Doctoral Degrees, page 4
School of Education
Doctor of Philosophy
Areas of Study
Doctoral degree programs are offered in the following areas.
The Division of Counseling Psychology offers the Ph.D. with an area of emphasis in counseling psychology.
The Division of Curriculum and Teaching offers the Ph.D. with specializations in curriculum and instruction and in language, literacy and learning.
The Division of Educational Administration and Policy offers the Ph.D. with specializations in policy and organization and in intercultural and international education.
The Division of Educational Psychology offers the Ph.D. with a specialization in educational psychology.
Preliminary Review
The preliminary review, a screening procedure prerequisite to continuation in the doctoral program, must be arranged after completion of between nine and 21 units. Specific criteria for the preliminary review are available from the division.
Ph.D. Guidance Committee
The guidance committee is composed of five faculty members and is established after the student passes the preliminary review. The chair of the committee is generally a tenured faculty member in the major area and at least one member of the committee must be from a department outside the School of Education which grants a Ph.D. under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School.
Ph.D. Research Methodology
Twelve units of research methodology are required for the Ph.D. Three units must be in analysis of variance/multiple regression. Three units must be in advanced quantitative research design. Six units must be taken in two of the following five areas: (a) qualitative research methodology; (b) advanced qualitative research methodology; (c) advanced educational measurement; (d) multivariate statistics; and (e) advanced survey research.
Ph.D. Outside Course Work
Three courses (three or four units each) outside of the School of Education are required. Each course must relate directly to an area within the program of studies (i.e., research methodology, specialty or major).
Ph. D. Qualifying Examinations
Both written and oral examinations will be administered on the University Park Campus. All portions of the examination must be completed within 60 days. Postponement of the examination must have approval of the dean of graduate studies.
Dissertation Committee
After admission to candidacy and approval of the dissertation proposal, the Ph.D. guidance committee is known as the dissertation committee and is usually reduced to three members. The committee will include one faculty member from outside the School of Education and will be chaired by a tenured faculty member of the specified program major.
Dissertation Program
A dissertation based upon original research is required. An acceptable dissertation must show technical mastery of a special field, capacity for independent research and scholarly ability. Preparation of the dissertation proposal begins in course 791 and culminates with approval of the proposal by the guidance committee. The student must be enrolled in 794 Doctoral Dissertation each semester except summer session after admission to candidacy until all degree requirements have been completed. A minimum of two semesters (four units) is required. Enrollment in 794 prior to admission to candidacy is not permitted and such registration is invalid. Continuous enrollment is required until the dissertation has been approved and the final typing card has been signed by the dissertation committee.
Defense of the Dissertation
After completing the dissertation, the candidate must defend it in an oral examination. An oral examination on an approved rough copy is known as a Defense Oral; an oral on the final copy is known as a Final Oral. The type of oral to be held is at the discretion of the dissertation committee. Candidates for the Ph.D. may obtain instructions for defense of the dissertation from the Office of Student Services. Regulations with regard to format and method of preparation are contained in Regulations for Format and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations.
Submission of the Dissertation
The final typed dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School within six months after committee approval for final typing. Late submission will be subject to a late fee equal to one unit of tuition for each semester after six months.
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Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
Joye Day
day@mizar.usc.edu