Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D.?听The Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) is a professional degree that focuses on the application of theory and research to problems of practice in education and is designed for working professionals and educational leaders. The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) tends to be more research-oriented and is often designed for individuals who wish to become faculty or want to pursue research as a main element of their career.听
When should I apply?听Each application cycle is open between October and June prior to the Fall semester of admission. Prospective students who submit a complete application on or before the deadline will receive an admission decision within 4-6 weeks.
Can I apply to start in the Spring semester?听We do not admit students to start in Spring semesters.
When does the program start?听How long does the program take to complete?听Each cohort begins the program with a summer orientation with coursework starting the in Fall semester (late August). The program is structured for degree requirements (including dissertation) to be completed in three years. Summer terms are required.
How often do classes meet?听Classes meet once a week in the evenings (year round), and one Saturday a month during Fall and Spring.听听
Can I get financial aid?听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.
How can I learn more about the program?听You may review the doctoral program website or attend a program information session (dates and times are available on the website). Further information is also available by contact the doctoral office at 818-677-2403.
Are GRE scores required?听The program does not require GRE for admissions. It is not considered in the application evaluation process.
Can I apply to the program if I do not have a degree in education?听Yes, we do accept students without degrees in education. Our students come from a wide variety of disciplines and professional backgrounds.
What types of financial support are available for the program?听Students enrolled in the Ed.D. Program are eligible for any federal financial aid they are qualified to receive; our students typically receive unsubsidized Stafford loans.听 We also offer a few scholarships and fellowships.听The scholarships are provided by the College of Education, and the deadline to apply is in October each year.听
Writing Samples:听Writing is among the most significant activities in which you will engage within the program. Authoring a dissertation is a significant undertaking and your ability to write with clarity and care for a reader is key. Your writing sample will serve to demonstrate your abilities to be successful in these endeavors. Our preference is for the sample to be academic writing. For example, a paper or research project from your previous graduate work. If such evidence is unavailable, you should consider a professional writing example. This might be something you produced on-the-job (e.g., report, program review or evaluation, training materials). Applicants are advised to avoid more informal forms of writing, such as school newsletters, web-posted communications, and the like. In sum, we appreciate reviewing a formal example of your writing, and an example that is academic writing鈥攐r as close to academic writing as possible.