PK-12 School Leadership with Science and Math Focus (Ed.D.)

How to Apply

All applicants must have completed a master’s degree program prior to admission and reside in San Diego or Imperial counties or commit to relocating if admitted to the program. The GRE is no longer required to apply to this program.

The Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership in PK-12 concentration seeks to advance the work of public schools throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. The program is committed to developing reflective leaders and change agents, capable of responding to the area’s demographic shifts and the increasingly complex needs of educational organizations within this diverse multicultural region.

NOTE: The degree document that you earn when finishing this program will NOT mention the Math and Science focus. It will only show you completed an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in PK-12 School Leadership.

Important Dates for Fall 2025

Item	Due Date
1. Cal State Apply application (opens October 1 each year)	February 1, 2025
2. Interfolio program application	February 15, 2025
3. Official transcripts due	February 15 2025

This program accepts applications every third year. We will admit for Fall 2025 and then plan for Fall 2028.

Applicants apply for the Fall term, even though admitted students will take courses in Summer term.

Steps 1-4: Admission to SDSU

Steps 1-4 must be completed through the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office.

Get general help and tips on how to complete the Cal State Apply application.
Application Guide: Cal State Apply Tutorial

SDSU Graduate Admissions: Steps to Apply

Your program application has been created in a system called Interfolio. For help, refer to this Interfolio Tutorial (PDF).

Please gather the required program-specific documents below and have them ready to upload to the Interfolio program application.

Statement of Science and Mathematics Leadership Philosophy

Write a Statement of Philosophy about Science Leadership or Mathematics Leadership: 1-2 pages, addressing your beliefs and values about leadership, curriculum and instruction, students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. Please make your statement specific to leadership in science education or mathematics education.

Resume/CV

Prepare a resume or curriculum vitae to your application, which will include your education and employment history as well as any academic honors, awards, scholarships, and publications.

Letters of Recommendation

Contact 2 individuals who you have interacted with academically and/or professionally and would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Recommenders will submit their recommendations directly into the Interfolio program application.

Statement of Nomination or Support from your Employer

Nomination/statement of support for the candidate's doctoral studies from employer or, in cases where this is not provided, an indication of the candidate's plan for meeting the demands of the program and professional responsibilities.

Example of Professional and/or Academic Writing

Please submit an example of your best professional and/or academic writing.

Video Requirement

Provide a link to a 2-3 minute video addressing the following prompts 1) Describe your academic and/or professional background in science or math 2) Describe how you connect your background in science or math to your work in the education field 3) Share why you are interested in earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a Science and Mathematics Focus.

Go to Program Application