Doctorate of Education Admissions

We are thrilled that you are interested in applying to our Ed.D. program here at CSU Fullerton. Below you will find details about how to complete the application and the admission deadlines. Any issues with the application itself should be directed to the Cal State Apply HelpCenterOpens in new window .

 *PROGRAM OPEN TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY*

Note: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission to our Ed.D. program.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

1. Go to Cal State ApplyOpens in new window and create an account.

2. Add the program of interest to your dashboard. See sections below about how to search for the programs.

3. There are four quadrants that make up the application. Be sure that you fill out each section completely. See our Step-by-Step Ed.D. Application GuideOpens in new window for details.

4. Submit your completed application by the admission deadlines listed near the end of this page.

5. Once your application is complete, submit it and pay the application fee. 

6. Send in official transcripts from the institutions where your bachelor's and master's degrees were earned.

Note: It can take up to five business days to recieve confirmation from CSU Fullerton that your application was recieved and to be issued your CWID (campus wide identification number).

Ed.D. Community College Program

In Cal State Apply, there are a few ways to search for this program:

1. In the search bar, enter: Community College Leadership or Educational Leadership. 

2. In the search bar, enter: Fullerton. You will see a complete list of all CSUF programs available (graduate and credential).

3. Using the search filters, enter the following:

  • Campus - CSU Fullerton
  • Start term - Fall 
  • Delivery - Hybrid

Once you have located the program, click on the blue plus sign to the left of the name. Click "continue."

Review your selections. Be sure that you have selected the correct program at CSU Fullerton before you move forward.

Ed.D. PreK-12 Leadership Program

In Cal State Apply, there are a few ways to search for this program:

1. In the search bar, enter: Pre K-12 Leadership or  Pre K-12 Leadership Educational Leadership.

2. In the search bar, enter: Fullerton. You will see a complete list of all CSUF programs available (graduate and credential).

3. Using the search filters, enter the following:

  • Campus - CSU Fullerton
  • Start term - Fall 
  • Delivery - Hybrid

Once you have located the program, click on the blue plus sign to the left of the name. Click "continue."

Review your selections. Be sure that you have selected the correct program at CSU Fullerton before you move forward.

Prepare Supplemental Materials for the application

All supplemental materials must be uploaded/entered directly into the Cal State Apply application.

  1. Professional resume or CV
  2. Copies of unofficial transcripts from the institution(s) where you earned your bachelor's and master's degrees
  3. Writing Sample (thesis, article, research paper, etc.) of no more than 30 pages in length
  4. Three (3) Recommendations (sent electronically through Cal State Apply)
  5. Four (4) writing prompt responses. See instructions and preview prompts HEREOpens in new window .

Admission Deadlines

Doctoral program only admits for the fall term (August start). Applications open in Cal State Apply on October 1st.

  • Priority Deadline: Students who apply by February 1st will receive a preliminary decision after their program interview (by late February or early March). This allows students to make informed decisions when considering the CSU Fullerton program and other doctoral programs that begin at the beginning of the summer.
  • Program Deadline: Applicants are welcome to submit materials by April 1st. Review of applications depends on remaining open spaces in each cohort. Decisions usually provided within two weeks of their program interview or early May.
  • Applying after April 1st: Although admission decisions will be prioritized for those who submit an application by the deadlines stated above, you may still apply after the February 1st and/or April 1 st deadlines.  Please note that you will only be considered for your cohort of interest (P-12 or CC), should space be available -  as you will be waitlisted . For those who apply during this period, decisions are typically provided within two weeks of their program interview.

NOTE: If you have any questions regarding this process prior to submitting an application, please email our department at edleadership@fullerton.eduOpens in new window .

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Post-baccalaureate applicants (post-bacc certificates, credentials, master’s, doctoral) are required to provide  transcripts from the institution in which their bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree, if applicable) was earned.* Note that CSUF Admissions may request additional transcripts after an application is processed.

Sending official transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent directly to CSUF Office of Admissions.* See the Office of Admissions web pageOpens in new window for instructions. Transcripts should be ordered before the application deadline. The university is unable to provide final admission decisions until official documents are processed by the university.

*If you attended Cal State Fullerton previously, you do not need to send CSUF transcripts since they may still be on file with the campus. You will be notified if any other documentation is required.