DPPD Curriculum
Michael Thom, Ph.D.
Associate Professor (Teaching)
Faculty Director, DPPD Program
Anna Parks, M.S.W.
Student Services Advisor, Doctoral Programs
Curriculum
| FALL | SPRING | SUMMER | UNITS AND REQUIREMENTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Core Course (4 units) | Core Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | 12 Units Complete |
| Year 2 | Core Course (4 units) | Core Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | 24 Units Complete |
| Year 3 | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | Directed Research (4 units) | 36 Units Complete Qualifying Exam/ Proposal Defense Complete by September |
| Year 4 | PLUS 694A Dissertation (2 units) | PLUS 694B Dissertation (2 units) | July Deadline for Manuscript Submission | 40 Units Complete Degree conferred in August |
Four-Year Plan for Students with Prior Graduate Degree
Core Courses (16 units with cohorts)
PLUS 650 Public Policy and Globalization (4 units)
PLUS 651 Applied Research Design and Inquiry (4 units)
PLUS 652 Place, Institutions, and Governance (4 units)
PLUS 653 Leading Change and Innovation in Urban Communities (4 units)
Methodology Course (4 units)
In consultation with their faculty advisor, each student selects one four-unit methods course in preparation for dissertation research.
Individual Elective Sequence (16 units)
In consultation with their faculty advisor, students craft an elective sequence related to their professional field and their research interests. These course sequences often cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students take advantage of USC’s resources to explore the relationship of practice to theory and gain skills within their area areas of practice.
Qualifying Exam
At the end of the third year, each student appoints a three-person qualifying exam committee, and presents an oral defense of their dissertation research proposal. Approval by this committee constitutes passing the qualifying exam, and the student then advances to doctoral candidacy.
Professional Dissertation (4 units)
The professional dissertation is a research-based study of a policy issue, an administrative process, or other element of professional practice, completed under the guidance of a Prices School faculty member.
Foundation Courses (20 units)
Up to 20 units of foundation core courses are required for students admitted without a prior graduate degree.