Frequently Asked Questions

The USC Distinguished Leaders Program is for seasoned professionals 50 years or older at a point of inflection. You might be considering a shift, planning something new or just hungry to deepen your impact. Wherever you are, you’re ready to take ownership of your next chapter — with clarity, courage and a bit of structure. We don’t define “leader” by title. We’re looking for people with a track record of driving change and a desire to keep growing.

The program consists of three arcs that build on each other: Autobiography, Impact and Execution. By the program’s end, you will walk away with a concrete, tailored roadmap for your future. Check out the program page for more details on each arc’s deliverables!

No! Our first section, Autobiography, supports our leaders in a journey of self-discovery. As a group, you’ll learn how to harness your story to propel you forward and hone in on your desired area(s) of impact

Our participants can and do live around the world. While the program’s two in-person sessions give leaders a chance to connect on the ground, the bulk of the program allows leaders to grow together in an accessible online format.

Yes, the program’s hybrid format is designed to accommodate professionals with active careers. However, it requires a commitment to attend all mandatory in-person sessions and actively engage in weekly online activities. Participants should ensure they can manage this along with their other responsibilities.

The program is open to leaders from all sectors and particularly benefits those who are passionate about creating a positive impact, regardless of their industry.

Yes, attendance at the two in-person sessions is mandatory. These sessions take place over long weekends for maximum flexibility. The first session brings leaders to three locations in Southern California: the USC University Park Campus, USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies at Silicon Beach and the USC Wrigley Marine Science Campus on Catalina Island. In the second session, leaders convene in Washington, D.C., to visit relevant locations, including USC’s new Capital Campus. Browse the program schedule for more details.

Travel and hotel expenses are not included in the cost of tuition, but leaders will receive a discounted rate at each hotel.

Online sessions occur weekly and include a mix of group discussions, speaker series and networking opportunities. These sessions are designed to complement the in-person learning and maintain engagement and progress throughout the program. Browse the program schedule for more details.

The program fee of $27,500 includes all educational materials, access to online sessions and in-person experiences. Travel and hotel expenses are not included.

Many participants have successfully received support from their employers, nonprofit organizations and the like. At this time, scholarships and financial aid options are not available for this program through USC. Please email us for more details.

As a Distinguished Leader, you become part of the extended Trojan Family — a powerful network of students, alumni, faculty and staff who can open doors, share insights and support your next move. Wherever you’re headed, you won’t be doing it alone.

Alumni will have access to an exclusive network, ongoing learning opportunities, invitations to special events and the chance to engage with current cohorts as mentors or speakers.

Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview where they will have the opportunity to share more about their background and interest in the program. References will receive a survey to complete. Application decisions are delivered within four weeks.

The USC Distinguished Leaders Program is built on the belief that individuals at or nearing retirement deserve to invest in their next chapters. As a seasoned professional, you bring a wealth of hard-earned experience. Our expert advisors and supportive curriculum will empower you to draw on this lifetime of knowledge to craft purposeful impact beyond your primary career.