EMA and the USC Rossier School of Education have partnered for the fourth year in a row to offer a one-of-kind career development opportunity for independent school enrollment leaders.  Whether you are an experienced director or looking to expand your career horizons, this rigorous, 10-month program is for you.

The curriculum covers the breadth of enrollment management and dives deeply into institutional and societal contexts, information and knowledge management, pricing and aid policy, admissions policy and practice, retention organization, and leadership.  This online program has been designed so that you will gain:

• Extensive content knowledge across the field
• A detailed, professional portfolio to showcase your work and guide your practice
• Practical case study experience
• A national network of dedicated professionals, with an optional opportunity to meet your peers in person at the USC CERPP conference (held annually in Los Angeles in January)
• Instruction by recognized leaders in the field
• Advising by two enrollment management veterans from the independent school community
• An expansive view of enrollment management, policy, and practice
• A USC Certificate in Leadership in Enrollment Management to acknowledge your achievement

The cost of the program is $10,000, and EMA provides up to ten $5,000 Balmer Scholarships each year for its members. The scholarships are provided to professionals accepted into the USC program on a rolling basis, and USC offers two application deadlines for independent school personnel: May 1 and August 1.

The session dates for the 2018-19 program are:

• Session 1: October 1-December 14, 2018 (Thanksgiving break: November 19-23)
• Session 2: January 7-March 15, 2019
• Session 3: March 18-May 24, 2019

Start planning for one of the most significant professional development opportunities of your career! 

Read insights and new perspectives gained by past participants here.

Read more about Dr. Stephanie Balmer, the inspiration behind the Balmer Scholarships, here.

To learn more about the USC program, contact Dr. Emily Chung, associate director, Center for Enrollment Research, Policy, and Practice at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

To apply for the USC program and the Balmer Scholarship, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the CERPP website to learn more and to apply for the USC Leadership in Enrollment Management certificate program. If your participation in the program is dependent on receipt of a Balmer Scholarship, please indicate that on your application. USC is responsible for making admission decisions for program participation.
2. If your application is accepted and you are admitted to the program but require a scholarship to participate, you will then be eligible to apply for one of EMA's $5,000 Balmer Scholarships. Upon receipt of your admission decision from USC, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to express your interest in the EMA Balmer Scholarship.
3. All applicants for Balmer Scholarships will be reviewed and notified by EMA prior to the start of the program so that candidates can complete the enrollment process with USC before their deadlines.

If you have any questions about the program or scholarship process, please feel free to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..