education doctoral programs in california

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PhD in Education

Welcome to the graduate group in education phd program.

Our Ph.D. program critically engages students in contemporary issues that impact education research, policy and practice.  Emphasizing collaboration, the program is an interdisciplinary graduate group that draws its faculty from diverse fields of education, humanities, social science, physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and medicine, and engages with key campus centers and programs, such as the M.I.N.D. Institute and the Poverty Center.

Designed to foster scholarly engagement and impact the practice of education, students may select from 5 areas of emphasis:

• Language, Literacy and Culture
• Learning and Mind Sciences
• Science and Agricultural Education
• School Organization and Educational Policy

Graduates of our program gain deep knowledge of educational theory and practice related to strengthening schools and other educational settings. Our close proximity to California’s state capital of Sacramento also affords students a rich set of opportunities and networks for influencing education policy.

To learn more about applying to our program, visit our  Admissions & Financial Aid – PhD Program  page. You are also welcome to attend one of our virtual Ph.D. Information Sessions listed below. You will need to register for the event to receive the Zoom link to attend. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 3:00-4:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

  Thursday, October 17, 2024, 5:00-6:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

Monday, November 4, 2024 3:00-4:00pm (PST) ( Registration Link )

PhD Student Antoinette Banks Wins $1 Million Black Ambition Prize

Award is for parent-facing app that uses predictive AI to optimize IEP plans

Kaozong Mouavangsou

MA ’16, PhD ’22

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Doctoral programs.

The goal of the GSE PhD in Education is to prepare the next generation of leading education researchers. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Education is the research apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well.

In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a multi-year funding package that consists of opportunities each quarter to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the courses they take as part of their program, students are prepared over an approximately five-year period to excel as university teachers and education researchers.

The doctoral degree in Education at the GSE includes doctoral program requirements as well as a specialization, as listed below, overseen by a faculty committee from one of the GSE's three academic areas.

Doctoral programs by academic area

Curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

• ‌ Elementary Education
• ‌ History/Social Science Education
• ‌ Learning Sciences and Technology Design
• ‌ Literacy, Language, and English Education
• ‌ Mathematics Education
• ‌ Science, Engineering and Technology Education
• ‌ Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• ‌ Teacher Education

Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS)

• ‌ Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)

• ‌ Anthropology of Education
• ‌ Economics of Education
• ‌ Education Data Science
• ‌ ‌Educational Linguistics
• ‌ Educational Policy
• ‌ Higher Education
• ‌ History of Education
• ‌ International Comparative Education
• ‌ Organizational Studies
• ‌ Philosophy of Education
• ‌ Sociology of Education

Cross-area specializations

Learning sciences and technology design (lstd).

LSTD allows doctoral students to study learning sciences and technology design within the context of their primary program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Race, Inequality, and Language in Education (RILE)

RILE trains students to become national leaders in conducting research on how race, inequality, and language intersect to make both ineffective and effective educational opportunities. RILE allows students to specialize within their program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Other academic opportunities

• ‌ Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies
• ‌ PhD Minor in Education
• ‌ Stanford Doctoral Training Program in Leadership for System-wide Inclusive Education (LSIE)
• ‌ Certificate Program in Partnership Research in Education
• ‌ Public Scholarship Collaborative

“I came to Stanford to work with faculty who value learning in informal settings and who are working to understand and design for it.”

Doctoral graduates were employed within four months of graduation

of those employed worked in organizations or roles related to education

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To learn more about the Office of Academic Affairs:

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

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• Ph.D. in Education

Ph.D. in Education: Transforming Education in a Diverse Society

The Ph.D. in Education is designed for students with some professional experience in teaching and learning settings as well as in research.  Our mission is to teach students to wield the tools of research to change disparities in educational experiences and student outcomes.

Our Ph.D. in Education is designed for students who want to pursue research and careers in academia, the non-profit sector, or governmental agencies with a focus on how to improve educational practices and policies to achieve social equity and progress. We look for students with both research experiences and professional experience in teaching, leadership, and learning, who want to build their capacities to undertake independent scholarly research. 

As part of the evolution of education research, the field of education will require Ph.D. graduates who are prepared to collaborate with policymakers, educators, families, and communities to transform current education practice and policy. Our Ph.D. program will provide a fresh approach to training much needed and innovative researchers. Rather than training traditional faculty members solely to generate knowledge by documenting outcomes and processes in education, human development, and well-being, we will cultivate future faculty and researchers to serve and partner with communities through their research in order to accelerate the improvement of education in regional, national, and international settings.

With a focus on equity, equality, and justice, our program is designed to support the development of interdisciplinary, rigorous researchers who can improve educational structures, practices, and policies, as well as the use of educational approaches for community well-being, particularly in low resource settings and for socially marginalized youth. The program will explicitly articulate the links between university faculty, students, families, education practitioners, community members and programs, policy-makers, and educational and community stakeholders. 

In addition to developing a solid theoretical and methodological foundation, students in the program have opportunities to deepen and extend their learning through elective coursework within EDS and cognate coursework in other UCSD departments, and through research apprenticeships with EDS faculty,   in order to deepen their knowledge of varied disciplines, theories, and epistemologies. 

Students will also have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary experiences by engaging in research across UC San Diego divisions, departments, and research units. Education Studies is a partner with Critical Gender Studies (CGS) allowing PhD students to apply for a   Graduate Specialization in CGS . Additionally, students interested in cognitive science development may apply to join the   Interdisciplinary PhD program in Cognitive Science   and Education Studies.

EDS Ph.D. Student Kirk Rogers, Receives Ford Fellowship

Eds ph.d. students anita caduff and rebecca levine, each received a friends of the international center fellowship, want to learn more, program features.

The program features include:

• Competitive Funding
• A commitment to promoting equity and social justice
• A focus on designing solutions for pressing problems in education
• A multi-disciplinary approach to training educational researchers, focusing on close collaboration with educators, policymakers, and the community
• On-campus, full-time course of study
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Focus on collaborative inquiry
• Intensive research internships working with well-renowned faculty
• Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Training to generate and communicate research that transforms practices in local settings and makes an impact nationally and globally
• The use of technology as a tool for teaching, scholarship, and supporting change in diverse communities

Admissions Information

Our application for Fall 2025 will open on September 4, 2024.

The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 is Wednesday, Decemeber 4th, 2024.

A completed Ph.D. application will include the following components:

1) Application Form 

Fill out the application form online.

2) Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose  must  address the following:  (1) research interests, (2) relevant professional experiences, (3)  experiences with teaching and learning, (4) experience in diverse communities; (5) how your professional and research goals contribute to diversity. 

3) Recommendation Letters

Three letters of recommendation need to be submitted via the online recommendation form available within the application.  You may find it useful to consider in advance whom you will ask to serve as recommenders, so that you may contact these individuals and confirm their willingness. We suggest selecting recommenders who can comment on your ability to be successful in a rigorous Ph.D. program which focuses on transforming education in a diverse society. The letters might include a recommender’s knowledge and assessment of your academic preparation, your professional experiences in educational practice, and your research interests and experiences.

An applicant must submit a professional resume. The Ph.D. in Education is designed for students with some professional experience in teaching and learning settings as well as in research. 

5) Writing Sample

An applicant must submit a publication or a sample of academic writing.

6) Transcripts

For application review purposes (only), scan and upload copies of transcripts for all institutions attended post-high school.  In the online application, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your scanned documents. Please upload both the front and back sides of the transcript, even if the back side is blank. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, the institution name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits, and grading legend.  If no transcript is available, please upload a statement explaining the circumstances.

*Do not mail hard copies until provisionally admitted.

Upon provisional admission UC San Diego:  Official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school will be required to finalize your admission and must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office. Official records including transcripts, evaluations, mark sheets, diplomas, certificates, translations, and study abroad work must be delivered in a sealed envelope from the administering institution or service. Documents will not be accepted if opened or sealed by the student. Certified electronic transcripts sent directly to Graduate Admissions from the issuing institution care also accepted.  Electronic transcripts should be sent to  [email protected] .

Applicants with academic work in progress who expect to complete a degree program before the intended date of enrollment at UC San Diego, must provide evidence of degree conferral and a final academic transcript as soon as they are available.

By the time enrollment begins, successful applicants  must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad. Completed coursework for both domestic and international applicants must demonstrate the equivalent of at least a B average in the United States .

7) GRE Scores

We do not require that you take the  GRE exam . If you do take the exam our program code is R4836. If you have already taken the test and did not have your scores sent to UC San Diego, contact ETS to have your scores sent to us electronically. The test scores are valid for 5 years.

8) Additional Educational Experiences (Required by EDS)

To be considered for admission into the Ph.D. in Education Program, please respond to a minimum of three out of the seven areas included within the application. This part of the application is not optional for EDS.

9) Application Fee 

The application fee is $135 for US citizens or permanent residents; $155 for international applicants. The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application. You may also pay by check, following the instructions in the online application. If you choose to pay by check, please note that your application will not be processed until your check has been received.

The UCSD Education Studies PhD program uses a structured holistic review process with a rubric-based evaluation. Each application is reviewed in its entirety and rated on academic preparation, potential for scholarship, and potential for contributing to equity and diversity in formal and information learning contexts. While we do not have a minimum GRE score,  we encourage students to take the test seriously, to practice and do your best. You may choose to address low scores in your statement of purpose. Successful applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad and at least a B average (3.0 GPA) or its equivalent by the time they enroll. Some exceptional applicants with lower GPAs may be recommended for admission. You may choose to address low grades in Education related courses or GPA in your statement of purpose.

* Former UC San Diego graduate students should contact Amber Rieder to complete the necessary re-admission process. 

Graduate Funding

Admitted EDS PhD students are guaranteed 5 years financial support, which includes half-time student academic employment, and full tuition & fees during the academci year.

If admitted to the program a detailed funding letter outlining the funding package will be provided.

For further questions about funding please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Amber Rieder, [email protected].

Financ ial Support FAQs

Faculty use a wide array of research methodologies and discipline-based theoretical tools for analyzing and addressing topics. Our faculty have expertise in quantitative methods and qualitative methods of research, with many using mixed methods research approaches. Faculty research projects range from large-scale, multi-site quantitative analyses to in-depth qualitative studies of schools, classrooms, and communities. Faculty also have expertise in historical research, theory development, and design-based approaches to research.

View a list of Ph.D. Faculty and Research Topic Areas

Program of Study

2024-2025 ph.d. proposed course schedule, 2023-2024 ph.d. course schedule, 2022-2023 ph.d. course schedule, 22021-2022 ph.d. course schedule, 2020-2021 ph.d. course schedule, 2019-2020 ph.d. course schedule , 2018-2019 ph.d. course schedule , degree benchmarks.

