Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions to the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program
Q: Do I need to take the GRE before applying to the program?
A: Yes, please allow two weeks for your test scores to be sent to the EDD program office. For more information on the GRE, please visit the website www.gre.org.
Toll free # 1‐800‐853‐6769
Local phone # (916) 961‐7323
Q: What type of GRE test should applicants take and what is the program code?
A: Applicants should prepare to take the computer‐based General Test of GRE. Content areas:
‐verbal
‐quantitative
‐analytical writing
The CSUS Institution Code is 4671.
Q: Can I use my GRE scores from 5 years ago for my application?
A: No, GRE results may not be older than 5 years from the date of application. We encourage students to take the GRE as soon as possible, and inform our office of their test date.
Q: Can prior work experience substitute for GRE?
A: No, all applicants are expected to take and submit the GRE scores as part of the application process; this is a CSU system requirement.
Q: What should I do if I expect to have all the materials prepared, but I am unable to take the GRE test before the application deadline?
A: It is best to have all required materials submitted to the office by the deadline, submit all other materials with a copy of the GRE registration verification. Please have the official scores sent to the office as soon as possible.
Q: How much does it cost to fill out the CSU Mentor, graduate admission application?
A: It costs a non‐refundable $55 to complete the CSU Mentor application.
Q: When is the deadline to apply to the program?
A: Applications are due early spring for fall admissions.
Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission to the program?
A: A grade point average in upper division and graduate study of 3.0 or above is required.
Q: Does your office hold an information session?
A: Yes, the Director holds at least 2 information sessions during the semester. We will post a flyer on our program website and also outside the Ed.D. office regarding information session dates, times, and locations.
Q: Where can I find information about the admissions process?
A: Applicants can visit our website at www.edweb.csus.edu/edd for admission procedures including the online application and the supplemental application.
Q: How many transcripts do I need to submit?
A: One set of Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended other than Sacramento State to the Office of Graduate Studies, and one set of Unofficial Transcripts to the Ed.D. Program Office, Eureka Hall 328.
Q: What is the tuition for the program?
A: The program for 2010 will cost approximately $15,075 for a 12 month study. The annual fee will be assessed proportionally each term/session (typically 3 or 4 times), with a projected increase of about 5 – 10% per year.
Q: How do current students finance their education?
A: Applicants can visit the graduate studies website for additional information regarding grants and loans.
www.csus.edu/gradstudies/financial.htm
Students interested in financial aid should contact Sacramento State’s Financial Aid office at
webapps1.csus.edu/faid_general/
Q: Where is the Office of Graduate Studies?
A: The Graduate Studies Office is located in the River Front Center on the 2nd floor, Room 206. Enter through the door to the left of the copy center. Phone (916) 278 – 6470.
Q: How many students will be accepted into the program?
A: We admit between 20 – 25 students per year.
Q: Is a master’s degree required for applying to the Doctorate Program?
A: Yes, a master’s degree from an accredited college/university is required for admission to the program.
Q: What are you looking for in a potential candidate?
A: It is required that all applicants have demonstrated a high level of educational leadership potential and skills including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community, and/or policy leadership. We also ask that the applicant has demonstrated academic excellence, problem solving abilities, and an interest in critically assessing and bringing improvements within current educational policies and practices.
Q: Am I guaranteed admission to the program if I meet all the requirements?
A: While submitting all required materials does qualify applicants for admission consideration, it does not guarantee admission to the Program. Admission is on a competitive basis.
Q: What is the advantage of a cohort based program?
A: There is the expectation that the candidates will complete the program successfully. Cohort based learning offers support to candidates and provides opportunities for members to learn from one another. Students within a cohort are given the chance to establish professional ties that often last beyond the completion of the program and are important to their continued professional support and growth.
Q: How long will it take to complete the program?
A: The Ed.D program is specifically designed to be completed within three (3) calendar years (two semesters per academic year and two summers). It is normally acceptable to allow completion of degree requirements within (3) calendar years.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have further questions?
A: Please contact the doctoral program office at (916) 278‐2282, or by email at edd@csus.edu.
Q: How many courses will a student take in a given term?
A: Each of the first two years students will complete 18 units during the regular academic year and 6 units during the summer session. Students will be given a Qualifying Exam by the end of the second year of the program.