Independent Education Doctorate Program Update

Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program

Final approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was granted to California State University, Sacramento in May, 2007 to begin the offering of a doctorate (Ed. D.) in educational leadership. The first cohort of students was selected and began classes in the fall semester, 2007. Future cohorts will begin their program of study annually in the fall semester of each academic year.

This three year program of advanced study is designed for working professionals and seeks to produce exemplary educational leaders for schools, community colleges, and related areas within education. Courses in the program will be taught by faculty representing both university professors and executive leaders in K-l2 and community college education. In addition, the program will take advantage of its location in California’s capital by utilizing the expertise of education policy-makers and analysts.

Graduates of this program will be better prepared to lead the educational environments that promote learning, equity, and achievement for all students. Armed with real-world, problem-based learning, program graduates will be ready to manage the complexities of educational organizations, effect school change processes, and shape the educational policies that bear on the practice of education in the public setting.

Themes

Three major core curricular elements form the basis of the California State University, Sacramento Doctorate in Educational Leadership program: Leadership, Research Methods, and Field-based Study. In addition, three key curricular themes will be emphasized and provide the focus for all coursework in the program.
These themes are:

1. Transformational Leadership
2. Critical Policy Analysis and Action
3. Informed Decision-Making.

Admissions Criteria

The Ed.D. Program requires the following of applicants for admission to the doctoral program:

• completed online application to Graduate Studies and payment of application fee
• 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 to benefit from the Program;
• submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores that are no older than 5 years from the date of application to the program;
• demonstrated educational leadership potential and skills including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community, and/or policy leadership;
• demonstrated academic excellence, problem-solving ability, and an interest in critically assessing and bringing about improvements within current educational policies and practices;
• three letters of recommendation attesting to the leadership ability and scholarship of the candidate;
• a completed supplemental application including a written statement of purpose reflecting an understanding of the challenges facing the public schools or community colleges/institutions of higher education in California;
• a personal interview; and
• a statement of support for the candidate’s doctoral studies from his/her employer or, in cases where this is not provided, an indication of the candidates plan for meeting the demands of the program and his/her professional responsibilities.

Meeting these minimum requirements qualifies an individual for admissions consideration but does not guarantee admission to the Program. Admission will be granted on a competitive basis.

Application Deadline

March 1, 2009

For more information

Check the university web site

Contact:

• Dr. Carlos Nevarez at 916-278-5557 or nevarezc@csus.edu
• Dr. Miguel Ceja at 916-278-5591 or cejam@csus.edu