SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU), a leading provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service solutions that enable leading nonprofit colleges and universities to deliver high-quality degree programs online, announced in partnership with the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education the launch of its first doctorate degree delivered online, a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership.

The announcement was made today at the annual ASU + GSV Education Innovation Summit.

Today's announcement comes on the heels of a number of recent 2U company firsts including plans to support an online bachelor's degree with Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences and its rollout of mobile access for all students enrolled in 2U-enabled programs.

The new USC Rossier EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership prepares current and emerging leaders who want to foster learning that leads to systemic improvement in their workplaces. The three-year leadership program is for professionals in colleges and universities as well as in charter schools, nonprofit organizations, corporations and government organizations.   The program will advance the goals of leaders who facilitate learning and create organizations that are effective, adaptable and competitive. The EdD is pending university approval and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation.

"As 2U's very first partner institution, the USC Rossier School of Education was on the leading edge of online learning and continues to break ground with offering this EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership online," says Chip Paucek, 2U CEO and co-founder. "2U will continue to support and enable the online programs of renowned universities like USC and position ourselves to further expand our portfolio of best-of-breed degree programs."

"The USC Rossier School of Education has been a leader in using technology to scale and increase access to our programs so that we can prepare educators for maximum impact locally, nationally and globally," says Karen Symms Gallagher, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. "Our new EdD will be anchored in the latest research on learning, motivation and organizational behavior. Our graduates will be fully prepared to lead and improve learning in their professions."

Students in the new EdD will attend live weekly classes with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Course content is self-paced and accessible 24/7 through the online platform.

Classes are expected to begin in January 2015. Additional cohorts will be added throughout the year. The USC Rossier School of Education currently offers an on-campus Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership and a Global Executive Doctor of Education (EdD). More information on the EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership can be found at rossieronline.usc.edu/edd.

About USC Rossier School of Education
The mission of the USC Rossier School of Education (ross-EAR) is to improve learning in urban education locally, nationally and globally. Rossier leads the way in innovative, collaborative solutions to improve education outcomes. Our work is field-based, in the classroom, and online, and reflects a diversity of perspectives and experiences. We pride ourselves on innovation in all our programs, preparing teachers, administrators, and educational leaders who are change agents. We support the most forward-thinking scholars and researchers, whose work is having direct impact on student success in K-12 schools and higher education.  We are leaders in using cutting-edge technology to scale up our quality programs for maximum impact. The Rossier School of Education is part of The University of Southern California, one of the world's leading private research universities, located in the heart of Los Angeles. (http://rossier.usc.edu)

About 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality education to qualified students anywhere. Our cloud-based software-as-a-service platform provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate their students. Our mission is to enable the education our clients provide to reach its highest potential so students can reach theirs. To learn more, go to 2U.com. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/2u), Twitter (http://twitter.com/2Uinc) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/2u).

Media contacts:
Shirley Chow, 2U
schow@2U.com
858-336-0358

Barbara Goen, USC Rossier School of Education
barbara.goen@rossier.usc.edu
213 740-2362

SOURCE 2U, Inc.