Our signature pedagogy is problem immersion -- we ask students to read research and learn theories and methodologies in the service of understanding existing real-world education situations and contexts.  During the first two years of the program, students will take required courses in foundational areas and in rigorous research methods. Students will also take  Research Apprenticeship Courses (RAC)  in which students are immersed in faculty research with faculty supporting students’ development as researchers. At the end of the first year, and with faculty guidance, students will choose their particular area of focus and select elective courses in education and in other departments accordingly. Students will continue their research immersion experiences and take courses as part of an interdisciplinary cognate strand.

Between the end of year 2 and no later than Spring quarter of year 3 students will submit their  Qualifying Exam Research Review Paper . The written Research Review is designed to assess the student's ability to work in a scholarly and professional way with substantive knowledge in their area of interest. To successfully meet the research review benchmark, a student must submit a scholarly review of research manuscript of publishable quality. The manuscript should demonstrate the student’s knowledge of theory and research in a particular topic area related to transforming education in a diverse society.

After successfully passing the Qualifying Exam, students will present their dissertation proposal between year three and four. Information on this process can begin with the  Dissertation Proposal and Committee document . During the fourth and fifth years students will work with their dissertation advisor and other faculty committee members to complete their dissertation research and writing.

Student Handbooks

• Ph.D. Cohort 8 Handbook 2023-2024
• Ph.D. Cohort 7 Handbook 2022-2023
• Ph.D. Cohort 6 Handbook 2021-2022
• Ph.D. Cohort 5 Handbook 2020-2021
• Ph.D. Cohort 4 Handbook 2019-2020
• Ph.D. Cohort 3 Handbook 2018-2019
• Ph.D. Cohort 2 Handbook 2017-2018

PhD Program Committees

PhD Program Catalog Description

EDS PhD Approach to Mentoring and Advising

Information on SPSS

EDS Instructional Assistant (IA) Handbook

Financial Support

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• IA Expectations for EDS PhD Students

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• Ed.D in Educational Leadership
• PhD and EdD Comparison
• PhD Students
• PhD Faculty

 Slides from our Fall P.h.D. Information Session     

Education (Ph.D.)

School of Education

• Doctor of Philosophy

Our Ph.D. program critically engages students in contemporary issues that impact education research, policy and practice. Emphasizing collaboration, the program is an interdisciplinary graduate group that draws its faculty from diverse fields of education, humanities, social science, physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and medicine, and engages with key campus centers and programs, such as the M.I.N.D. Institute and the Poverty Center. Graduates of our program gain deep knowledge of educational theory and practice related to strengthening schools and other educational settings. Our close proximity to California’s state capital of Sacramento also affords students a rich set of opportunities and networks for influencing education policy.

Graduate Program Requirements

Contact information.

Education Cred/PhD

The Berkeley School of Education (BSE) prepares leaders in education practice, policy, and research. BSE faculty members support a vision of public education that promotes equity and social justice by empowering practitioners to meet the highest standards of engagement and enrichment in classrooms, schools, communities, and districts. Through this commitment, the Berkeley School of Education supports cutting-edge research and positive social transformation in education. The faculty and students at the Berkeley School of Education develop projects and strategies in interdisciplinary scholarship and field studies that positively impact educational outcomes at the state, national, and international levels.

The Berkeley School of Education offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master's of Arts (MA), and credential degree programs as well as an Education major and minor for undergraduate students.

PhD and Master's Programs at the Berkeley School of Education

Students collaborate in dynamic learning environment that develops expertise in areas including:

Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Policy, Politics, and Leadership

Social Research Methodologies

Leadership and Excellence in K-12

Students develop professional leadership skills and explore new opportunities in pedagogy, curricula, and policy. Innovations in teaching and leadership in the classroom prepare students for influential administrative roles - e.g. for principals, district and system-wide administrators, and policy influencers.

Learn more about the Berkeley School of Education's Professional Programs .

Additional Programs

Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) SESAME is the Berkeley School of Education's interdisciplinary graduate program for students who seek advanced expertise in a scientific discipline. SESAME students earn a doctoral degree by researching the educational theories and research methodologies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Intersection of Sport and Education In the Intersection of Sport and Education program students research facets of institutionalized sports that complements and conflict with the educational missions of American secondary and post-secondary schools.

School Psychology The Berkeley School of Education's School Psychology program brings together psychology professionals, teachers, and educational leaders to clarify and resolve problems regarding the educational and mental health needs of children in classrooms.

Special Education (Joint Doctoral Program with San Francisco State University) The Special Education Joint Doctoral program prepares leaders in research, teaching, administration, and supervision to address the professional needs facing children, youth, and adults with disabilities. By combining the resources of both Berkeley and SFSU, students pursue theoretical interests and applied practices in a broad spectrum of specializations within Special Education.

Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) Berkeleys educational doctorate (EdD) is a three year program that engages passionate, equity-conscious leaders who apply practice, theory, and research design to develop excellence and integrity in education. Using guiding principles, operational efficiencies, and professional networks, LEAD doctoral students influence all-encompassing change and innovation in education.

Contact Info

[email protected]

2121 Berkeley Way

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 3, 2024

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

Ph.D., Cred/Ph.D.

GRE Requirements

School of Education

Educators are liberators because knowledge is transformative.

Educational Psychology

Educational psychology ph.d. program.

Multiple career options are available to you when you earn a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Graduates of the program become educational researchers and university teachers. In addition, many take leadership positions with government agencies and private industry. We offer students an integrative research and training program with strengths in cognitive development, quantitative, and qualitative methods. Many of our faculty conduct research in classrooms with teachers and students to better understand how to improve current educational practice. Furthermore, many of our faculty are also involved in interdisciplinary efforts with faculty from other departments at UC Riverside, such as the Bourns College of Engineering, working to examine how to improve disciplinary educational practices (e.g., computer science education). 

UC’s Riverside campus in inland Southern California is ideally located for students to conduct research among the dynamic and ethnically diverse K-12 student populations in the region. As a Ph.D. student, you will collaborate with professors and other doctoral students on grant-funded research projects designed to enhance learning and the educational experience for students not only throughout California, but nationwide.

This program is not designed for school counselors or school psychologists. If you are interested in becoming a school psychologist, please see our  Ph.D. School Psychology program .

Specialization Overview

• Program Overview
• Program Cost
• Related Research
• Start Term: Fall only
• Program Length: Approximately 5 years
• Units: 60 minimum
• Format: In-person instruction on Riverside campus
• Schedule: Each class meets once a week 4-7pm (Monday-Thursday)
• 94% of students receive multi-year fellowships

Steps to Degree Completion

• Complete coursework
• Written qualifying exam
• Oral qualifying exam/pre-proposal
• Proposal approved by dissertation committee
• Dissertation and final defense

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program are often offered a multi-year fellowship which covers tuition and health insurance and provides a stipend and/or paycheck during the academic year. It is recommended that students complete the program full time to meet the fellowship requirements working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR). These duties require students to be available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for 15-20 hours per week.

Quarterly costs may be viewed here

Faculty research areas include:

• Quantitative methods
• STEM teaching and learning
• Teacher and school evaluation and improvement

A complete list of faculty research areas can be found here , and SOE’s Centers, Programs, and Labs can be found here .

This specialization offers two tracks. Track 1 is Cognition, Instruction, and Student Learning; Track 2 is Quantitative Methods. Students choose one track in consultation with faculty advisor.

Curriculum Overview

Career Opportunities

Students are eligible to become:

• Researchers in Higher Education Institutions

Recent graduates are:

• Director of Institutional Research
• Research Analyst/Associate
• Lecturer/Postdoc
• Educational Consultant

Meet the Educational Psychology Faculty

We encourage prospective students to reach out to faculty whose research interests align with their own.

Current Ph.D. Students

Meet our current students.

Berkeley School of Education

Ma and phd programs, about our ma and phd.

Earning a Master’s of Arts degree (MA) or doctorate (PhD) from Berkeley’s School of Education often leads to a career as an educational scholar and researcher in schools, colleges, and universities; non-profits and think tanks; and corporations.

In your application, we encourage you to describe your research interests as well as your desire to study with particular faculty in their application materials. If you wish to study educational topics outside those framed in the list below, we still encourage you to apply to earn your MA or PhD because we want innovative thinkers among us.

During the first semester, all students build a plan of study in consultation with their advisor(s). This plan is revisited, updated, and revised yearly thereafter.

What Doctoral Students Can Expect

During the first two years of study, the Berkeley PhD in Education introduces you to research on current issues in education, theories of learning, human development, and inequality, educational policy, and research methods. Students proceed through the program during the first two years in a cohort, taking core courses together.

The degree program’s structure ensures that you have a broad understanding of important topics in education and that you begin developing the research expertise needed to carry out independent research projects. You will also begin to take elective courses within and outside the BSE in your expected areas of expertise.

By the third and fourth years of study, you are expected to develop greater expertise in your research specialties in close consultation with your faculty advisors. You also take advanced seminars; engage in independent studies and research apprenticeships; and complete an oral exam.

The concluding part of your doctoral studies is preparation of your dissertation proposal and the research and writing of your dissertation.

What Master's Students Can Expect

As a Master’s student, you join the Berkeley community for one academic year, affiliating with a cluster of specialization. MA students often complete courses and their Masters projects during the summer. You are required to complete 24 semester units, which equals seven to eight classes, depending on how many units are awarded for each class.

You will have access to your faculty advisors, an MA Coordinator, and Student Services staff within the School of Education.

Learn more about the core requirements for earning a Master's in Education .

Our faculty’s interests span a range of critical topics and issues that are crucial for the attainment of educational equity and greater impact in schools and communities. The broad clusters of our faculty’s expertise are listed below. Click on any of the titles to see faculty who are engaged in this research.

Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender

• Critical Social and Cultural Theories
• Globalization, Immigration, and Migration
• Race & Social Inequality in Urban Education
• Domination and Resistance across Educational Settings
• Social Identities in Educational Contexts
• Language, Literacy, and Digital Media

Language, Literacy, and Culture

• Sociocultural aspects of language use and development across the lifespan
• Linguistic and cultural diversity in language and literacy education
• Intersections of disability and language and literacy learning
• Race and inequality in language and literacy education
• Bi/multilingualism and translanguaging in schools and communities
• Indigenous language maintenance and education in local and global contexts
• Literacy in a Digital Age
• Literacy in and out of School

Learning Sciences and Human Development

• Cognitive, Human, and Social Development 
• Mathematics and Science Education
• Teacher Learning and Education
• Technology and Digital Media

Policy, Politics, and Leadership

• Leadership in Educational Organizations
• Policy Analysis and Program Implementation
• Politics of Education Advocacy
• School Improvement

Social Research Methodologies

• Data Science
• Design-Based Research
• Measurement
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Statistics and Econometrics

School Psychology

    •     Program Aims and Training Goals     •     Faculty     •     Sequence     •     How to Apply     •     Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data     •     Student Handbook     •     Publications and Presentations     •     School Psychology-Resources

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Doctoral Programs

The Graduate College of Education at SF State offers two doctoral programs, one a  Joint Ph.D. Program in Special Education  and the other an  Ed.D. Program  with dual focus in P-12 education and post-secondary education systems. Each of the programs provides unique opportunities and focus for candidates who seek advanced doctoral study at the doctoral level.

The  Joint Ph.D. Program in Special Education  is offered jointly by the Department of Special Education in the GCOE at SF State and the Graduate College of Education at the University of California at Berkeley. Candidates in the Joint Ph.D. Program are often practitioners in special education and related fields who seek leadership positions in the field. Experiences of students in the Joint Ph.D. program include opportunities to combine theory and applied practice in their research contributions to advance the field, working with mentors from SF State and UC Berkeley. Graduates of the Joint Ph.D. Program assume leadership positions as university faculty, researchers, administrators and supervisors in professional preparation programs for individuals with disabilities across the life span and settings in schools and communities.

The  Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program  is offered within the Graduate College of Education and is designed to prepare leaders in educational systems for young children through secondary education and in post-secondary education at two-year and four-year colleges. Candidates who enter the Ed.D. Program are often experienced educators who seek leadership positions as administrators, program developers, professional development directors, researchers and faculty to advance education programs for children, youth and adults in schools and communities. The Ed.D. Program at SF State is focused on social justice to ensure that graduates become leaders to improve educational systems to become leaders to improve educational systems to advance equity and access to education for all. Ed.D. students work closely with faculty mentors to complete dissertation work that make real, practical, and immediate impact to improve equity and social justice for students at all grade levels and from all backgrounds.

The following Doctoral programs are available at SF State:

Special Education

San Francisco State University (Graduate College Of Education) and the University Of California, Berkeley (Graduate School Of Education) jointly offer a PH.D. program in Special Education.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership

The San Francisco State Ed.D. program is focused on both P-12 and higher education. Our accelerated three-year timeline and weekend class schedule make this an excellent program for practitioners currently working in the field and looking to take their career to the next level.

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Sacramento State

• College of Education /
• Graduate and Professional Studies in Education /

Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)

Total units required for Doctorate: 60

Program Description

The Doctoral Program in Transformational Leadership is an award-winning Ed.D. program that represents a dynamic collaborative effort between the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program in the College of Education and the Department of Public Policy and Administration in the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. This program connects theory to practice for the purposes of impacting educational systems. 

Our degree focuses on preparing administrative leaders for California public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges and on the knowledge and skills needed by administrators to be effective leaders in California public schools and community colleges.

Our Cohort-based program is designed for working professionals, and classes are offered on Friday nights and Saturdays. Groups of students are admitted each year and take courses together. This creates several distinct advantages of group membership during graduate study which are intentionally fostered in the program:

• Cohorts offer support to candidates and provide opportunities for members to learn from one another.
• Cohorts establish professional ties that often last beyond the doctoral program itself; such networks are valuable in terms of continued professional support and growth.
• Fostering and monitoring candidates’ progress is enhanced in cohorts. The group carries with it the expectation that all but the occasional candidate will complete the program successfully, including such standard benchmarks as the qualifying examination, advancement to candidacy, and completion of the dissertation.

Admission Requirements

The Ed.D. Program admits candidates who meet the academic requirements for the Ed.D. degree program and who possess personal qualities and professional experiences that suggest a strong potential for success as doctoral candidates and as educational leaders in preK-12, community colleges, and higher education.

Applicants must have:

• An earned baccalaureate degree and master's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education with a grade point average in upper division and graduate study of 3.0 or above;
• Sufficient preparation and experience pertinent to educational leadership and a commitment to educational equity and racial justice;
• Demonstrated educational leadership potential and skills including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community, and/or policy leadership;
• Advanced writing and criticality to analyze literature and formulate a research agenda;
• Demonstrated academic excellence, problem-solving ability, and an interest in assessing and bringing about improvements within current educational policies and practices.

Admission Procedures

Applicants must complete a university application by the posted application deadline date for the term applying. For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website . Prospective doctoral students must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, Riverfront Center 215, (916) 278-6470:

Please note: The GRE requirement is suspended. If applicants send in GRE scores, the scores cannot be taken into consideration when making admissions decisions.

A complete application includes:

• An online application that can be accessed at  Cal State Apply
• Statement of Purpose
• Essay Responses 
• Important Note: Your writing in all cases should be your own original work and may not be written, in part or in whole, by a third party. The admissions committee will carefully consider both the content and the writing in its assessment of your candidacy for graduate study at Sacramento State University.
• Resume or CV  detailing education and professional experience
• Statement of Support : A brief statement of support for your doctoral studies from your employer.
• Unofficial Transcripts:  Upload one set of unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Letters of Recommendation : Three letters of recommendation attesting to the leadership ability and scholarship of the candidate
• Official Transcripts : Send one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State; official electronic transcripts sent directly from colleges/universities to  [email protected]  or sealed official hard copy transcripts sent to:

Office of Graduate Studies California State University, Sacramento Riverfront Center, Room 215, MS 6112 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819

After an initial review of completed application, viable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Unit Requirements

Each candidate will be required to successfully complete 60 semester units of coursework.  Each of the first two years call for completion of 18 units during the regular academic year and 6 units during each summer session. The third year of the program calls for completion of the dissertation which will entail 12 units.

The Ed.D. program is designed for completion of the degree requirements within three (3) calendar years (two semesters per academic year and summer study). The California State University, Sacramento Educational Leadership doctoral program is designed to allow completion of degree requirements within three (3) calendar years and four and a half calendar years (four years and one semester) will normally be acceptable.

Total time to qualifying examination and advancement to candidacy will not exceed three (3) years unless there are mitigating circumstances and the Ed.D. Program faculty has approved the extension; such extension normally may not exceed one year.

Total registered time is not expected to exceed five (5) years, and extension beyond this period requires approval by the Ed.D. Program faculty.

Extension of the period for degree completion beyond the period of five (5) years is normally granted to students in good academic standing, not exceed a two (2) year period. Continuation each term after the extension is granted requires determination of satisfactory progress by the Ed.D. Program faculty.

Extension of the period by more than two years can be granted only under special circumstances and based upon criteria established by the Ed.D. Program faculty. Such extension requires (a) special approval in accordance with the procedures established by the campus and (b) evidence that the student has maintained currency in the field, including demonstrated currency in literature, coursework, and research .

Satisfactory Progress Toward Degree

Each Ed.D. student is expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward the approved academic objectives as defined by the Ed.D. Program faculty and the University. The student is expected to make satisfactory progress in accordance with the Ed.D. cohort structure and program of study through the time of Advancement to Candidacy. This requires that the student complete all courses and examinations satisfactorily and Advance to Candidacy within the period for each specified by the Ed.D. Program faculty. Satisfactory progress further requires that the student pass all required examinations within two attempts.

The normal expectation is that students will attend and participate in all required program components. Students who need to make-up assignments are normally given the opportunity to do so. In the event that a student’s lack of attendance/participation would cause him/her to fail to maintain a grade point average of 3.0, the student would be notified and counseled regarding requirements for satisfactory progress toward the degree. Systemwide criteria of satisfactory academic progress are provided in Appendix 5, Title 5 of California Code of Regulations: The Doctor of Education Degree §40512(c).

Students who need to take a leave of absence are typically provided two options. One is to take extra coursework to make up courses missed and return to their original cohort. The second is to join a later cohort that, at the time they return, is taking the classes that they missed. If a student goes on an approved leave of absence and a course is not offered upon their return, a modified version of the course can be offered as a substitute through independent study or a course substitution may be made, depending on the course requirement.

Criteria for Continuation in the Program

Students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the program and not have a grade point average below 3.0 in any two successive terms to be considered in good academic standing. They must also meet all the requirements of graduate students outlined in the University Catalog.

Students who fall below a 3.0 grade point average in any one term will be placed on academic probation and notified of this in writing.  Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress may be officially disqualified from the program in writing in accordance with policies established by the campus and based upon the recommendation of the Ed.D. Program faculty.

To ensure that a decision to disqualify a student because of unsatisfactory academic progress is just, basic due process requirements will be met. Faculty will conduct a thorough review and consultation and will provide a written recommendation by the Ed.D. Program Director to the Graduate Division. The student may appeal the decision. A student who has been disqualified from the program will not be allowed to continue in the Ed.D. Program, enroll in doctoral level courses in the program, or register again in the Ed.D. Program without a formal application and re-admission to the University.

Program Requirements

Admission into the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program and instructor permission.

Passage of Qualifying Examination before the start of the dissertation and successful dissertation proposal defense.

Enter a Search Term

Doctoral Programs

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Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Program overview.

The Educational Leadership Doctorate program is designed for working professionals seeking training to become highly qualified educational leaders for P-12 school districts or community colleges.  Representatives from P-12 school districts and community colleges work collaboratively with CSULB faculty and administrators to design, implement, and evaluate this program.

Emphasis is placed on the expanding and changing role of education for social change to meet the needs of society. Graduate students in a learning cohort community will experience an interdisciplinary approach to the study of educational leadership, teaching and learning, organizational development, management and research.

Program Options

Elementary/secondary educational leadership.

PK-12 specialization graduates are prepared for position as superintendents, principals, lead teachers, and other school site administrators

Community College/Higher Education Educational Leadership

Higher Education specialization graduates will be prepared for critical positions at both 2-year and 4-year institutions as college presidents, student support service administrators, and other administrative leaders.

• Ed.D. Student Experience
• Student Survey Results
• Ed.D. Student Growing as a Professional

"The EdD department and program staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and friendly...They truly humanize the doctoral journey for student."

"The program helped me view issues more holistically and come up with more meaningful solutions...I can do that with a more thoughtful equity lens."

As a result of the Ed.D. Program 100% of surveyed students strongly agreed/agreed:

• "I am more inclined to view myself as a change agent."
• "I value research as a tool for effective leadership."
• "I have gained a better understanding of educational leadership."
• The program has been responsive to [students] educational needs.
• they are applying knowledge and skills from the courses in their current leadership position
• their expectations of student support have been met

"I felt that I learned a lot from the program and I have been able to grow both professionally and personally because of the program."

