Overview

The doctoral program in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educators to lead reform efforts in California’s educational institutions and is designed specifically for professionals currently working in the field of education.

The program offers two options:

1. Option in Postsecondary Educational Leadership Courses 
2. Option in Advanced Studies in K-12 Administration

Admission to the Program 

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program alternates admissions cohorts based on options; admitting Postsecondary Educational Leadership EdD applicants on even years and admitting PK-12 Educational Leadership EdD applicants on odd years.

1. Applicants to all cohorts must meet the following criteria for admissions: 
2. An earned baccalaureate degree and master’s degree from accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in upper division courses and 3.25 or above in graduate study. Official transcripts are required. 
3. A professional resume outlining both their academic degree attainment and professional educational work experience.  
4. The Cal State LA Doctorate in Educational Leadership is a doctoral degree program designed for those who wish to assume greater leadership roles in educational organizations and are committed to addressing the challenges of urban education through relevant and meaningful scholarship and practitioner-based inquiry.  The program also looks to enhance the leadership skills of its candidates through place-based experiences. For this reason, we ask that all applicants have at least four years of professional work experience in a California educational institution, preferably in public PK-12 schools or community colleges. 
5. Demonstrated excellence in writing as demonstrated by two samples of academic and professional documents. 
6. Three confidential letters of recommendation attesting to the leadership and scholarship potential of the applicant. One letter should be from a university faculty member who is familiar with the applicant’s work. One letter should be from a person who has supervised the applicant in an employment setting and the final letter should address the applicant’s fit for the Option they are pursuing (i.e. PK-12 Educational Leadership or Postsecondary Educational Leadership). 
7. A written statement of professional purpose that reflects an understanding of the future challenges facing educational organizations and the community they serve. 
8. Applicants to the Ed.D. are required to participate in an admissions interview per Executive Order 991, Article 4 (https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/11288323/latest/) 
9. Either a) a statement from the applicant’s employer, indicating support for the applicant’s doctoral studies; or b) a statement from the applicant, describing the applicant’s plan for meeting professional responsibilities and the demands of the program.

Requirements for the Degree 

60 semester units are required, including 9 dissertation units. No more than 12 units may be completed at the 5000 level. Students must pass a qualifying examination and complete a dissertation. Only students who have been admitted to the doctoral program may enroll in doctoral courses, unless prior approval of the Doctoral Program Director is obtained.

Learning Outcomes    Roadmap (2025)