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: Pre-Selection 1 - Program Application (August 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025)

Complete the program application accessible via this link: (Program Application-OPENS August 2024)

Candidates will submit the following in the Program Application.

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…)

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. 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.

Resume/Vita: A current professional resume or Vita, highlighting relevant leadership experience (maximum 4 pp.).

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

Letters of Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation from persons who can attest to the applicant’s leadership experience or potential for leadership. Recommenders will receive the Recommendation Form via email from the application website. They will complete the form and submit it using the instructions in the email. 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). 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?
Unofficial Transcripts: Provide copies of unofficial 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 candidates advance to Phase III: Admission to the University (see below).

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

Phase II: Pre-Selection 2 - Program Interview

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

An interview with the Doctoral Program Admissions Committee

Phase III: Admission to the University (February 1 – March 15 Priority Deadline)

Candidates who receive notification of their conditional acceptance to the EDLD for Justice Program must apply to the University (online at Cal State Apply between February 1 and March 15 Priority Deadline) in order to reserve their places.

For your University application you must submit the following items:

Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (directions for submission)
Signed Disposition Statement
Invitation from Program to Submit University Application. (received at the end of phase II)