"My experience in the program was incalculable.  I am a better person because of it.  I am a stronger educator because of what I've learned from my program."

Our Graduates

Graduates of the program will be qualified for a variety of teaching and leadership positions in education and education-related settings, such as superintendent, central office administrator, school principal in P-12, or chancellor, president or administrator in community colleges or 4-year universities.

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in California

Last updated on September 8th, 2024 at 09:36 pm

Choosing California for your Ed.D.? We've put everything you need to know about CA doctoral programs in education in one easy place! Along with a comprehensive program directory , you'll discover info on online degrees, the ASC process, and the 10 cheapest Ed.D. programs in California! Our guide also contains a substantial career section & lots of ideas for building your network. Explore the advice sections or skip ahead to the listings to start choosing a school.

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in California

What kind of california ed.d. programs are available.

The gods of education have blessed California. It’s a big state, with tons of Ed.D. programs—including CAEP-accredited options (look for the CAEP badge in our school listings )—and plenty of career-building opportunities for administrators who are moving up in the world. Many universities in California offer substantial doctoral education grants & scholarships and a number have developed online doctorates in education.

How Do I Choose a California Doctorate in Education?

Case study #1: the california k-12 educator on a budget.

Let’s say you live in Southern California and you’re aiming to earn a low-cost doctorate in education in K-12 leadership. You’ve evaluated your career goals and you’re ready to approach your employer for tuition assistance. But you want to prove that you’ve done your research on affordable programs in your area. Here are a few steps to help you achieve your goal:

• Use our most affordable CA rankings or the tuition links in our listings to draw up a shortlist of degrees from schools that are close to home! The CSU system typically offers doctoral programs with reasonable prices and a range of Ed.D. awards & scholarships . However, there are plenty of other options out there. 
• Consider distance learning. We’ve profiled California online doctorates below and flagged them in our listings. You’ll still have the name of a California university on your résumé, but you’ll cut the cost of commuting and save time. Talk to recent Ed.D. alumni to get a sense of the pros & cons of a distance learning program.
• If you don’t like the feel of public university programs, seek out unique funding opportunities. Faith-based schools like APU often offer scholarships & discounts to Christian educators. Private universities like University of Redlands have developed tuition partnerships with K-12 school districts. You could also knock the price down by applying for continuing education scholarships from state & national associations (e.g. CTA ).

Case Study #2: The Aspiring California Administrator

Thinking of earning your PASC or CASC? Start with our section on California’s Administrative Services Credential (ASC) . We’ve provided links to CTC-approved programs and information about schools that offer concurrent training with Ed.D. offerings. You’ll be able to earn your doctorate in education and your credential at the same time!

If you’re looking for real-world wisdom and advice on this career path, reach out to credentialed administrators in our list of California educational leadership associations & professional groups . For instance:

• Latinx educators can find mentorship & training programs through CALSA .
• African American educators can connect through CAAASA and its professional development summit.
• And anyone can attend ASCA conferences & events.

Case Study #3: The Seasoned California Educational Leader

Let’s say you have 5-10 years of administrative experience under your belt and you’re looking for a high-level doctorate that will truly challenge your ideas of leadership. In this scenario, you may wish to narrow your search to executive-style Ed.D. programs from prestigious California universities.

In our listings , that applies to programs from schools like USC Rossier, UCLA, and UC Davis. These cohort-based doctorates will often include personalized attention from Ed.D. professors and plenty of high-level networking opportunities. As a consequence, tuition prices are often high and admissions can be competitive.

Top 10 Most Affordable Ed.D. Programs in California 2025

• California is Expensive: The baseline cost for an Ed.D. in California can be double that of doctorates in other states! If you’re on a tight budget, talk to the program coordinator about funding options, explore opportunities in our scholarships section, and/or check out our rankings of the Cheapest Online Ed.D. Programs in the country. You’ll need to balance the benefits of in-person learning & networking with price.
• For-Profit Schools in California Have Cheap Prices: We’ve limited our rankings to non-profit universities that are regionally accredited. However, we should point out that programs like Trident University International’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Alliant International University’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Management offer doctorates that are under $60,000.
• CSU Programs Share the Same DNA: You’ll notice that Ed.D. options at California State Universities look very similar—they’re 60 units; they focus on educational leadership; and they take around 3 years to complete. They also share the same baseline price! Any differences in tuition will be due to campus fees and semester estimates (some schools quote the price for 8 semesters). To keep things fair, we’ve used 9 semesters for our tuition research and included mandatory fees in our estimates. When you’re budgeting, remember that CSU tuition & fees will invariably increase each year.
• Prestigious Programs Can Be Pricey: For example, USC Rossier may offer some of the best online Ed.D. programs in the country , but it charges like a wounded bull for its doctoral programs. The Berkeley School of Education is another example with excellent national rankings and high prices. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule—UCLA appears in our top 10 affordable rankings! However, you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to pay for quality.
• It Pays to Ask for a Budget: We found that a number of schools were quoting outdated tuition prices on their program website; the true figures could be found within the university’s tuition & fees section for graduate students. To help you avoid this pothole, we’ve provided links to tuition pages under each school in our program directory . We also recommend asking for a sample budget from the Ed.D. program coordinator. This should include all mandatory and one-off fees, as well as estimated annual tuition increases.

Note: Keep in mind that all of the tuition quotes in our rankings are based on rates for California residents; out-of-state rates at public universities may be much higher.

1 National University

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Minimum Program Cost : $54,288 Minimum Credits : 54 Cost Per Credit : $952 + Course Material Fees

Affordable Ed.D. Overview

Is convenience top of your list? Then National’s relatively affordable & 100% Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership may be just the ticket. Motivated students can start any week of the year and finish within 35 months. A few things to note—National merged with the for-profit Northcentral University in 2022, so it doesn’t have the prestige factor of UC schools. Reviews for its doctoral programs in education are decidedly mixed. And you won’t have any opportunities for classroom discussions (degrees are built on a one-to-one learning model ). Talk to recent alumni before you commit.

For More Information:

• Admission Requirements
• Tuition & Fees

2 University of California-Davis

• Capital Area North Doctorate in Educational Leadership (CANDEL)

Minimum Program Cost : $60,750 Minimum Credits : 84 Cost Per Credit : ~$6,750 per semester

If you’re fortunate enough to live in the greater Sacramento Valley, Bay Area, or Northern California, UC Davis’s Capital Area North Doctorate in Educational Leadership (CANDEL) should be on your shortlist! It’s open to educators in PK-12 and higher education spaces. It’s cohort-based. And it produces incredible alumni . We love the emphasis on fieldwork and we’re pleased to see opportunities for collaboration during the on-campus classes. For our tuition quote, we’ve estimated 9 semesters for completion, with the last year devoted to your dissertation.

3 Biola University

• Ed.D. in Educational Studies

Minimum Program Cost : $61,555 Minimum Credits : 45 Cost Per Credit : $1,359

Christian educational leaders, take note! Biola’s Ed.D. in Educational Studies is the brainchild of the university’s Talbot School of Theology. It’s a hybrid program, with a combination of online work and one-week residential courses in the fall and spring. Put your head down and you can finish in 2 years of full-time study or 3-5 years of part-time study. Biola is an Evangelical Christian university that’s accredited by the Association of Theological Studies (ATS), so this is a program for folks who are interested in diving into biblical & theological studies. View the alumni spotlight for more info on doctoral graduates.

4 California State University-Channel Islands

• Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice (DELEJ)

Minimum Program Cost : $61,227 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : ~$6,803 per semester

CSUCI’s cohort-based Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Equity and Justice (DELEJ) is strong on both convenience and quality—the program is backed by membership in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) . You’ll be able to study online during the fall & spring semesters and visit the Camarillo campus for one-week residencies during the summers. We’re also pleased to see the inclusion of specialization courses in the curriculum for P-12 or community college leaders. CSUCI charges by semester; for our tuition estimate, we’ve used 9 semesters/3 years.

5 California State University-Los Angeles

Ed.d. in educational leadership.

Minimum Program Cost : $61,290 Minimum Credits : 60 Cost Per Credit : ~$6,810 per semester

Ready to take your leadership career to the next level? Cal State LA’s cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is open to educators with at least 4 years of work experience in California educational institutions (ideally public PK-12 schools or community colleges). Like other CSU Ed.D. programs, it’s a 60-unit, year-round doctorate that can be finished within 3 years. Because it’s designed for working professionals in the Los Angeles area, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in laboratories of practice and take part in hybrid & on-site coursework.

Remaining Top 10 Most Affordable Ed.D. Programs in California

Online Doctor of Education Programs in California

Online ed.d. providers in california, alliant international university (for-profit), california baptist university, california state university-channel islands, california state university-fresno, loyola marymount university, national university, trident university international (for-profit), university of southern california, what to know about california online ed.d. programs.

Online Ed.D. programs in California are available, but it pays to shop wisely. In California, online doctoral programs in education fall into two broad categories:

• Ed.D. programs in leadership offered by established non-profit universities.
• Ed.D. programs offered by for-profit institutions like Trident and Alliant.

Keep in mind that California online Ed.D. programs can be just as challenging as on-campus doctorates. Dissertations are standard and hands-on work may be required. Even with for-profit options, candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and some experience under their belt.

Online Ed.D. Programs at California Non-Profit Universities

Each CA university will have its own quirky take on the doctorate in education. Generally speaking, non-profits tend to play to their School of Education strengths. For example:

• USC’s Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership is run by the USC Rossier School of Education. The Ed.D. combines online assignments with real-world applications, such as an annual immersion weekend. And there’s a capstone, which consists of a dissertation, a reflective self-assessment, and additional deliverables.
• In addition to exploring ideas around leadership and social justice advocacy, Loyola Marymount University’s 3-year Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice also includes practical administrative training in areas like educational policy, law, and the management of human & fiscal capital. Better yet, LMU is a CPED member .

These are just a couple of examples to give you a taste of what’s out there! You can also consider CSUCI and its focus on equity & justice; CBU and its work on organizational change; or Fresno State’s online doctorate in PreK-20 educational leadership. Explore our listings to uncover more distance learning opportunities from non-profit universities in California.

Note: In 2022, National merged with the for-profit Northcentral University and acquired its degrees. That’s why some of NU’s programs have an unusual feel. For instance, the all-purpose Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is built on a one-to-one learning model (no classroom discussions) and there are—wait for it—52 weekly start dates.

