalent may be able to waive 15 units for a total degree requirement of 30 units.

The Leventhal School of Accounting Master's Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine the courses required to complete the program.

ACCT 525  Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices (15 units) — an eight-week course for students who have not completed undergraduate degrees or other extensive course work in accounting. This course must be completed successfully prior to beginning the fall semester.

ACCT 525  class reducing the number of units required to earn the degree to 30.

USC BS in Accounting students may qualify for waiver of an additional 6 units reducing the number of units required to earn the degree to 24. (USC BS in Accounting students should meet with a graduate adviser during their junior year to determine if they qualify.)

Addiction exacts a toll on individuals, families and communities worldwide. The Master of Science in Addiction Science (MAS) exposes students to the biological, psychological and social aspects of substance use and addictive behaviors. Students study emerging trends in addiction studies with an emphasis on evidence-based transdisciplinary approaches in to addiction science and practice addressing epidemiology, etiology, prevention, treatment, policy and harm reduction, as well as sociocultural and healthcare contexts that intersect with addiction. The MAS equips students with a solid foundation and prepares them to enter a number of fields, from treatment to recovery and research to policy-work, representing critical areas of support among diverse communities in need. 

Master's Degree | USC School of Architecture

The Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies, City Design and Housing emphasis is a 42-unit multi-disciplinary graduate degree program at the USC School of Architecture that prepares participants to study, analyze and design within complex urban systems. Focusing on the 21st-century city the program will address specific urban challenges through a combination of explorative design studio and advanced topical research. Working across disciplines and at multiple scales, this degree concentration moves between real-world issues and innovative architectural approaches to explore ideas for radically re-thinking the ways in which we can design, build and inhabit our cities in more inclusive and equitable ways.

The program will leverage Los Angeles as a laboratory to examine the forces that shape local and global cities. Addressing a diverse set of factors that are linked to city design and housing – such as urban development and housing policies, real estate and housing finance, history and theory, technology and infrastructure, and ecology and climate change – the program will introduce students to broad methodological tools for critically analyzing contemporary challenges of urban systems and housing and will strengthen their skills to employ research and design to create more equitable, sustainable and resilient urban environments and housing schemes.

The CD+H program's design and research efforts will be framed by three topical trajectories: a) urban housing (low-cost, collective, affordable, informal, densification, etc.); b) urban inequalities (racial segregation, economic disparities, gentrification, homelessness, digital divide, migration, etc.); and c) urban infrastructures (street design, public transportation, walkability, public space, programmatic and zoning issues, etc.). In addition, the one-year course will switch between the local context of Los Angeles and a selected global city (Latin America, Asia, Africa). In order to more thoroughly study the international context – and potentially establish more sound collaborations with institutions and stakeholders abroad – the same international context will be part of the program in a two or three-year cycle.

Finally, to connect students with real-world contexts, challenges and experiences, the CD+H program seeks to include various travel components throughout the year, which could potentially be linked to the PD+T and SP+SJ cohorts. Semester 1 will incorporate field trips in the Los Angeles and Southern California region. In Semester 2, the program's focus on an international context will be supplemented by a week-long trip to the respective city. For semester 3, the program intends to provide students the option of an immersive trip in a foreign or domestic location for their final project. The USC School of Architecture is developing the Latin Americas Cities Initiative and Asia Cities Initiative, which will be expected to interface with the MAARS CD+H, PD+T and SP+SJ programs.

Completion of the degree requires 42 units, including 8 units of Architecture Directed Design Research.

The Master of Advanced Architectural Research Studies, Performative Design And Technology Emphasis is a 42-unit graduate design program at the USC School of Architecture that focuses on the integration of architectural design, building performance and technology, within the context of digital design and fabrication. As a design-centric approach to building science concepts in the spirit of Ralph Knowles and the legacy of the Natural Forces Laboratory at the USC School of Architecture, issues of sustainability, structure, daylighting and thermal comfort will be explored in the context of architectural design. In this program, students will explore digital and analog techniques for discovering form through variable material and geometric organizations and force simulations, while simultaneously considering the design opportunities being afforded by advances in computation and fabrication technologies. The proposed curriculum will respond to emerging shifts in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry towards integrated technologies, increased efficiency, and productivity, and a digital workforce driven by digital, sensing and intelligent technologies. An integrated design curriculum that incorporates these concepts will support students in developing the skill necessary to foster innovation in practice with a focus on: data, technology, integration, performance, ecology and sustainability. 

