The Doctorate

Edd program with president

Tomorrow’s leaders will be those who thrive in a diverse, complex, technologically advanced world. The San José State University Ed.D. curriculum focuses on real-life case learning and engages in rigorous inquiry in core areas needed for leadership success in efforts to reform schools, engage communities and increase student achievement.

Program Overview

  • Official Title: Ed.D., Educational Leadership
  • Format: Cohort
  • Length: 3 years / 9 semesters
  • Units: 60
  • Start term: Summer
  • Application window: October 1 - March 1
  • Learning Modality: Hybrid and Fully Online Options
  • Program Pathways: Hybrid, Fully Online, MA-to-EdD Program (4 years / 10 semesters), and Combined EdD/Preliminary Administrative Credential

Information Sessions

Meet with the Ed.D. Leadership Program Director to learn more about our program. We will start our information sessions August 21st and have them every Thursday at 6:00pm. Please complete this Google Form if you're interested in attending. 

Hybrid and Fully Online Pathways

Regardless of pathway and learning modality (i.e., hybrid or fully online), all Ed.D. students complete the same coursework and dissertation requirements. The learning modality only applies to courses. If students decide to complete their courses in a fully online learning modality, then they do not need to come to SJSU to take classes; all sessions are synchronous (via Zoom). If students decide to complete their courses in a hybrid modality, then at least 51% of the sessions are in-person at SJSU and the remaining sessions are synchronous online.  

MA-to-EdD Program Pathway

In collaboration with the Department of Educational Leadership, students in the M.A. Higher Education Leadership Program may pursue the 4-year M.A.-to-Ed.D. Program. Students in this pathway are permitted to start the Ed.D. Program in the final summer of their M.A. Program, which will enable them to complete the Ed.D. Program in 3 years. Current M.A. students who qualify do not have to submit an application to Cal State Apply and pay the processing fee; they only need to submit all the requirements needed at the program level. If interested, please fill out the Google Form to convey your interest in this pathway. The Ed.D. Program Director will reach out to you and provide additional guidance and support for a smooth transition from the M.A. to the Ed.D. Program. Please attend an Ed.D. Program information session to learn more about the Ed.D. Program.

Combined Ed.D./Preliminary Administrative Credential Pathway

In partnership with Santa Clara County Office of Education's Leaders in Educational Administration Program (LEAP), Ed.D. students who specialize in PK-12 may complete the requirements leading to a Preliminary Administrative Credential. The admissions and acceptance process for this combined pathway involves initially submitting all the necessary documents to LEAP. Once students are admitted to LEAP, the Ed.D. Program Director will provide an orientation session that will discuss all necessary and relevant information to help complete all LEAP requirements while currently pursuing Ed.D. coursework.    

Initial Eligibility and Requirements

The Ed.D. program is designed to admit candidates who meet the academic requirements for rigorous doctoral study and who possess personal qualities and professional experiences that suggest a strong potential for success both as doctoral students and as educational leaders. Meeting the minimum requirements qualifies an individual for consideration but does not guarantee admission to the program. Additional candidate qualifications proposed by SJSU district partners include strong oral and written communication skills, organizational aptitude, and excellent problem-solving ability. The Ed.D. program requires the following of all applicants for admission to the doctoral program:

  • The applicant holds an acceptable baccalaureate degree and master's degree earned at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or the applicant has completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies & Research
  • The applicant has attained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in upper division and graduate study combined.
  • The applicant was in good standing at the last attended institution of higher education.
  • The applicant has demonstrated sufficient preparation for, experiences in, and potential for educational leadership, including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community, and/or policy leadership; academic excellence, problem-solving ability, and technology proficiency; and interest in critically assessing and improving current educational policies and practices.
  • The applicant, if born and educated in a country in which the native language is not English, has demonstrated English-language proficiency by achieving a SJSU-published minimum score on one of the three accepted English-proficiency exams.

Curriculum & Course Requirements

The list below provides a summary of our 60-unit program. More information about each course is available on the SJSU Catalog website. In addition to these requirements, our program includes an optional two-week global studies component that provide students with an opportunity to further deepen their understanding of equity and justice from a global standpoint and learn other systems, challenges, and solutions. For a sample 3-year program roadmap, check this document. Click each link to obtain a sample schedule of classes each semester: Summer, Fall, and Spring. 

  1. Educational Leadership: Theory and Practice (4 courses, 12 units)
    • Educational leadership: theory and practice
    • Leadership, diversity, and culture
    • Leadership, complexity, and systems thinking
    • Education policy, equity, and school reform
  2. Organizational Behavior and Adult Learning (3 courses, 9 units)
    • Organizational behavior and change in education
    • Leadership for learner-centered organizations
    • Communication for educational leadership
  3. Contexts for Education Leadership and Schooling (4 courses, 12 units)
    • Politics of education and financing of schooling
    • Assessment, testing, and evaluation: Contexts and implications for school change
    • Education and leadership in a global context, including an optional international trip
    • Specialized seminar series in educational leadership
  4. Research Methodology: Tools for the Scholar-Practitioner (5 courses, 15 units)
    • Educational research
    • Qualitative methods in educational research
    • Proseminar I: Doctoral studies and research in education
    • Proseminar II: Doctoral studies and research in education
    • Proseminar III: Doctoral studies and research in education
  5. Dissertation (12 units)
    • Dissertation Research Development and Supervision (6 x 1 unit/semester)
    • Dissertation Research (2 x 3 units/semester)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are our students?

Anticipated students are preferably mid-career professionals. This program is home to principals, assistant superintendents, superintendents, teacher leaders, directors in non-profits and educational foundations, community college and higher education faculty and administrators, among other professions.

What is the duration of the program?

During the first summer, classes meet over five to ten weeks, roughly early June to end of July either on Monday, Wednesday, and/or Saturday OR on Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday. Students take three courses in the first summer.

During the fall and spring semesters, students take two courses, which meet on evenings and/or on Saturdays. Students should expect to be in class about two to four times per month.

All weekday classes start at 4:30 PM through 8:30 PM. Saturday classes start at 9:00 AM through 1:00 PM (4 hours) or sometimes 9-5 (8 hours).

See above links for a sample schedule of classes for each semester.

Can students finish the program in < 3 years or 9 semesters?

 No, the program is 9 semesters. Each school year consists of summer, fall, and spring semester.

Do students have faculty advisors?

Yes, each student is assigned a doctoral advisor in the beginning of the fall semester of year one. The goal is for both advisee and advisor to work closely together for 8 semesters, from fall semester year 1 to spring semester year 3. During the first six semesters beginning in fall year 1, advisors meet with their advisees 1 hour each week. During the remaining two semesters, from fall to spring year 3, advisors/dissertation chairs meet with their advisees 3 hours each week.

What is the program cost?

Anticipated costs for the 2025-2026 academic year total $23,538.00 ($7,846.00 each semester; 3 semesters) plus a one-time $3,500 international travel fee. Program cost for the coursework is the same across all CSUs that offer an EdD Program. Click here to obtain a detailed list of fees. 

Is financial aid available?

Yes, students may apply for scholarships, grants, and loans based on eligibility. Applicants need to complete the Free Application for Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the time of application to be considered for all financial aid opportunities. Typically students are considered for the EdD Educational Leadership Grant Program and the two federal subsidized loan programs, which are loan forgivable upon awarding of the Ed.D. degree. CSU employees who apply and are admitted to the program may obtain a discount/fee waiver and will need to check with their respective Fee Waiver Program Officer on their campus to determine eligibility. 

Is the global experience during the second summer a requirement?

No, it is an optional part of the Ed.D. Program.

Does this program result in an administrative credential?

No, but students in the combined Ed.D./PASC fulfill all the coursework required for the Preliminary Adminstrative Services Credential. Fieldwork and CalAPA will need to be completed with our credential partner, Leaders in Educational Administration Program, Santa Clara County Office of Education. Once completed, SCCOE will recommend Ed.D. students to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for a preliminary admin credential. Also, note that the fieldwork and CalAPA may be completed during the time students are completing the Ed.D. Program or after they have earned their Ed.D. degree.

Do applicants need to have a research topic prior to starting the program in the first summer? 

No. Students will take research proseminar courses and will meet with their advisors beginning fall of year 1 to develop a research topic, which may change from year 1 to year 2 of the program. Dissertation research planning starts in summer year 1 of the program.   

Can students switch from one learning modalliy to another modaliy?

Applicants initially declare their preferred learning modality (hybrid, fully online) when they submit an application in Cal State Apply. They are permitted a one-time switch to another modality if there is space available. They will need to ask permission from the Program Director.

I can't see the Ed.D. Program in Cal State Apply. 

Please make sure that you search for SJSU's Ed.D. Program in Cal State Apply under the Summer semester option since we only admit students during the summer semester. Applicants will not see the Ed.D. Program option in both fall and spring lists of program in Cal State Apply.

I completed my B.A. and/or M.A. at San Jose State University. Do I still need to submit official copies to meet Cal State Apply transcript requirements?

No.

Note that copies or opened transcripts from other universities are NOT accepted. Submit one transcript from ALL higher education institutions attended, even if you did not earn a degree.

San Jose State University – Graduate Admissions

One Washington Square

San Jose, CA 95192-0017

I completed my B.A. and/or M.A. outside the U.S. How do I meet Cal State Apply transcript requirements?

All international transcripts need to include a course equivalence report. Graduate Admissions at SJSU requires all applicants with coursework or degree(s) completed outside of the US, US Territories & Canada to submit their transcripts for evaluation by WES (World Education Services) to determine US equivalency. Offical transcripts must be requested from your institution(s) and be sent directly to WES for evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, SJSU must receive it directly from WES. A complete WES evaluation of all international coursework is required.

I think I submitted all the admissions requirements. What are the next steps?

The Ed.D. Program will work with you directly to submit all necessary documents. You may submit documents one at a time or separately.

This one is also important: You need to check your MySJSU account frequently to review the items on your "to-do" list and to monitor the status of your application. Your MySJSU account is the first and best place for information on your application status with Graduate Admissions. SJSU communicates almost entirely by messages with important and timely notices on admission, fees, financial aid, testing, transcript information, and deadlines.

I will complete my master's degree in spring before the start of summer year 1 of the program. Do I need to wait the following summer to submit an application?

No. If qualified based on the evaluation of the Admissions Committee, you will be initially admitted to the program conditionally. Please send a copy of your updated transcript of record with the posted master's degree ASAP so that we can remove the conditional status. 

The Ed.D. Program Director will consult with the SJSU College of Graduate Studies in the event that you do not complete your master's degree by the end of spring semester as promised. 

I don't have a master's degree, but I have many years of successful experience as a school, community college, or higher education administrator. Can I be considered?

Yes. The Ed.D. Program can apply for a special action memo if both the Ed.D. Program Director and Admissions Committee agree that you are more than qualified to pursue our Ed.D. Program. This does not frequently happen, and the program abides by the CSU Chancellor's Office requirements for admitting students on special action memo. The memo also needs to be approved by both the Dean of the Lurie College of Education and the AVP of Graduate Studies.

In case my schedule becomes too difficult to attend classes, do I have the option to complete coursework asynchronously?

No, all students are expected to come on time or join synchronously and participate in all course activities.  

Steps to Apply

We are now accepting applications for the 13th cohort of SJSU's EdD Leadership Program which begins Summer 2026. For full consideration, please submit all documents by the December 1st, 2025 priority deadline. You may still submit your full application by the March 1st, 2026 hard deadline. Qualified applicants who submit by the December 1st, 2025 deadline will be interviewed early and receive early decision.

For international students, the deadline to apply is February 1st, 2026. 

Applying to the Ed.D. Program is a two-step process. Admissions take place on a rolling basis, so we recommend that you submit the department application materials as soon as possible. Please note that the Ed.D. Application and CalState Application deadlines may be different. To consider your interest in the EdD program, please submit your Ed.D. Application by the Ed.D. deadline. All of the following must be completed by the admission deadline to be considered into the Ed.D. program:

Step 1 | Apply to SJSU Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations (GAPE)

  1. Visit calstate.edu/apply to create your application profile and pay the $70.00 application fee. Cal State Apply opens on November 1, 2025. 

  2. Submit one set of officially sealed transcripts from each college where you studied. No Professional Development Transcripts will be accepted. Transcripts must also include narrative if work was completed at a non-graded institution. Transcripts can be sent either by mail or by email. All international transcripts need to be officially evaluated for equivalency.  All mailed transcripts must be sealed and unopened to be accepted as official documents. SJSU students do not have to submit SJSU transcripts with their application. 

    If your university offers official electronic transcripts, we will accept. Electronic Transcripts can be emailed to: etranscript@sjsu.edu.

    Hard copy transcripts can be mailed to: 

Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0017

Step 2 | Apply to the Ed.D. Leadership Program

Submit the following information by email to edd-leadership@sjsu.edu.  

  1. Ed.D. Application Form [pdf].

  2. One set of unofficial or scanned transcripts for each college or university attended. We do not require official copies.

  3. Three (3) letters of recommendation attesting to your leadership ability and potential for success in a doctoral program. Recommendation letters should be submitted directly from the person writing the recommendation letter. Please ask them to email their letters directly to edd-leadership@sjsu.edu.

  4. Current professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes leadership experience and/or leadership strengths as indicated through job experiences, administrative credentials, and/or other evidence of leadership capacity and practice; not to exceed 4 pages.

  5. A written statement of purpose, which explains your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies in educational leadership. Please indicate your history and background and some of the core commitments and principles, which drive your career goals. Also discuss some of the challenges facing education and educational leadership in California, nationally, and globally; 1-3 pages maximum, single spaced.

  6. A writing sample of your individually authored research, reports, and/or papers (maximum of 20 pages). Your writing sample should be single authored and include citations and references. The writing sample is intended for you to demonstrate ability to craft a meaningful argument on an education-related topic and to cite research/literature to support your view. A PowerPoint presentation does not meet this requirement. Also, if applicable, please email the Ed.D. Program Director who will help you assess the appropriateness of your writing sample. 

For full consideration, please submit all documents as soon as possible. Applications received after the March 1st, 2026 deadline will be considered until the Summer 2026 cohort is filled. All documents should be submitted to edd-leadership@sjsu.edu.