Online Ed.D. Programs at California For-Profit Universities

For-profits tend to design their doctorate in education programs for working professionals with tight schedules. For example:

• Trident is known for being a) explicitly devoted to online learning; and b) a popular choice with the military. You can see that approach play out in its Online Doctor of Education in Leadership .
• Alliant also has small classes and multiple enrollment periods. But it has blended management into the education mix. In its Online Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Management , there are hands-on case studies and courses in areas such as finance & business.

Think long and hard about earning a doctorate in education from a California for-profit university. They do not have the same standing as non-profit institutions and they may hurt more than help when you start applying for high-level administrative jobs. Remember, too, that there are scores of strong online programs available throughout the country. You don’t have to limit yourself to California schools.

Doctoral Education Funding in California

Alliant is a for-profit university with a number of scholarships on offer for education students. Sort by “School: California School of Education” to see all the options.

Azusa Pacific University

APU offers a number of School of Education Scholarships that apply to graduate students, including the Lillian B. Wehmeyer Scholarship and the Simmerok Family Encouragement Scholarship.

For the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, check out the Ed.D. Program Scholarship, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential in K–12 education and who are committed to serving under-resourced schools and districts.

Biola University

The Talbot School of Theology offers Biola’s Ed.D, so be sure to check out the section on Talbot Graduate Financial Aid . There’s a Graduate Grant, an International Student Aid Grant , and a variety of faith-centered scholarships .

CBU offers a 20% tuition scholarship to employees of partner institutions .

California Lutheran University

Cal Lutheran has an assortment of modest Graduate Scholarships & Grants on offer, including a Graduate Academic Scholarship (based on need and GPA) and a Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Award.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

We didn’t spot any doctoral awards in the Scholarships section of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Education and Integrative Studies, but low-income Ed.D. students are eligible for the LOGRAR/PPOHA Scholarship .

California State University System

Any doctoral student in a CSU System school (see below) is eligible to apply for awards such as the California State University Foundation – CSU Trustees Award .

California State University-Bakersfield (CSU System)

CSUB maintains a CSU Bakersfield Scholarship database where you can search for relevant funds.

California State University-Channel Islands (CSU System)

CSUCI’s section on Funding for Graduate School contains links to external scholarships & fellowships.

California State University-Easy Bay (CSU System)

Ed.D. students at CSUEB who fill in the FAFSA may be eligible for student loans and a doctoral grant. You can also explore Graduate Opportunities & Financial Resources .

California State University-Fresno (CSU System)

CSU-Fresno’s Kremen School of Education & Human Development offers a number of General Scholarships , but it’s always best to ask if Ed.D. candidates qualify.

California State University-Fullerton (CSU System)

CSUF’s College of Education has an application for Scholarship & Grants . Modest funds like the Dr. Olivia Veloz Scholarship, the Founders Scholarship, and the Teacher Trust Scholarship are open to doctoral students.

California State University-Long Beach (CSU System)

CSULB’s College of Education (CED) has a solid Overview of Scholarships & Financial Aid , including details on plenty of annual & endowed CED Scholarships .

California State University-Los Angeles (CSU System)

Start with the section on Scholarships & Financial Aid from Cal State LA’s Charter College of Education (CCOE) and the university’s Scholarship database. There are some funds available for CCOE graduate students.

California State University-Northridge (CSU System)

CSUN’s Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the Michael D. Eisner College of Education offers the Deborah Leidner Educational Leadership Award . Students enrolled in MDECOE courses also receive an email describing available scholarships in late September.

California State University-Sacramento (CSU System)

Sacramento State has a couple of dedicated Ed.D. Awards —the EdD Pay-It-Forward Scholarship and the SchoolsFirst Credit Union Scholarship in Education Leadership. You can also look into College of Education Scholarships for graduate students.

California State University-San Bernardino (CSU System)

CSUSB’s Office of Graduate Studies can provide Financial Support such as doctoral loans for aspiring faculty members. The Office of Student Research also supplies Funding Opportunities , including grants for research projects and dissertation support.

California State University-Stanislaus (CSU System)

For the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Stanislaus State offers some Financial Aid , including an Ed Doctoral Grant (based on financial need).

Fielding Graduate University

Fielding is aimed at adult learners, so it has an established Monthly Payment Plan in place. There are also Scholarships like the Provost Achievement Scholarship for incoming students who exhibit strong competency or potential in their field, as well as demonstrated financial need.

La Sierra University

La Sierre’s School of Education offers a number of Scholarships , some of which are open to graduate students. Institutional Awards may also be available, but most are intended for undergraduates.

In the section on LMU’s School of Education Scholarship & Aid Opportunities , you’ll find a School of Education Graduate Scholarship and a City Year Alumni Scholarship at the forefront. However, the SOE also has a large number of Donor Scholarships on tap.

NU has a list of Scholarships & Grants Funded by National University . We didn’t see any that were specific to doctoral students, but you may wish to ask if Ed.D. students are eligible for any of the military scholarships or the Collegiate Honor Award.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education & Psychology (GSEP) offers a healthy number of Scholarships for doctoral students, especially those in the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program!

Saint Mary’s College of California

The Kalmanovitz School of Education awards KSOE Admissions Scholarships to newly admitted students, including those enrolled in doctorate programs. If you’re in the San Francisco area, there’s also a super-generous, tuition-free Lasallian Educator Fellowship Program that prepares educators—including administrators—to work in Lasallian schools for three years.

San Diego State University (CSU System)

SDSU’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships has general info on aid options. However, doctoral students in SDSU’s College of Education can also apply for a number of unique Education Scholarships .

San Francisco State University (CSU System)

SFSU’s section on Financial Aid & Scholarships highlights three major College of Education scholarships open to Ed.D. students. In addition, SFSU has a special Graduate Equity Fellowship , which is a diversity initiative that awards up to $5,000 to graduate students in doctoral programs. Graduate assistantships and travel awards for conferences are also available!

San Jose State University (CSU System)

Visit the Lurie College of Education’s section on Financial Aid Opportunities and the Spartan Scholarships database to learn more about opportunities for doctoral students. You only have to submit a single application to be considered for all awards.

TUI is a for-profit university, but it is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). That means you can apply for federal financial aid. Military members, alumni, and employees of certain companies may also be eligible for Scholarships & Grants .

University of California-Berkeley

UC Berkeley states that the LEAD program does have some funding that can help Ed.D. students offset costs. We also recommend a visit to the Berkeley School of Education’s section on Fees & Fellowships and the university’s info on Graduate Fellowships, Grants and Awards .

University of California-Davis

Financial Aid for the CANDEL program (i.e. the Ed.D.) comes from a variety of sources. UC-Davis has a professional fee that gets funneled back into grants for CANDEL students with financial need. It receives funds from the University Student Aid Program (USAP) for a similar purpose. And it offers a UC Employee Tuition Discount.

University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a self-supporting program , but you’re welcome to ask the program coordinator about Division of Graduate Education Fellowships and Programs .

University of La Verne

A limited number of Ed.D. Scholarships are available to new first-year students in ULV’s hybrid program. The university also offers general Graduate Scholarships & Assistantships .

University of Redlands

UR’s School of Education has a section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students . Be sure to visit the section on Employer Partnership Discounts .

University of San Francisco

USF’s School of Education has a section devoted to Financial Resources , with details on general scholarships (open to doctoral students), graduate assistantships, and conference stipends. Be sure to investigate the Social Justice Scholarship, which rewards students who are interested in community service and engagement.

USC Rossier’s School of Education grants Rossier Scholarships to incoming students. A separate application is not required. The distance learning arm of USC Rossier also has a useful list of External Scholarships , including funds for doctoral students.

University of the Pacific

In its section on Scholarships , Pacific states that graduate students in the Benerd School of Education automatically receive a 31% tuition discount. In addition to the list of Competitive Endowed Scholarships , take a look at the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Match .

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we couldn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administration License and Credential Requirements in California

Administrative services credential.

Credentialing for teachers & educators in California is handled by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CDC) . Education administrators aiming for jobs in the CA school system usually complete the Administrative Services Credential (ASC) . The ASC will provide you with opportunities to:

• Serve as a school leader (e.g. principal) or district leader (e.g. superintendent)
• Develop, coordinate & assess instructional programs
• Supervise & evaluate staff and faculty
• Recruit & train education personnel
• Manage school operations & fiscal services
• Create student support services

According to the CTC, California school administrators must have the ASC in order to provide the following services at the school site level to preschool, K-12, and adults:

• Evaluate the quality & effectiveness of instructional services
• Evaluate certificated personnel, with the exception of the site administrator
• Administer student & certificated personnel employee discipline services

Note: On its Administrative Services Credential (ASC) page, the CTC has specific guidelines for Out-of-State teachers.

Administrative Services Credential Process

The ASC credential process is split into two tiers of training and preparation. You’ll need to go through the first tier before you can advance to the second. Many California universities offer ASC credential preparation programs; some will allow you to earn an Ed.D. at the same time (i.e. concurrently).

Use the CTC’s Commission-Approved Educator Preparation Programs database to find your match!

Tier 1: Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC)

To apply for the preliminary credential, you must have 5 years of experience as a credentialed professional (i.e. teacher, counselor, librarian, and/or health & rehabilitation services professional). Teachers who wish to apply must also have a Clear Teaching Credential .

The preliminary program is a combination of coursework, fieldwork, and performance demonstrations. You can earn the prelim credential by doing one of the following:

• Complete a CTC-approved Preparation Program in Administrative Services , including the California Administrators Performance Assessment (CalAPA)
• Complete a CTC-approved Intern Program , which consists of supervised, in-service training conducted in a program run by a California college or university
• Achieve a passing score on the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination Program (CPACE)

You will also need to satisfy a basic skills requirement and verify your employment in an administrative position. If you don’t have an offer of employment for this position, you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility instead.

Tier 2: Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC)

Once you’ve earned your preliminary credential, you can start thinking about the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC). Candidates for this second tier must have:

• A valid Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC)
• Two years of verifiable work experience in a full-time administrative position in a California school

You will also need to complete a CTC-approved Clear Induction Program in Administrative Services . This is a 2-year, job-embedded individualized program focused on your employment position. These programs are offered by California universities, Offices of Education, and school districts.

Keep in mind that the CTC expects you to enroll in a Clear Induction Program no later than one year from the activation of your preliminary credential.

Ed.D. Programs and Administrative Services Credential (ASC) Training

As we mentioned, a number of California universities offer CTC-approved credentialing programs that are incorporated into Ed.D. studies or offered concurrently. For example:

• CSU Fullerton has embedded studies for the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) into its Ed.D. in PreK-12 Leadership .
• The University of San Francisco allows students to combine the Transformative School Leadership Program (Preliminary Services Credential) with its Doctor of Education in Organization and Leadership .

