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 - Face to Face

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 - Face to Face

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. Employer Support Agreement form
    • Download the PreK-12 Leadership form hereOpens in new window
    • Download the Community College Leadership form hereOpens in new window
  2. Three (3) Recommendations (sent electronically through Cal State Apply)
  3. Professional resume or CV
  4. Unofficial transcripts from the institution(s) where you earned your bachelor's and master's degrees
  5. Writing Sample (thesis, article, research paper, etc.) of no more than 30 pages in length
  6. Four (4) writing prompt responses. See instructions and preview prompts hereOpens in new window .

Admission Deadlines

Doctoral programs only admit during the fall term. 

Priority Application Deadline: Applicants who apply by February 1st will receive an admissions decision within four weeks after their program interview. This allows applicants 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 still welcome to submit their materials by the program application deadline of April 1st.  Review of applications depends on remaining open spaces in each cohort. For students who apply during this period, decisions are typically provided within two weeks after their interview.

Rolling Admissions: Applicants may apply after the program deadline. However, admission decisions will be prioritized for those who apply by the stated priority and program deadlines (February 1st then April 1st). During rolling admissions, applicants may be placed on a wait list and their application will only be processed if a space becomes available in their chosen specialization. If you have any questions regarding this process prior to applying, please email our department at edleadership@fullerton.eduOpens in new window .

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S)

Starting with fall 2023 admission cycle: Post-baccalaureate applicants (post-bacc certificates, credentials, master’s, doctoral) will only be required to provide their transcript from the institution in which their bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree, if applicable) was earned.

Please send official transcript(s) to   CSUF Office of Admissions.* We are unable to provide final admission decisions until all transcripts are processed by the university.

*If you attended Cal State Fullerton within the last 5 to 7 years, you should not need to send CSUF transcripts as they may still be on file with the university.

Sending official transcript(s)

Official transcripts must be sent directly to CSUF Office of Admissions. See the   Office of Admissions web pageOpens in new window   for instructions.