DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) IN URBAN EDUCATION POLICY
Application Instructions
Apply Online - www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply
All materials must be received by December 1. Only completed files will be reviewed.
Note: The online system allows applicants to complete the application in sections by selecting “save” or “save & continue” at
the end of a particular section.
Application for Admissions
Profile: Create your profile by clicking “Create Account” in the top right of the page
Biographical Information: Complete entire section. Indicate alternate/previous name in the “other name” field for academic
work completed in other than your current name
Contact Information: Provide all information
Application Information: Only answer questions 1 (applying for Fall), 2, 3 (USC Rossier PhD), 5 (full time), 7-15.
Financial Aid: Answer all questions
Academic Background: Provide all information
Test Information: Provide all information
Employment Info/ Resume: Upload your CV. Include any research or teaching experience, publications, grants,
fellowships, awards and other information relevant to your application. Do not complete questions 1 and 2.
Language Background: Provide all information. Review proficiency requirements
Additional Questions: Only complete questions 1-4 and 6-7
Supporting Documents: Skip entire section (do not submit a Statement of Purpose)
Supplemental Forms
Rossier: PhD Complete questions 1-4. Question 5 is optional. Please see page 2 of checklist for more specific instructions.
Important Links
Recommendations: Three recommendations are required; at least two should be from an academic source.
Recommenders should provide a specific and substantial evaluation of your academic performance, research abilities and
potential as a doctoral student.
Downloadable Forms: Transcript Cover Pages are not needed. The Confidential Statement for Financing Studies is not
required.
Check your Application: Check that you have included all required application materials
Application Instructions: Follow instructions outlined above
Official Academic Transcripts - send to:
USC Rossier PhD Program
3470 Trousdale Parkway, WPH 503
Los Angeles, CA 90089-4035
(Do not send Official Transcripts the Office of Graduate Admissions address)
Official GRE scores - send to:
Institution Code: 4852
USC Office of Graduate Admission
3601 Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
Unofficial/copy of GRE scores should be emailed to [email protected]
If you have any questions, please contact us at: [email protected]
Ph.D. Application Supplemental Forms
We understand that some of these questions duplicate your brief responses in the
“Additional Questions” portion of the application. The answers to these Supplemental questions (except for number 4)
should be in the form of an essay.
1.
2. 1. Discuss your interest in the Ph.D. program and how you believe the program will help you to
reach your short- and long-term professional goals. (2 pages maximum, double-spaced)
2. In considering your personal, educational, and employment background, in what ways do you
hope or expect to contribute to the academic and professional community at USC Rossier? (2 pages
maximum, double spaced)
Additionally, you may include your personal history and its’ impact on your prior academic and
professional development.
3. Education policy research lies at the heart of the Rossier Ph.D. program. Please describe your
research interests and explain how they align with Rossier’s urban mission and identity. In addition,
please identify 3-5 Rossier faculty who have similar interests. (500 word maximum)
4. Select up to five Ph.D. faculty member(s) who have research interests most similar to your
own. Faculty biographies are available at:
https://rossier.usc.edu/faculty-and-research/directories/phd/#program_phd
You may select multiple faculty by holding down the CTRL button on your keyboard.
5. (Optional) Please provide a sample of your best scholarly writing, such as a term or seminar
paper, journal submission or grant proposal. The admissions committee will be looking for evidence
of writing ability as well as your capacity for research, analysis, and original thought.