Application Process

There are three phases to the application process: Pre-Selection, Selection to the Program, and Admission to the University. All applicants will submit materials for Pre-Selection; those most qualified will be invited to take part in the final selection process. Finally, accepted candidates must confirm their place in the cohort through application to the University.

Phase I:聽 CSU APPLY (October 1, 2026 鈥� March 1, 2027 with Priority Deadline - Dec. 1, 2026)

Candidates will submit the following in the application process.

Personal Statement: A 2000 word max typed personal statement reflecting on the following: (Please address and label each prompt separately, utilizing headings (Prompt A, Prompt B, Prompt C鈥�)

Share your reasons for seeking entrance to the doctorate program and how it relates to your future professional goals and educational reform;
Tell us about your understanding of the educational challenges faced by public schools or community colleges in California;
Share three significant accomplishments that demonstrate your educational leadership potential and skills.聽 You may refer to achievements in public schools, postsecondary institutions, or your community;
Discuss your personal commitment to promote justice in education and any idea(s) that you have for your research and dissertation;
Give us an overview of your past background and current ability to devote significant time and attention to succeed in a rigorous program of doctoral study in education. Describe how you plan to manage your professional and personal responsibilities to enable you to successfully participate in a doctoral program.

搁别蝉耻尘别/痴颈迟补:听 A current professional resume or Vita, highlighting relevant leadership experience (maximum 4 pp.).

Writing Sample:聽 A sample of academic or professional writing from the past ten years (maximum 20 pp.)

Letters of Recommendations:聽 Three letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to the applicant鈥檚 leadership experience or potential for leadership.聽 Recommenders will receive the Recommendation Form via email from the application website.聽 They will complete the form and submit it using the instructions in the email.聽 If they would like to submit an additional letter of support, they will submit it through the same portal.

Employer Statement of Support (District employees and CSU employees).聽 This form provides the program with an understanding of the support that your employer is able to provide during the program. This statement can come from one of your references, however it is a separate requirement. If this is not available, an indication of your plan for meeting the program demands and your professional responsibilities. In particular, explain how you will balance the demands of the program with your professional and personal life?聽聽
Official Transcripts:聽 Provide copies of official transcripts from each 2-year college and 4-year university that you attended. Note that official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended will need to be submitted to the university.

If you have questions about the program application, please contact Dr. Kitty Fortner, kfortner@csudh.edu.

Phase II:聽 Program Review (Begins when Application is received)

Selected candidates, identified in Phase 1 Pre-Selection will complete:

Paper review of all application begins when application is submitted.聽 Candidates who meet the requirement for admission are invited to a Program Interview to determine eligibility for the program.

Phase III: Program Interviews (Begin November 1)

Selected candidates, identified in Phase 3 Interviews will be invited to:

- An interview with the Doctoral Program Admissions Committee
- Interviews will begin November 1.
- Priority is given to those completing the application by the priority deadline of December 1.

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