Ed. D. in Educational Leadership - Frequently Asked Questions

Please check back periodically for updates on program information.

What is the application deadline and when do classes begin?

• Cohort II 2008 (CLOSED) application deadline is January 7, 2008.
• Cohort III 2009 application deadline is January 12, 2009.
• Classes begin in June.

Ed. D. 2009 Admissions Information and Application Packet is available for download.

What are the admissions requirements?

• Evidence of completing an acceptable baccalaureate and master's degree earned at a regionally accredited institution
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-division and graduate study combined
• Good standing at the last institution of higher education attended
• Demonstration of sufficient preparation for, experience in, and potential for educational leadership
• GRE scores from the three sections of the General Test, taken within five years of applying to the Ed. D. program
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to leadership and scholarship potential
• A written statement of purpose reflecting and understanding of the challenges facing the public schools or community colleges in California
• A written statement from the applicant describing the applicant's plan for meeting professional responsibilities and the demands of the program
• A written statement from the applicant's employer indicating support for the applicant's doctoral studies, if applicable
• Qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview with the Admissions Committee

How do I apply?

Cohort III Applicants must submit:

• Fall 2009 CSULB Graduate Admissions Application (available online October 1, 2008 at www.csumentor.edu)
• Ed.D Program Application and supporting documents:
• Official transcripts for all college coursework
• Official GRE General Test scores (taken within the past 5 years)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Current Resume
• Writing Sample

I need to take the GRE - where can I find more information?

Candidates that need to complete the GRE General Test can register to take the computer-based GRE General Exam.  More information about test dates and test locations is available at www.ets.org. 

Can I begin to send application materials in now?

Yes, application materials can be sent to Ed. D. Program Office at 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, Attn: Heidi Gilligan.

How many students will be accepted in each cohort?

30-35 students will be admitted each year (this includes both specializations).

How long will it take to complete the program?

This will be a three-year program that includes summer study.  Individual progress may vary depending on circumstances and academic success.

What is the total number of units for this degree and what subjects are available for study?

The degree program is 60 units in length.  All students will complete 23 units of core classes, 13 units of research coursework, 12 units of Dissertation, and 12 units of specialization coursework (P-12 or Community College/Higher Education). 

Program Requirements and Preliminary Course Descriptions

How many units will be offered each semester and when will courses be offered?

Students will be required to enroll in 7-9 units each semester.

Classes will be offered in the evenings and on Saturdays.  Summer enrollment will be required.  Full-time study is required.

What is the cost of the program?

2008-2009:

Please remember that fees are subject to change without advance notice. The Ed.D Program is eligible for federal financial aid. To apply for financial aid please go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Where do I find the CSULB Graduate Admissions Application?

The CSULB Graduate Admissions Application is available to download at www.csumentor.edu. 

1. go to www.csumentor.edu to complete the online Graduate Admissions application
2. for Cohort III (2009) admission complete the Fall 2009 Graduate Admissions Application
3. the Fall 2009 application is available October 1, 2008
4. click on the “Apply Online” tab at the top of the page
5. select Graduate Admissions Application
6. select the “2009-2010 CSU Graduate Admission Application” from the list provided
7. the term is Fall 2009
8. click the “select a campus and major” button
9. select “Long Beach Campus” and click “set campus”
10. select “Elem/Secondary Leadership Ed. D.” (for Pre K-12) OR select “Higher Ed Leadership Ed. D.”
11. follow the instructions to input the information necessary to complete the application
12. this application requires a $55 fee and this fee can be paid online
13. this application must be submitted online by the application deadline

If I attended CSU Long Beach for my undergraduate and/or graduate courses do I need to submit CSU Long Beach official transcripts or GRE scores?

No, applicants that attended CSU Long Beach do not need to request official CSU Long Beach transcripts.  However, applicants will need to include official transcripts for work completed at other institutions (regardless if the transcripts were sent to CSU Long Beach for completion of another application or program).

Applicants that have already submitted official GRE General Exam tests scores (taken within the past 5 years) to CSU Long Beach will not need to submit scores again.  Please contact Heidi Gilligan (eddinfo@csulb.edu or 562.985.4998) to confirm that official scores are already at the university.

If I applied for a different graduate program in a previous semester do I still need to complete the CSULB Graduate Admissions Application?

Yes, since you are applying to a different program you will need to submit the CSULB Graduate Admissions Application along with the $55.00 application fee - there are no exceptions.

If I have additional questions who should I contact?

You may send questions to Heidi Gilligan, Program Coordinator, at eddinfo@csulb.edu.

Last update: 7/2/08