This isn’t the case for all California universities. Some still like to keep their credentialing programs and their doctorate completely separate. However, if you are looking at applying for an ASC credentialing program, it’s worth asking if any of your course credits will transfer to an Ed.D. in the future.

Educational Leadership Jobs in California

Educational leadership career outlook.

California doctoral education programs are often the first pick for professionals who aspire to jobs where education and leadership go hand-in-hand. Think of:

• Higher Education (e.g. College President, Dean, Vice President for Student Affairs, etc.)
• PreK-12 Schools (e.g. Superintendent, District Administrator, Principal, etc.)
• Private Firms (e.g. Corporate Trainer, Director of Corporate Development, HR Director, etc.)
• Non-Profits (e.g. Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Education Consultant, etc.)
• Government Organizations (e.g. Museum Director, Educational Coordinator, etc.)

Fortunately, California is awash with these kinds of opportunities. According to the the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)’s Occupational Employment Statistics, in 2023, California was second only to Texas in the employment of elementary & secondary school education administrators (e.g. principals).

Educational Leadership Salaries

California is also one of the top-paying states for administrators.

• Every year, BLS posts useful wage data for Education Administrators, Postsecondary and Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School . If you look at the wage maps, you’ll notice that CA administrators can command great salaries in either category.
• You can compare these stats with the AASA’s Superintendents Salary and Benefits Survey. This is published annually, with a summary of major findings, in the AASA’s Research Papers section.
• You may also want to check out Payscale’s cumulative data for all holders of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree . For example, you can see how the salary of an Executive Director compares to a School Superintendent (the Super always wins).

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Along with the usual job boards (e.g. Indeed, HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, etc.), there are a few CA-specific job sites worth investigating:

• The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) has an excellent Career Center , with plenty of job listings in senior positions.
• California Community Colleges allows you to search for faculty & management jobs in the CCC system.
• The University of California Jobs section includes positions posted at all UC campuses and medical centers.
• CSU Careers lists job opportunities in the California State University system.

Educational Leadership Organizations in California

Educational leadership associations.

• Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) : This is the big one! The ACSA bills itself as the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving 17,000+ California educators. It’s an important advocacy group for public school students in K-12, as well as adult learners.
• California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) : CAAASA is a group of California educational leaders who tackle critical issues in education through public policy relative to the status and performance of African-American students.
• California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) : CALSA is a community of educational leaders focused on addressing the needs of Latino/a students and dedicated to increasing the number of highly effective Latino/a administrators.
• California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) : Founded in 1928, CASBO is the oldest statewide school administrator organization in California. Members work in areas such as finance, accounting, payroll, HR, risk management, transportation, school nutrition, maintenance and operations, IT, purchasing, school safety, and school facilities.
• California Association of Urban School Administrators (CAUSA) : CAUSA is a union that represents 6,000+ front-line managers (both certificated and classified) from numerous school district union/associations in California.
• California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) : CCSESA is an advocacy group that helps the 58 County Superintendents of Schools in California design and implement statewide programs that promote high-quality, cost-effective educational practices and services. It also provide supports to school districts in the areas of student services, curriculum and instructional services, fiscal accountability and business services, personnel services, and technology and telecommunications.
• California School Boards Association (CSBA) : CSBA is a non-profit educational association representing elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. It represents statewide interests of public education in legal proceedings with state and federal courts and state agencies through the Education Legal Alliance .
• California Teachers Association (CTA): CTA is the designated union for certified school employees like teachers, counselors, psychologists, librarians, and education support professionals in most school districts in California.

Educational Leadership Professional Groups

• California Institute for School Improvement (CISI) : Housed in UC Davis, CISI is a membership organization created to support district and county instructional leaders. 140+ school districts and county offices of education are currently CISI members.
• California League of Schools (CLS) : CLS is a non-profit K-12 organization that serves the needs of teachers and administrators via professional development, school-community ties, and local educator networks.
• Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) : CGCS is an organization of the nation’s largest urban school systems, including a number in California (e.g. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, etc.).
• EdVoice : EdVoice is a non-profit organization & advocacy group that aims to increase student achievement in California and eliminate inequality of educational opportunity in public schools.
• Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) : PACE is an independent, non-partisan research center led by faculty directors at Stanford University, the University of Southern California, UC Davis, the UCLA, and UC Berkeley.
• Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) : PPIC is a non-profit, nonpartisan think tank that provides independent, objective, nonpartisan research on public policy challenges.

Note: Remember that state and national educator organizations often have funds and scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in California

Educational leadership conferences.

• ACSA Conferences : ACSA organizes multiple events throughout the year, including the ACSA Superintendents’ Symposium, the Women in School Leadership Forum, the Principals’ Summer Institute, and much more!
• CAAASA Professional Development Summit : CAAASA’s vibrant educational & networking summit takes place in spring each year.
• CASBO Annual Conference & California School Business Expo : CASBO’s annual conference is open to all educational leaders, newbies and pros alike. CASBO also hosts an invitation-only CBO Symposium. Check out CASBO Events for more info.
• CGCS Conferences : CGCS hosts an annual fall conference, as well as multiple meetings aimed at senior-level educational administrators (e.g. Bilingual Directors Meeting, Curriculum & Research Directors Meeting, Chief Information Officers Meeting, etc.).

School Listings

36 Schools Found

Alliant International University

School of Education

San Diego, California

Doctorate in Education in TESOL

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Management

Azusa, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Talbot School of Theology

La Mirada, California

EdD in Educational Studies

Graduate School of Education

Thousand Oaks, California

EdD in Educational Leadership - (K-12)

Edd in higher education leadership.

Education Department

Pomona, California

Doctor of Educational Leadership

California state university-bakersfield.

Department of Teacher Education

Bakersfield, California

Camarillo, California

California State University-East Bay

College of Education and Allied Studies

Hayward, California

Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

Fresno, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - PK-12 Educational Leadership

Offered Online

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Postsecondary Educational Leadership

California state university-fullerton.

College of Education

Fullerton, California

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership - Community College Leadership

Doctorate of education in educational leadership - pre-k-12 leadership, california state university-long beach.

Long Beach, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Community College/Higher Education Educational Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - elementary/secondary educational leadership, california state university-los angeles.

Los Angeles, California

EdD in Educational Leadership

California state university-northridge.

Northridge, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Community College Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - pre k-12 leadership, california state university-sacramento.

Sacramento, California

Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Community College

Doctorate in educational leadership - k-12, california state university-san bernardino.

San Bernardino, California

Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership

Doctorate in education - pk-12, california state university-stanislaus.

College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work

Turlock, California

EdD in Educational Leadership - Community College Leadership

Edd in educational leadership - pk-12, evangelia university.

Anaheim, California

Doctor of Education in Christian Ministry

School of Leadership Studies

Santa Barbara, California

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Change - Communicative Leadership Concentration

Doctor of education in leadership for change - community college leadership for change, doctor of education in leadership for change - community college leadership for change concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - creative longevity and wisdom concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - dual language concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - evidence based coaching concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - inclusive leadership for social justice concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - leadership for social and ecological sustainability concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - media, technology, and innovation concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - organization development concentration, doctor of education in leadership for change - reflective practice/supervision concentration, edd in leadership for change.

Department of Administration and Leadership

Riverside, California

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

Doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - educational psychology, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - higher education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - leadership and administration, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - neuroscience and education, doctor of education in educational psychology, doctor of education in educational psychology - mental health, doctor of education in school psychology, doctor of education in school psychology - bcba.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

Graduate School of Education and Pschology

Malibu, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Doctor of education in learning technologies, doctor of education in organizational leadership, saint marys college of california.

Kalmanovitz School of Education

Moraga, California

Doctorate in Educational Leadership

San diego state university, edd in community college leadership, san francisco state university.

Department of Educational Leadership

San Francisco, California

San Jose State University

San Jose, California

Trident University International

Cypress, California

Online EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Online edd in educational leadership - pk-12, umass global.

Irvine, California

Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Berkeley, California

Leadership for Educational Equity

Davis, California

Capital Area North Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Graduate School

La Verne, California

Department of Leadership and Higher Education

Redlands, California

Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Justice

Doctor of education in catholic educational leadership, doctor of education in international and multicultural education, doctor of education in learning and instruction - education technology, doctor of education in learning and instruction - special education, doctor of education in organization and leadership.

Rossier School of Education

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Psychology

Doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, doctor of education in educational leadership - teacher education in multicultural societies, global executive doctor of education, online doctor of education in educational leadership - k-12 leadership in urban school settings, online doctor of education in educational leadership - leading instructional change.

Benerd School of Education

Stockton, California

EdD in Education - Counseling Psychology

Edd in educational and school psychology - educational psychology, edd in leadership & innovation - educational and organizational leadership, edd in leadership & innovation - educational leadership.

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Doctoral Studies

The doctoral experience.

We offer six types of doctoral degrees in over eighty fields of study. Most of our doctoral degrees are PhDs; we also offer a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering, Doctor of Public Health, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

COMPLETE COURSEWORK AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral programs vary widely in the number of required courses as well as additional requirements. Most programs use the first year to prepare students for their chosen field. Some programs conduct an end-of-the-year exam for each first-year cohort, while others evaluate student by courses, papers, and projects completed in that first year. In addition to being assigned a Student Affairs Officer (SAO) by your program, you’ll also mutually choose your Faculty Advisor. Generally this is a natural process where a student’s and a faculty member’s interests and areas of specialization align. This relationship is an important one, which lasts well beyond a student’s tenure at UCLA. In your first year, you’ll take courses with a wide variety of faculty and make lasting friendships with your cohort.

• Registration & Enrollment

FIND FORMS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

We’ve assembled all UCLA-wide forms that may be useful to a graduate student on a Master’s track in one place:  Forms for UCLA Doctoral Students . Your specific program may provide additional forms for your use. Here are some of the most common.

• Language Petition
• Nomination of Doctoral Committee
• Reconstitution of Doctoral Committee
• Graduate Degree Petition
• Leave of Absence
• In Absentia

KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To keep on track, a Doctoral student must meet specific requirements for a student’s program.

Type the name of your program to jump straight to its requirements:

Your Program Requirements cover most things a current student needs to know in order to graduate on time.  Our FAQs  answers a few common questions about program requirements. Any outstanding questions can be answered by your program through their website or from your Student Affairs Officer (SAO).

If your program offers a Master’s Degree along the path toward a Doctorate, you’ll be required to initiate a specialized process and meet criteria specific to your program.