A travel component will be included in Semester 1 through field trips in the Los Angeles and Southern California region to connect students with the real-world context and challenges faced in urban cities. In Semester 2, a week-long trip to a foreign or domestic location will provide students with a global context and interface and connect with the CD+H program. Students will have an option in Semester 3 to participate in an extended and immersive trip in a foreign or domestic location that will support completion of the final project. The USC School of Architecture is developing the Latin Americas Cities Initiative and Asia Cities Initiative, which will be expected to interface with the MAARS CD+H and PD+T programs.

This program is dedicated to cutting edge research and experimentation, and seeks to explore in a highly innovative fashion the cultural and technological landscapes of Los Angeles. Through its range of experimental 'Labs', the program is structured under three distinct veins of inquiry [1] architectural urban studies using Los Angeles as a laboratory to engage global issues; [2] advanced computation/fabrication technologies and material processes; and [3] performative architecture with an emphasis on sustainable systems. These specific design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University of Southern California and the city of Los Angeles.

The Master of Advanced Architectural Studies is a three-semester advanced degree program. Consisting of two option-based topic studios followed by an in-depth Directed Design Research project [DDR], and coordinated seminar courses each for the first two semesters, the degree is focused on advanced and emerging topics in architecture. The design and research directions are diversely initiated by our faculty and fully supported by additional resources from the University at-large and the city of Los Angeles.

Candidates for admission must have a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree or its equivalent. Completion of the degree requires 48 units, including 28 units of required studio and seminar courses, [including 8 units Directed Design Research or Thesis], and 20 units of approved electives, over three semesters of residency.

Graduate Certificate | USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

The graduate certificate in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice prepares students for practice in clinical settings by enhancing their theoretical, empirical and practice knowledge relevant to these settings and by offering a blend of didactic and experiential learning. Through an intersectional lens, students enhance their understanding of critical elements of advanced clinical practice, such as assessment and conceptualization, diagnosis and treatment. Given that social workers treat diverse client populations, this certificate also encompasses a commitment to social justice and addressing barriers to mental health treatment.

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers university certificates that provide students advanced practice or research training through a social justice and intercultural competence lens that emphasizes community, organizational and environmental justice. Certificates are designed to complement and deepen training provided through our degree programs by focusing on experiential application of concepts in relation to particular and diverse client populations, settings, and systems. Each certificate consists of at least 12 units, which may in part be satisfied by courses completed for a degree program. Certificates are also available to graduate students from other disciplines and to employed professionals.

The graduate certificate in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice requires a minimum of 14 units.

Graduate Certificate | Advanced Programs in Dental Education

The advanced endodontics certificate program is a 24-month course of study. The program provides advanced students with the academic background information and clinical experience necessary for the specialty practice of endodontics. The program also requires activities in research and teaching to expose the advanced students interested to these areas of endodontics.

Advanced students are encouraged to pursue Board Certification by the American Board of Endodontics and are prepared for the certification examinations.

Emphasis is also placed on the interaction of endodontics with other specialties and general dentistry.

The program in endodontics is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which serves as the only nationally recognized accrediting body for dentistry and the related dental field. The Commission receives its accreditation authority from the acceptance of all stakeholders within the dentistry community and recognition by the United States Department of Education. Since its inception in 1937, the Commission and its predecessors have operated within the parameters of the ADA Bylaws. The Commission serves the profession and the public by establishing and applying high-quality standards for the accreditation of educational programs in dentistry, postgraduate general and specialty dentistry, and the allied dental professions.

Master’s Degree Programs

USC Rossier offers a range of academic programs that prepare students to start and advance careers as teachers, school administrators, instructional designers, counselors and therapists. Our programs combine research and practice to help students apply innovative techniques in classrooms and learning environments around the world.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will allow you to earn your master’s degree and complete the requirements to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential. 

Teaching (online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) program will allow you to earn your master’s degree and complete the requirements to be recommended for a California preliminary teaching credential. Students in the MAT online program participate in live online classes and complete coursework on their own time. The MAT online program has three start dates throughout the year.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT-TESOL) program will equip you to provide systematic and effective language instruction. 

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (online)

The Master of Arts in Teaching - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages online (MAT-TESOL online) program will equip you to provide systematic and effective language instruction. Students in the MAT–TESOL online program participate in live online classes and complete coursework on their own time.

Educational Counseling

The Master of Education in Educational Counseling (EC) program will prepare you with an in-depth understanding of counseling, higher education systems and theories of student development. 

