Frequently Asked Questions

There are two processes involved in the admission decision. The preliminary decision is based on a comprehensive review of the application materials received. Those who are identified as candidates proceed to the next level of admission review which involves an interview with the Admissions Committee. Preliminary decisions on the complete applications received by the priority deadline generally take approximately 3-4 weeks, and those applications received during the regular admission period, 4-6 weeks following the regular admission deadline. Interviews for the finalists will occur approximately 2-3 weeks following the preliminary decisions. Notification to candidates will be in late March 2025.

We expect to admit a cohort of 12-15 students.

The next cohort will begin in Summer 2025.

Yes, a master's degree from an accredited college/university is required for admission to the program. If you anticipate completing your master's program by end of spring, you may apply to the program. You may be granted conditional admission based on satisfactory completion of the master's program.

No, you don't need to have a finalized idea about your research topic. We will work with you to refine and narrow down your research topic. However, it is important that you position yourself within an educational topic or problem of practice. The more knowledgeable you are about the type of educational problem you aim to examine the better for your educational journey. We encourage you to explore a short list of top research topics that you are interested in addressing through your doctoral work. You will need to write a problem of practice statement as part of your application package. Once in the program, you can make adjustments to your research topic during the first semester.  

Yes, there are two specializations: P-12 (preschool, elementary, and secondary) and Community College. Educational practitioners who work at 4-year institutions are included as part of the Community College track; however, they can explore a research topic that is specific to a four-year postsecondary educational institution

The program is designed to be completed in three years, including summer study.

The program consists of 60 units, 27 Units Core Blocks (to be taken by both P-12 and CC students), 13 Units Research Blocks, 8 Units Professional Development, and 12 units dissertation.

The program may accept transfers of up to 6 units if they satisfy the following: (a) they were post-master/doctoral courses taken while officially matriculated in a graduate program at an accredited university; (b) the courses are equivalent in content and rigor to the courses offered in the doctoral program at Stanislaus State; (c) the courses are no older than 7 years from the time of graduation from the doctoral program at Stanislaus State; (d) the grades received in the courses are at least 3.0 or "B"; and (e) the petition is filed prior to enrollment in the doctoral program at Stanislaus State. Students still must pay the full tuition and fees.

Applicants are expected to have attained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in completed graduate courses.

The 2024-25 fees are estimated at about $22,062 (inclusive of university fees) for a 12-month study. The annual fee will be assessed proportionally each term/session, with a projected increase of about 5-10% per year.

Yes, there will be some financial aid, and graduate assistantships available to qualified students.  Prospective applicants should review the financial aid information contained in the CSU Admission Application booklet or online through the Cal State website.  Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may be obtained from the Financial Aid/Scholarships office at Stanislaus State or from the FAFSA website, observing the applicable deadlines and requirements.

One's qualification for teaching at a four-year college or university varies depending on several factors, including academic and professional preparation, as well as the potential for engaging in advanced scholarship. For example, those with a strong background in teaching or administration with outstanding academic preparation and achievement may be able to qualify for teaching in teacher education or educational/school administration program at a university.

Connect with us and learn more about the program! We welcome an opportunity to meet with you by Zoom; email the program director vmonterohernandez@csustan.edu and administrative support coordinator simachado@csustan.edu to arrange a date and time.

Please contact the doctoral program office at (209) 664-6564, or by e-mail at edd@csustan.edu.