NOMINATE YOUR DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

During your second or third year, you’ll begin assembling (nominating) your Doctoral Committee. Your committee is comprised of 4 or more faculty members (3 or more faculty members for professional (non-Ph.D.) doctoral committees) who are experts in your field who can guide you in your research. Some committee members will be on-campus while a few may be located at another academic institution. All committee members will be responsible for reviewing your work periodically, advising you on your direction and independent research, assessing your university oral qualifying exam, and approving your dissertation.

On occasion, your committee will fall out of compliance, in which case you’ll be required to  reconstitute your Doctoral committee . Common reasons include when one of your committee members leaves her or his post at UCLA or when you or a current committee member decides that you’ll benefit more by working with a different faculty member.

For more about your doctoral committee, see the Graduate Council’s guide  Graduate Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities  and  Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA .

• Minimum Standards for Doctoral Committee Constitution
• Professional (Non-Ph.D.) Doctoral Committee Policy
• Nomination of Doctoral Committee
• Reconstitution of the Doctoral Committee and/or Change in Final Oral Examination Requirement

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY

Becoming a doctoral degree candidate is not a given. The first phase of your doctoral program is supervised by a faculty advisor or guidance committee. Your program will administer the written, and in some cases the program’s oral qualifying, exam after you complete courses and other preparatory work recommended or required by your program

Your doctoral committee may also require additional written exams. Only upon satisfactory completion of the written and oral qualifying requirements may you advance to candidacy. A student must also have met language requirements for advancement. This accomplishment generally happens between your second and fourth year.

CONTINUE PROGRESS TOWARD YOUR DOCTORAL DEGREE

With the guidance of your Doctoral Committee, you’ll conduct fieldwork, research, writing, and independent study all the way up through your dissertation.

While you’re completing your degree, keep an eye on your future. Be sure to participate in the great career and professional development events and resources at UCLA.

DEFENDING YOUR DISSERTATION

Some programs require you to present your dissertation to your doctoral committee in a time-honored event called the final oral examination (or final defense). To find out if your program has this requirement, consult your program requirements for the year you were admitted (see KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS above).

FILE YOUR DISSERTATION

You will complete an approved doctoral dissertation that demonstrates your ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in your principal field of study.

CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATION

Doctoral Degrees are awarded four times a year, and are integrated into a single commencement—called the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony—held once each year at the beginning of June.  UCLA Graduate Commencement for Doctoral Students  is where you’ll find info about tickets, locations, schedule, parking, and dress code (including caps and gowns). For information on commencement ceremonies hosted by various graduate departments and programs, search for your program on this year’s schedule .

YOUR FUTURE

Once you graduate, our support continues. You’ll find great resources, guidance, career support, and opportunities to network with fellow graduates through  UCLA’s Alumni Association .

To network with fellow alumni and learn about meetups and events, like our UCLA Alumni Facebook page . and follow UCLA Alumni on Twitter .

• Find & Compare Programs

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (online)

This program is designed for working professionals with leadership experience who desire to lead K-12 schools, universities, community colleges or other educational settings.

To address the existing gaps in education, the EDL online program empowers students to lead change through an equity and social justice lens. The program will prepare students to improve academic opportunities and outcomes.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online (EDL online) program prepares you to be a critically conscious leader equipped with strategic thinking, evidence-based research skills, and the ability to create equity and foster continuous organizational improvement. The online program offers four concentrations: K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings, Leading Instructional Change, Higher Education Administration, and Educational Psychology.

Through this program, you will:

• Earn a doctorate recognized by employers in the field of education.
• Be able to maintain a full-time work schedule while taking two courses one night a week.
• Learn alongside a cohort of experienced educational professionals nationwide.
• Become equipped to address critical issues in historically marginalized communities and make a lasting impact.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) program will equip you with knowledge and skills in six core competencies:

• Accountability
• Critical reflection
• Diversity and equity
• Learning organizations
• Research and data

In the first year of the program, you will complete core courses that reflect USC Rossier’s mission and the program’s purpose. Explore the dynamics of power and privilege in education, leadership, and addressing inequities in learning opportunities. Subsequent coursework will build on this foundation and prepare you to become a leader in schools, colleges and universities or educational settings.

Online Concentration

Each concentration path includes four courses and a concentration-specific format for the dissertation in practice. A faculty member in your chosen concentration will provide guidance throughout your dissertation completion. Relevant career experience is a requirement for the concentration you select.

The K-12 leadership concentration will prepare you to become a leader in classrooms, schools or school districts. The courses help develop an understanding of how to create high-performing schools that address the diverse needs of all students regardless of school setting. The course sequence culminates in either EDUC 720: Leadership for Principals or EDUC 721: Leadership for Superintendents, an integrated composite of effective leadership practices that result in more effective organizational outcomes, including increased student achievement.

Recommended career background for this concentration:

Teacher, administrator or education professional in PK-12 education at the local, state and federal levels.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a traditional five-chapter dissertation.

Career Outcomes: The K-12 leadership concentration prepares you for employment as an educational leader in the K-12 field. This includes school site leadership, district leadership and systems leadership. Roles include teacher leaders, district office leaders, superintendents and CEOs of independent schools and charter schools.

Alumni have held positions such as:

• Superintendent, Covina-Valley Unified School District
• Director of community partnerships, Long Beach Unified School District
• Chief innovation officer, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
• Superintendent, Garden Grove Unified School District

The higher education administration concentration focuses on administrative theory and best practices for leading higher education institutions. Courses in the concentration address policy, economic issues, assessment, student learning and the history and major philosophical assumptions that undergird the system of higher education.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in higher education administration at a two- or four-year college or university (including student, academic and administrative affairs) or secondary and postsecondary college advising.

Career outcomes: The higher education administration concentration prepares you for employment in senior administration in two- and four-year colleges, academic executive positions, key leadership roles in education-related organizations, and more.

• Associate dean of students and director, Stanford University
• Executive director, undergraduate advising and programs, School of Business, George Washington University
• Director of intercollegiate athletics, California State University, Northridge
• Vice president for student affairs and dean of students, University of Texas, Austin

The leading instructional change concentration focuses on theories, practices and policies supporting curriculum and instruction that foster equitable educational opportunities for students from historically marginalized groups in urban PK-12 and higher education settings. This concentration is designed for individuals interested in leading and teaching teachers (pre- and in-service) and faculty (higher ed) so that they are prepared to provide their students with high-quality instruction that is anti-racist, culturally relevant and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Teacher or administrator in PK-12 or higher education, instructional leader or designer, curriculum developer or professional in non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Conduct action or participatory action research addressing the relationship between leadership and instructional improvement in PK-20 educational settings and complete a non-traditional written product (not a five-chapter dissertation) and public presentation.   Career outcomes: The leading instructional change program prepares you for positions such as university faculty member, professional development specialist, curriculum developer/administrator and more.   Alumni have held positions such as:

• Director, metrics and LCAP, Azusa Unified School District
• Director, student support and intervention, Antelope Valley Union High School District
• Senior director of teaching and learning, Los Angeles Education Partnership

The educational psychology concentration* focuses on research and practice in the areas of learning, motivation and development in diverse social contexts. Courses in the concentration explore how people learn, what motivates them, which instructional and motivational strategies are most effective within varied cultural systems and how the social context of instruction affects learning.

*The educational psychology concentration does not meet the requirements for licensure as an educational psychologist.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in K-12, higher education, or counseling, special education, social services, instructional technology, non-profit organizations, or other non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a five-chapter dissertation or design curriculum to address an existing problem of practice.

Career outcomes: The educational psychology concentration prepares you for employment in areas such as instructional design, human performance personnel, school/community counseling and more.

• Innovation program manager, Applied Materials
• Managing director, school performance accountability and research, California Charter Schools Association
• Dean of innovation, The Derryfield School
• Vice president of education, Fusion Education Group

Dissertation in Practice

The dissertation in practice prioritizes real-world application, using relevant research methods to address practical issues in equitable education. It equips you with skills to tackle workplace challenges. Format options for the dissertation will vary based on concentration.

Scholarships

Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000, without needing a separate application. However, scholarship availability may be limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, commitment to the USC Rossier mission, and other factors. All scholarships are awarded upon admission.

For additional scholarship opportunities, consult the Scholarship Finder . Please note, separate applications and deadlines may apply.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Services provides information regarding student accounts, tuition payment plans, campus-based loans, payment options and tax credits.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Program Details

Degree awarded, estimated length, program cost.

$2,354 per unit (estimated)

Estimated cost of attendance

Next Deadline

December 1, 2024

See all deadlines

August 25, 2025

Class Times

Prior to the dissertation phase, students are assigned to one evening of classes per week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5:00 to 9:50 p.m. in the Pacific Time Zone.

More in this program

Take the Next Step

• Request Info

Program Outcomes

Sitting superintendent alumni , of edl alumni said their usc rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career, of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them well for future employment, of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them to understand research, from our alumni.

As a change agent for underrepresented students, my time at USC sharpened my mind and equipped me with the tools necessary for success. As I was taught by the USC Rossier world class instructors and surrounded by top-tier educational professionals, there was never a wasted moment or opportunity.

David D. Smith, EdD ‘’

Chief Technology Officer, Tustin Unified School District

Is an EdD worth it? Leaders share insights and experiences

Those wondering if an EdD is worth it often want to make a positive impact while advancing their career. A doctoral degree in education can be an effective way to land leadership positions in K–12 schools, higher education and other industries as well. Because doctoral programs require rigorous study and professional experience, an EdD represents the highest level of preparation for many roles in education and related fields. 

PhD vs. EdD in education: nine expert tips to help you choose

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

News and Insights

September 16, 2024

A new tool for educators running on empty

Identity-based, radical self-care practices can provide teachers with the tools they need to recharge.

Featured Faculty

• Shanta M. Smith

Huriya Jabbar awarded grant to study youth social capital

New project will determine if it is possible to measure youth social networks using administrative data.

• Huriya Jabbar

September 12, 2024

Noel Anderson joins USC Rossier as visiting scholar

With over 25 years of public and private sector experience, Anderson will share his expertise on the future of work and schooling.

• Pedro Noguera

September 10, 2024

If you could ask the presidential candidates anything related to higher education, what would it be?

From college affordability and free speech to generative AI and science literacy, USC Rossier faculty provided their debate questions.

• Stephen J. Aguilar
• Shaun Harper
• Corinne Hyde
• Morgan Polikoff
• Gale M. Sinatra

September 4, 2024

District leaders gathered to tackle the persistent challenges faced by their school communities

USC Rossier hosted the second annual Breakthrough Leadership Institute from July 14 to 17.

• Darline P. Robles

Research Centers

Center for education, identity and social justice.