Enrollment Management and Policy (online)

The Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy online (EMP online) program will equip you with an understanding of the key aspects of enrollment management through the lens of educational equity. You will be prepared to lead efforts in early outreach, recruitment, admission, enrollment, financial aid, orientation, student retention and strategic enrollment planning.

Learning Design and Technology (online)

The Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology online (LDT online) program will help you gain the skills to design, develop, implement and evaluate learning and instruction in a variety of settings, including PK-12, higher education, military, nonprofit and corporate learning environments.

Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs

The Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) program will equip you with a broad understanding of the key aspects of higher education administration, including student affairs, student development, legal issues, identity and diversity and the history of higher education. You will select three focus courses that align with your interests or career goals.

Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (online)

The Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs online (PASA online) program will equip you with a broad understanding of the key aspects of higher education administration, including student affairs, student development, legal issues, identity and diversity and the history of higher education. You will select three focus courses that align with your interests or career goals.

School Counseling (online)

The Master of Education in School Counseling online (SC online) program will prepare you to support the social, emotional and academic development of students. During the program, you will complete the requirements to be recommended for the California School Counseling Pupil Personnel Services clear credential.

Marriage and Family Therapy

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)  program will prepare you to address issues facing families, couples, adults and children. After you complete the program and fulfill other state-mandated requirements, you will be eligible for the state of California’s Marriage and Family Therapy license.

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USC President Carol Folt takes a photograph with the Yip family during the Graduate School centennial celebration on April 4, 2024. (Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Why graduate education is vital to our nation

For 100 years, the USC Graduate School has developed advanced educational programs to service the nation’s growing legal, political, commercial and creative infrastructure.

Graduate studies had their formal beginnings at the USC in 1910, but it wasn’t until 1923 that the university formed the  Graduate School ’s official constitution.

More than 100 years later, on April 4, USC President Carol Folt spoke at a celebration of the Graduate School and talked about why graduate education is vital to the nation and the world.

“When I think about graduate school, I can’t help but think about the fundamental value of graduate education,” Folt said at the afternoon event held at the Graduate School’s offices in the Gwynn Wilson Student Union building. Moreover, she said, “Our competitiveness as a nation hinges on it, our humanity hinges on it, the arts hinge on it, the way we speak to the future hinges on it.” She said her own graduate education was fundamental to her career and that she still celebrates Thanksgiving every year with her friends from grad school.

Folt praised the staff and faculty who work with graduate students in the Graduate School because they are “doing everything to build community within what is our most disparate population from 491 programs.”

Andrew Stott, dean of the Graduate School, unveiled a mural on the walls of the offices that celebrates the milestones of the city of Los Angeles and the USC Graduate School. “Our story is the story of our city, as USC developed advanced educational programs to service the burgeoning legal, political, commercial and creative infrastructure of the growing metropolis,” he said.

Stott also presented alumna Joycelyn Yip with the Graduate School Centennial Award for outstanding alumni. Yip was a member of the Trojan Marching Band and a former president of USC’s Graduate Student Government from 2016 to 2020, among many other activities. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from USC.

As USC recalls the last 100 years of graduate education, Stott said, “Graduate education itself is always looking forward, ever optimistic that there are new breakthroughs around the corner, new discoveries to be found, and new ways of expressing the human condition.”

100 Years of the USC Graduate School and Beyond

USC is founded with 53 students and 10 teachers.

Future USC president George F. Bovard receives a Master of Arts degree and becomes the first graduate alumnus of USC.

The Graduate Council is established.

Vada Somerville graduates with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, becoming the first Black woman to be licensed to practice dentistry in California. She later co-founded the Los Angeles County Human Relations Committee and established the Pilgrim House Community Center, designed to assist Black families who migrated to Los Angeles during World War II.

The Graduate School is founded and Rockwell Dennis Hunt is named the first dean. Trojans form the Associated Students of the Graduate School to increase the spirit and solidarity among graduate students.

USC confers its first PhD to David Welty Lefever in the School of Education. Lefever’s dissertation explored “The Prognostic Values of Certain Groupings of the Test Elements of the Thorndike Intelligence Examination for High School Graduates.”

The Graduate School celebrates its 25th anniversary  with a conference titled “The Social Application of Academic Scholarship” that highlighted the importance of graduate research as a public good.

Emory S. Bogardus (1882-1973) is named dean of the Graduate School. Bogardus joined the faculty of USC as a professor of sociology in 1915. He developed a sociological principle, the Bogardus Social Distance Scale, that is still used today to empirically measure people’s willingness to participate in social contacts with members of diverse racial and ethnic groups.

Joseph Medicine Crow earns a master’s in anthropology while on scholarship, becoming the first member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) to earn a graduate degree. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he was appointed a tribal historian for the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation for more than 50 years, publishing seminal and influential works about Native American history and culture. He received an honorary doctorate in 2003; in 2022, the Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs was named in his honor.

Corita Kent receives a master’s degree in art history. Born Frances Elizabeth Kent and known as Sister Mary Corita Kent, she was an American artist, educator and former religious sister. In the 1960s, her vibrant serigraphs drew international acclaim and reflected her concerns about poverty, racism and war. Kent’s spiritually informed social commentary promoted love and tolerance.

The National Science Foundation launches the Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which celebrates and supports exceptional graduate students in STEM fields. Approximately 70 NSF fellows are enrolled at USC annually. Brian Leung PhD ’18, who received the fellowship in 2014, now works for the NSF. While at USC, Leung received funding to travel to Washington, D.C., to talk about his research with a congressman who had doubts about the impacts of air pollution. He explained the connection between pollution and Alzheimer’s disease, a link that researchers at USC had explored. He said, “I believe, in that moment, the congressman grasped the power of science and when the time came to cast his vote, he stood with science, not against it.”

The Rockwell Dennis Hunt Scholastic Award is established, honoring current graduate students who received their undergraduate degree from USC. Forty-seven students have received the award to date, including Joycelyn Yip ’15, MS ’17, PhD ’20. Yip, who served as president of USC’s Graduate Student Government, said the “Beyond the PhD Conference” event, hosted by the Graduate School and the Career Center, influenced her professional trajectory. It “highlighted the strength of the Trojan Family, and it has been a real honor to be part of it as an alum.”

The Dr. Rodolfo Montes Memorial Scholarship is established to recognize USC graduate students who have an outstanding academic record, and a history of involvement in the local Hispanic community. To date, more than 500 students have received support.

A fellowship is created in honor of Theodore Hsi-En Chen (1902-1991) and his wife Wen-Hui Chen (1903 – 2010). Originally from Fuzhou, China, Theodore and Wen-Hui both earned PhDs from USC. After graduating, Theodore Chen became USC’s first professor of Chinese descent in 1939.

Dean Barbara Solomon calls interdisciplinary graduate degrees the “wave of the future.” She lists the study of the environment, multiculturalism, communications and international relations as particularly important for facilitating discussions across disciplines.

For the first time, the number of enrolled graduate students (17,024) at USC exceeds the number of undergraduates (16,384).

USC signs a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Education in Taiwan launching the USC Global Fellows program.

USC Graduate Student Government holds the first International Student Appreciation Week, which aims to emphasize the presence of international students in the graduate community.

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Jingbo Wang PhD in Computer Science

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

Nintendo switch! During COVID, most of the time, we have to stay at home. Playing some games (e.g. animal crossing) on Nintendo switch is really relaxing

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

I think I would like to pursue J.D. or LL.M in law school. For some of the code-based laws, it is well suited to apply formal methods and logic to represent them. Researchers have proposed a default logic to formalize the federal tex code and its accompanying regulations. What I’m currently doing is applying the logic to formalize the behavior of the software. In the future, I wish I could use that to formalize code-based laws, to detect ambiguities and drafting errors.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

There are so many reasons:) First, the professor I want to work with is at USC. Second, there are many PL/SE researchers in USC and we could discuss, collaborate in many possible ways. The atmosphere here is really motivating. Third, USC has so many female clubs (e.g. WinCC, WiSE) where we could learn from each other’s experiences and try to encourage more females in the STEM area. Fourth, USC provides many valuable classes such as public speaking, creative thinking, arts performance and etc. It really broadens our horizons in addition to our own expertise. Last but not least, LA is such a special city with palm trees, skateboarding teens, oddball bohemians, and the occasional movie star. You will fall in love with it once you come here.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

Griffith observatory, Universal Studios, Getty center

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

There are so many unforgettable memories at USC. The farmer’s market outside Leavey library, annual conquest rally, birthday celebrations for our lab-mates, and hanging out together in USC Village.

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

Although I give public presentations in the premier conference and make friends with other researchers, I am a typical introvert and I dislike social activities. When attending the conference, people are expected to interact with each other over few days. To be frank, I enjoy talking with people and introducing my research. However, none of these could compare favorably to solitary. I always spend a lot of time learning and reflecting in solitude. It’s more like a meditation where I could relax and talk with myself.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to stay in academia and look for faculty jobs or other research-related jobs.

