Additional Requirements
Concentration Block
Courses in this block are linked to two of the concentrations available in the Rossier School of Education PhD program. Courses in this block permit students to consider applied problems in collaboration with students in other programs.
Research Block
Courses in this block provide the basic tools to pursue systematic, programmatic, empirical investigation. It includes qualitative and quantitative elements with the understanding that complex educational problems require a variety of investigative approaches. Areas include research design, analysis of variance/multiple regression, qualitative methods, measurement, advanced qualitative or quantitative analysis, or other related areas. Courses may be taken inside or outside the Rossier School of Education.
Cognate Block
This block is designed for students to pursue interdisciplinary approaches to educational issues, and may consist of courses inside or outside the Rossier School of Education. The specific courses are determined in conjunction with the adviser.
Dissertation Block
This block includes preparation for the qualifying examination and initial dissertation proposal. It is taken during the semester of the qualifying examination and EDUC 794a Doctoral Dissertation , EDUC 794b Doctoral Dissertation (minimum of 4 units taken after a student passes the qualifying examination and has advanced to candidacy). The dissertation block is designed to prepare students for their dissertation research and continues through the writing and defense of the dissertation. The process involves intensive collaboration with the adviser and the qualifying exam committee.
Transfer of Course Work
The maximum number of transfer credits that can be applied toward the degree is 20 units. The faculty of the student’s degree program determines whether transfer credit is applicable toward a specific graduate degree.
Faculty Adviser
A designated faculty member provides the academic advisement for entering graduate students at the point of admission. A faculty member is appointed to serve as the adviser until an approved qualifying exam committee is established.
Screening Process
When students have completed the core course work, the doctoral screening committee assesses their performance and makes a decision about their readiness to continue in the program. Students are notified of the results by the PhD program chair and director.
Additionally, students will be assessed each year based on adviser input, coursework and research progress. If student progress is not satisfactory as determined by the student’s faculty adviser, warnings will be issued in accordance with USC Graduate School policies.
Qualifying Exam Committee
The qualifying exam committee is composed of at least five members. A minimum of three, including the chair, must be from the Rossier School; one must be a faculty member from outside the Rossier School. Normally, all members of the qualifying exam committee are regular faculty with the rank of assistant professor or above in departments offering the PhD
Qualifying Examinations
As a prerequisite to candidacy for the PhD, students must pass written and oral qualifying examinations. The written qualifying examination is designed to assess a student’s readiness to undertake dissertation research and to assess the student’s ability to critically analyze and synthesize theoretical and methodological knowledge. The oral portion consists, in part, of a teaching and research portfolio. The teaching portfolio documents and reflects the student’s development and productivity in thinking about course content and instructional delivery. The research portfolio documents and reflects the student’s development and productivity in research and writing from the point of entry into the program.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to candidacy is a formal action taken by the faculty that is based upon passing the qualifying examination and completing all PhD course requirements (with the exception of EDUC 794a, EDUC 794b, EDUC 794d, EDUC 794z Doctoral Dissertation). Notification of admission or denial of admission to candidacy is by letter from the associate vice provost for graduate programs.
Dissertation Committee
After admission to candidacy and approval of the dissertation proposal, the PhD qualifying exam committee is known as the dissertation committee and is usually reduced to three members. The committee will include one faculty member from outside the Rossier School of Education but within USC, and will be chaired by a tenure track faculty member.
Doctoral Dissertation
After the qualifying examination is passed, students must enroll in EDUC 794a, EDUC 794b, EDUC 794d, EDUC 794z Doctoral Dissertation each semester, except summer session, after admission to candidacy until all degree requirements have been completed. A minimum of two semesters (4 units) is required. A maximum of 4 dissertation units may be applied to satisfy the degree requirement. While enrolled in EDUC 794a , students will develop a dissertation proposal in collaboration with the adviser. The dissertation committee grants final approval for the proposal. Credit for EDUC 794a and permission to enroll in EDUC 794b will only be given after the dissertation proposal is approved. IRB (Human Subjects Institutional Review Board) approval is required for all dissertation studies.
Teaching Skills Development
All doctoral students must teach for at least one semester before they graduate. This program requirement may be fulfilled by co-teaching, serving as a teaching assistant, or solo teaching. International students must meet the English proficiency standards set forth by the American Language Institute and participate, if necessary, in specialized training offered through the Center for Excellence in Teaching. Proposals for meeting this requirement must be reviewed and approved by the PhD Governance Committee.
Students should also refer to Graduate and Professional Education and The Graduate School, Academic and University Policies and other sections of this catalogue for general regulations and policies including but not limited to time limits, leave of absence, scholarship standing, academic warning, and other issues not directly addressed in this section.
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