Established in 2017, the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice has a compelling interest in eradicating all forms of discrimination based on the intersection of an individual’s identities that include religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and disability. Using rigorous research and legal analysis, we empower educators to utilize laws and policies in order to identify and extricate bias and unequal distributions of power within educational institutions.

Website  |  Brochure

The University of Southern California Race and Equity Center

Established in 2017, the Race and Equity Center is the epicenter for interdisciplinary scholarship, resources and meaningful activities on racial equity that significantly benefit the University, other institutions of higher education and the broader society.

Program Contact

Callah Darmali

Associate Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships

• [email protected]
• (213) 205-0609

Request More Information

Connect with us to receive more information about this program and reminders about upcoming events and application deadlines.

Privacy Policy: USC Rossier School of Education will never share or sell your personal information.

Related Programs

Educational leadership.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Organizational Change and Leadership (online)

Global executive, school leadership academy, school business management.

Certificate

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Home » Division of Academic Affairs » School of Graduate Studies » Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Why Choose VU EdD?

Voorhees University offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with two concentrations in PK-12 Leadership and Higher Education Leadership. The Ed.D. program concentration in Pre-K-12 Leadership is specifically designed to for education professionals with work experience within traditional public, private, and online PK-12 education environments. The concentration in Higher Education Leadership is designed for education professionals seeking to advance their knowledge, skills, and careers within the 4-year, 2-year, public, private collegiate/university setting.  The purpose of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is to develop, advance, promote and dispense knowledge to position prospective students to be leaders, teachers, faculty, advocates, and consultants within the public and private sectors through an enhanced degree/credential, increased knowledge, and further credibility within the thought environment.

PK - 12 Leadership

This concentration is tailored for professionals in traditional public, private, and online PK-12 environments. It prepares you to become a transformative leader, capable of driving positive change and excellence in educational settings.

Higher Education Leadership

Designed for those aiming to excel in collegiate and university settings, this concentration equips you for mid to high-level roles, including deans, vice presidents, and university presidents. It’s also ideal for professionals in student affairs, support services, and institutional research.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Courses

This course provides the student with the necessary skills to effectively analyze theories associated with administration and leadership and develop original theoretical and conceptual frameworks appropriately aimed at administration within educational and social science venues. Emphasis is placed on interpreting existing organizational, administration, and leadership theories within original research studies, writing narrative sections devoted to theoretical frameworks for dissertations, and manuscripts for publication.

This course is designed to examine a disciplined approach to educational innovation. Improvement science focuses on creating a collaborative space for teachers, leaders, and researchers to solve specific problems of practice. The course examines current research on reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making and introduces students to the fundamental techniques of using data to make informed education-related decisions. Additionally, the course focuses on ways of modeling or thinking about problems of practice to enhance decision-making skills. The course further examines the rationales for different innovations by integrating multiple perspectives.

This course prepares doctoral students for designing scholarly research in general and their dissertation in particular. This course will guide students in constructing a qualitative design methodology section and developing the necessary skills to evaluate published research in their area of expertise critically. In addition, this course will provide insight into conducting ethical research. Guide students in identifying and designing a study using a qualitative methods approach. The course focuses on designing and implementing qualitative data collection and analysis research.

This introductory course is designed for beginners to learn the fundamental concepts and techniques of conducting quantitative research and applying statistical analysis in education. The course covers the basics of research design, data collection, and statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. Students will gain hands-on experience using statistical software to analyze data and interpret results, enabling them to understand and apply quantitative research findings in educational contexts. This course provides a solid foundation for those new to research and statistics, equipping them with the skills to explore and address educational questions through data-driven approaches.

This course is designed to prepare doctoral students for designing scholarly research in general and dissertations in particular. This course will guide students in developing the necessary skills required to evaluate published research in their area of expertise critically. In addition, this course will provide insight into conducting ethical research. This course will also assist students in constructing a mixed-design methodology section. Additionally, the course will guide students in identifying and designing a study using a mixed-methods approach. More specifically, the course focuses on designing and implementing research that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

This course is a rigorous course that builds on foundational statistical methods in education. It focuses on advanced techniques such as multivariate analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, and structural equation modeling. Emphasizing practical application, students learn to design and implement sophisticated quantitative research studies to address complex educational issues. Topics include data interpretation, model testing, and the integration of statistical findings into educational policy and practice.

This course prepares doctoral students for designing scholarly research in general and their dissertation in particular. This course will guide students in constructing a qualitative design methodology section and developing the necessary skills to evaluate published research in their area of expertise critically. In addition, this course will provide insight into conducting ethical research. Guide students in identifying and designing a study using a qualitative methods approach. The course focuses on designing and implementing qualitative data collection and analysis research .

This is the first course in a series of four-sequenced doctoral seminar courses for students in their doctoral journey. This third doctoral seminar serves as the doctoral students’ pre-proposal phase. Additionally, this doctoral seminar course will introduce students to the process of formulating ideas in ways directly related to critical aspects of their proposal. This seminar will also guide doctoral students in addressing issues relating to the dissertation proposal’s introduction, literature review, and methodology chapters. Students shall complete an assignment designed to be a guiding document for chairs and students to provide committee members with a sufficient roadmap about what the student intends to do and, simultaneously, allow students to respond to ethical issues related to the study. Students shall defend the written assignment to the Doctoral Dissertation Committee.

The Doctoral Literature Review course is designed to equip doctoral candidates with the skills and methodologies to conduct comprehensive and critical literature reviews within their respective fields of study. This course emphasizes the importance of a well-constructed literature review as the foundation for scholarly research, providing the intellectual framework and context for their dissertation work.

This is the second course of the series of four-sequenced doctoral seminar courses for students in their doctoral journey. This second dissertation seminar serves as the doctoral students’ dissertation proposal phase. This semester-long (16-week seminar) will focus on student readiness and competence for pursuing research objectives outlined in the Doctoral Student Toolbox Structural Guidelines. Additionally, this seminar guides students in demonstrating their ability to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed through formal coursework by designing and writing an original research proposal on a researchable topic or phenomenon following the Structural Guidelines for Proposals and Dissertations. Students should successfully defend their proposals orally to their Doctoral Dissertation Committee. Obtaining two unsatisfactory grades at this level may result in the student’s removal from the doctoral program.

This is the third course of the sequenced doctoral seminar courses for students in their doctoral journey. This third doctoral seminar serves as the data reporting and analysis phase. This semester-long (16-week seminar) will focus on student readiness and competence for pursuing research objectives outlined in the Doctoral Student Toolbox Structural Guidelines. Additionally, this seminar guides students in demonstrating their ability to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed through formal coursework by writing and analyzing the results of data collected after fieldwork following the Structural Guidelines for writing Chapter Four of the dissertation.

This is the fourth course of the sequenced doctoral seminar courses for students in their doctoral journey. This fifth doctoral seminar serves as the data reporting and analysis phase. This semester-long (16-week seminar) will focus on student readiness and competence for pursuing research objectives outlined in the Doctoral Student Toolbox Structural Guidelines. Additionally, this seminar guides students in demonstrating their ability to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed through formal coursework by writing and analyzing the results of data collected after fieldwork following the Structural Guidelines for writing Chapter Five of the dissertation.

This course equips students with the skills to identify, analyze, and resolve essential contemporary educational issues while anticipating future challenges. It focuses on critical aspects such as educational organization, pedagogy, curriculum, policies, philosophies, and institutional missions. Additionally, students will investigate and critically evaluate their proposed problems of practice, applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations and preparing them to contribute effectively to educational improvement and innovation.

This course provides an in-depth examination of educational reform from two pivotal perspectives: first, identifying the essential elements and strategies that define successful education reform processes, and second, exploring the critical knowledge, skills, and competencies that future schools, educators, and students must possess to achieve success and sustainability throughout the 21st century and beyond.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the legal, ethical, and political issues affecting PK-12 education, covering topics such as district and school liability, the rights of students and teachers, and employment and technology-related concerns. Emphasis is placed on understanding federal and state statutes and case law, particularly regarding due process, liability, equal protection, and the rights of educators and students. Through this course, students will gain insights into the risks associated with these areas and develop strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, the course examines the ethical and political contexts of decision-making and policy formation at both the classroom and school levels.

In this course, students will create innovative curriculum processes tailored to the technological age, enabling educators to adopt a forward-looking approach to teaching and learning. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the world, students will design curriculum strategies that help educators stay ahead of educational trends and effectively reinvent essential curriculum models.

In this course, students will explore the foundations of higher education by critically analyzing contemporary issues in the field and identifying, analyzing, and solving these issues through practical applications. Using real-world problems of practice as a context, students will evaluate the potential implications of policy recommendations and administrative decisions on key areas such as affordability, access, student needs, and student success. This comprehensive approach will enable students to develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of higher education and prepare them to address current and future challenges effectively.

In this course, students will delve into how demographic, social, legal, financial, and geographic factors collectively influence the educational capabilities of higher education institutions. Emphasis will be placed on strategically leveraging institutional resources and planning to improve the educational experience for college and university students. Topics covered include enrollment management, external affairs, campus planning, and institutional research, equipping students with the skills to utilize assessment and data effectively in planning and implementing transformative changes within educational settings.

This course aims to acquaint students with statutory and case law relevant to cultivating ethical higher education administrators who possess a deep understanding of policies affecting various areas, including employment practices like affirmative action, literacy standards, dismissal protocols, contractual obligations, tenure considerations, civil rights protections, due process requirements, and the rights of students within educational settings.

This course delves into the philosophical, historical, sociological, and organizational factors influencing American higher education academic programs, curriculum development, and co-curricular initiatives. It explores ongoing tensions that prompt curriculum reforms and innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning outcomes.

PK-12 Leadership Concentration

Total Credit Hours = 60

Higher Education Leadership Concentration

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• Academic Policies Manual
• Graduate School Catalog

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We understand funding education can be challenging. Voorhees University School of Graduate Studies endeavors to make our program affordable for anyone seeking to further their education.

* Tuition does not include additional fees.

• One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit for didactic instruction, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or 
• At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practice, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours. 

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Program Benefits

• 100% Online: Our fully online program allows you to complete your degree from anywhere, designed for your convenience and flexibility.
• Fast-track your education: With our 8-week semesters, allowing you to complete your degree faster and advance your career sooner.
• Enhanced Credentials: Earn a prestigious degree that enhances your professional credibility.
• Advanced Knowledge: Gain comprehensive insights and skills relevant to educational leadership.
• Career Advancement: Prepare for leadership roles in both public and private sectors.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and leaders in education through our online platform.

1897 Voorhees Road, Denmark, SC 29042 Phone (803) 780-1234 | Toll Free (866) 685-9904

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