Hometown (city, country):

Nanyang, China.

Personal Website (if any):

http://scf.usc.edu/~ jingbow/

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Chao Wang.

Kegan Strawn PhD in Computer Science

I subscribe to the "next right step" advice. Life can be overwhelming at times, especially during your studies, and focusing on the next right step rather than the entire mountain you are trying to hike up has really helped me every day.

I  come from a family where no one has been in academia and I was not exposed to anything close to it growing up. Research, and even college, felt like this scary gated community that only a certain few could participate in and I'm very grateful to those in my undergraduate studies who helped open the gate for me and showed me that anyone can do this. Don't get me wrong, I have many privileges in my life, but I'm very proud to be here at USC and working hard among some very smart peers every day. 

Last week I bought an LA Dodgers hat at the game against the Giants. I think this means I can officially say I live here now.

I work in multi-robot coordination and collaboration. I'm very interested in how robots can work together with other robots and humans as part of a team to help improve our lives. It's slightly different from the majority of current work that is about training a robot to beat us at a certain game or to replace a job completely. I spend a lot of my time thinking about how we can improve the algorithms they use and the way they learn to work together and I find it incredibly fun and rewarding work.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be?

I always wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I love animals and find biology and genetics fascinating. So, I think I still want to be a vet when I finally grow up.

If they are looking to live somewhere I highly recommend the Culver City area. For things to see, I really like the Getty Center for not only the art but the cool architecture and outdoor garden. I also love cruising up and down the pacific coast highway and going to any of the beaches (although Hermosa beach down south is my favorite). Finally, I'd recommend some Korean BBQ in Koreatown. 

I only applied to drama colleges for college. I was fully expecting to only ever be in LA for acting, but now I'm here for my Ph.D. working in computer science and robotics. Life has a crazy way of working out!

Currently, I am interested in continuing in academia with a postdoctoral position.

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

https://sites.google.com/view/ kegan-strawn

Professor Nora Ayanian

Kushal Chawla PhD in Computer Science

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

One should never judge their own or someone else’s decisions based on the outcomes (that is, in hindsight). That’s just unfair! Instead, think about whether the decision made sense, given the situation you were in. If you are in a similar situation again, how can you make a better call?

That has to be the network of friends and colleagues that I could build from a variety of professional experiences in both academia and industry. Life is a bit easier with folks you can always turn up to for some advice and of course, for referrals!

Minion-shaped slippers with button eyes that move when you walk.

I am currently working on enabling human-machine negotiations in natural language such as in English. Think about buyer-seller price negotiations or salary negotiations. Automated systems that negotiate with humans can be really helpful in advancing conversational AI and for teaching social skills to humans. Most practical systems in this space are based on restrictive communication protocols such as a predefined menu of options. Instead, I am trying to incorporate more natural means of communication such as language so that these systems can be more useful in the downstream applications. This area opens up exciting avenues for interdisciplinary research between NLP, Affective Computing, and Psychology. For a glimpse of what I do, here is a TechXplore blog that covers our recent work published at NAACL-HLT 2021: https://techxplore.com/news/2021-05-casino-campsite-based-dialogs- automatic.html

A full-time host for grand cultural events! I just love the job and the feel that comes with it! Even now, I grab such opportunities with both hands.

First and foremost, my interactions with the lab that I am joining. I would definitely recommend that to all the prospective students. Secondly, the ever-increasing research opportunities and a helpful environment over here at USC. Lastly, it would be unfair if I don’t include this but the nice LA weather was always there at the back of my mind.

- Weekend getaway at Big Bear - Manhattan beach - Hikes in Malibu

I am a part of a religious organization at USC called the Bridges International. In Fall 2019, we went to Big Bear for a weekend, in a group of nearly 30. We rented out two huge houses near the lake, danced and sang songs from different cultures around the globe, and went for a hike! Amazing experience!

I have an OCD of repeatedly checking the locks and always making sure that everything is locked. It is so bad that once, during my undergrad, I preferred to calmly lock my door first, when everyone else was vacating the building due to a strong earthquake. As a side note, I later got to know that my friend ran with a laptop in her hand: the most expensive stuff that she could find in her room. People have weird priorities!

I am keeping it wide open for now, although I am slightly inclined towards joining the industry again, given my previous experience as a full-time researcher at Adobe for a couple of years.

Delhi, India.

https://kushalchawla.github.io/

I am jointly advised by Gale Lucas and Jonathan Gratch at ICT, USC.