Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program is designed for individuals who have demonstrated leadership ability in diverse educational settings. The program admits candidates who meet the academic requirements for the Ed.D. degree program and possess personal qualities and professional experiences that suggest a strong potential for success as doctoral candidates and educational leaders.

Program Description

The Ed.D. program is designed to prepare educational leaders who can plan systemic reform, manage change, and nurture a school or community college culture conducive to effective instruction and professional growth. The program focuses on developing critical consumers of educational research, producers of action research, and leaders who can promote culturally proficient policies and practices.

Program Requirements

A. Admission Requirements

Meeting the minimum requirements qualifies an individual for consideration, but does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission will be granted annually on a competitive basis. The application deadline is July 1 for admission the following Fall semester. Each applicant must submit:

• An application to the University
• A department application to the doctoral program
• Official transcripts from each accredited institution of higher education attended for successful completion of the baccalaureate degree, including evidence of a minimum of a 3.0 upper division undergraduate GPA
• Official transcripts from each accredited institution of higher education attended for successful completion of a master's degree with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA or the completion of equivalent academic preparation
• Three letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to the applicant's leadership experience or potential
• A written statement outlining the reasons for seeking entrance to the program and how it relates to future professional goals
• A professional resume
• A sample of academic or professional writing

All international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not earned a baccalaureate or master's degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must take the TOEFL examination. A TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test or a score of 213 on the computer-based test is required for admission.

B. Required Courses

1. Core Courses (42 units)

• ELPS 700 The Art of Collaborative Leadership (3)
• ELPS 705 Organizational Complexity and Change (3)
• ELPS 710 Curricular and Instructional Leadership for Systemic Reform (6)
• ELPS 715 Leading Change Through Cultural Competence (3)
• ELPS 725 Instructional Assessment and Program Evaluation (3)
• ELPS 740 Entrepreneurship in Public Education (3)
• ELPS 745 The Science of Administration (3)
• ELPS 750 The Ethical Dimensions of Leadership (3)
• ELPS 755 Human Relations in Educational Organizations (3)
• ELPS 760 Research Practicum I (3)
• ELPS 770 Applied Quantitative Inquiry I (3)
• ELPS 780 Applied Qualitative Inquiry I (3)
  • One of the following:
    • ELPS 775 Applied Quantitative Inquiry II (3)
    • ELPS 785 Applied Qualitative Inquiry II (3)

2. Option Courses (6 units)

Select (a) P12 Leadership or (b) Community College Leadership.

• a. P12 Leadership
  • ELPS 730 Public Policy in Education (3)
  • ELPS 765 Research Practicum II (3)
• b. Community College Leadership
  • ELPS 720 Postsecondary Finance and Enrollment Management (3)
  • ELPS 735 Law and Policy in Postsecondary Education (3)

3. Culminating Experience (12 units)

• ELPS 789 Dissertation Seminars (12) (Taken in 2-unit increments)

Total Units Required for the Ed.D. Degree: 60

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership will be able to:

• Plan systemic reform and manage the change process in collaboration with fellow educators and other stakeholders, based on a shared vision of learning
• Guide and support staff in nurturing a school, district, or community college culture and program conducive to the effective instruction of all students and to the professional growth of all employees
• Use data and technology effectively to assess student achievement, evaluate staff and programs, and plan and implement accountability systems
• Become critical consumers of educational research and producers of action research who apply the lessons of research to student, school/district, or community college improvement
• Promote culturally proficient policies and practices that recognize and value difference and ensure equity
• Manage fiscal, physical, and human resources to ensure an effective, safe learning and working environment
• Collaborate with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources at the local, state, and federal level
• Model ethical practice, strong skills in communication and collaboration, and the development of leadership capacity in themselves and others
• Understand, navigate, respond to, and influence the larger policy environment and the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context of education

California State University Northridge

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Overview:

California State University Northridge (CSUN) is a public university located in Northridge, California. It is part of the 23-campus California State University system. CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

CSUN provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising & Tutoring:

Support services to help students navigate their academic journey.

Student Services & Support:

Resources for student well-being, including counseling, health services, and disability support.

Athletics:

Opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports.

Housing & Dining:

On-campus housing options and dining services.

Health & Wellness:

Programs and resources to promote student health and well-being.

Safety & Security:

Campus security measures to ensure student safety.

University Student Union:

A central hub for student activities, events, and organizations.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CSUN offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement. Students can:

Join Clubs & Activities:

Participate in a wide range of student organizations and clubs.

Engage in Community-Engaged Learning:

Gain practical experience through community service and outreach programs.

Study Abroad:

Expand their horizons by studying at international partner institutions.

Attend Events and Activities:

Enjoy a variety of cultural, social, and academic events on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

CSUN fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Strong Academic Programs:

Offers a wide range of high-quality academic programs across various disciplines.

Affordable Education:

Provides a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

Location:

Located in the San Fernando Valley, offering easy access to Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

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Academic Programs:

CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges, including:

College of Arts, Media and Communication

College of Business and Economics

College of Education

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Health and Human Services

College of Humanities

College of Science and Mathematics

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Other: