Community College Leadership
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Who We Are
San Diego State University's Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Community College Leadership (CCLEAD) is a nationally recognized program cultivating innovative leaders in postsecondary education. We are a collaborative learning community led by esteemed faculty and practitioners dedicated to addressing challenges in higher education.
What We Do
The CCLEAD program equips leaders with the skills and knowledge to transform educational systems and advance student success. