Fresno State’s Ed.D. program receives a high volume of applications every year. Each application cycle is open between October and February prior to the Fall semester of admission. 

Prospective students who submit a complete application on or before the deadlines will receive an admissions decision within four weeks. This allows students to make informed decisions when considering the Fresno State program and other doctoral programs.

Your application is not guaranteed to be reviewed after the deadline. 

We do not admit students to start in spring semesters.

Each of your three recommenders will need to submit their recommendation letter and a rubric form. Applicants need to submit their recommenders' information on Cal State Apply. This will generate an automatic email sent to the recommender that contains a link to complete the rubric and upload their letter. Applicants should remind their recommenders that they will receive an email from calstateapply@liaisoncas.com.

Choose the program format that best fits your schedule and how you prefer to learn. If you live in Fresno, Madera, Kings, or Tulare County, we encourage you to consider the face-to-face program. Applicants must select one format when applying.

If you’re unsure which is right for you, please contact our advisor, Itzel Montoya, at imontoya@mail.fresnostate.edu to discuss your options before submitting your application.

The program coursework for the Ed.D. consists of:

• 60 units of study including the dissertation (48 units of coursework & 12 units of dissertation) in a three-year period
• Students follow a cohort structure
• Dedicated support for each student includes personal advising, graduate writing and statistics support, research guidance, dissertation advising, learning support, and conference funding 
   

Each cohort begins the program with a summer orientation with coursework starting in the fall semester (late August). A new cohort is admitted once per year. The program is structured for degree requirements (including the dissertation) to be completed in three years. Summer terms are required.

Specialization courses cover various topics in higher education/community college and/or P-12 institutions. A description of various courses can be found in the university catalog under course codes EDL 520 and above until EDL 580T. 

The program is designed for working professionals, and meeting schedules differ by delivery option.

Face-to-face program: Students generally meet on Monday evenings during the fall and spring semesters and twice per week during the summer. Some weekend meetings may be required during the second year.

Online program: Most coursework is asynchronous, so online students do not have a standing weekly Monday evening meeting. Instructors may schedule live Zoom sessions, taking students’ availability into account. The frequency of these sessions and whether attendance is required vary by course; instructors will communicate those expectations. Online students must also attend an in-person summer residency at Fresno State in both their second and third years.

The quality, nature, and purpose of dissertations can vary significantly across different types of doctoral programs. At Fresno State, the dissertation is designed as a means to prepare students to be more effective educational leaders. Your dissertation will consist of original research you conduct on a specific problem of educational practice. This is your opportunity to professionally contribute to the body of knowledge in educational leadership. Faculty provide their time, support, and attention during your dissertation process. These experienced educational leaders will challenge you, encourage you, and help you transition to independent scholarship. The dissertation will help you fully develop a number of key competencies including leadership for change, the application of theory and research to practice, and advocacy for social justice, equity, and inclusion.

The cost of the Doctor of Educational Leadership program is below the national average for public universities and well below the cost of private institutions. Tuition and campus-based fees are set by the CSU System and are billed per semester. Additional fees will include books and parking. For an overview of the most current academic year tuition and fees please visit the Money Matters page of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s webpage.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid to complete your doctoral program may consist of loans, external grants, and scholarships. Most graduate students receive a combination of grants and federal student loans. Private educational loans are also available to students who require additional financial assistance. To learn more, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.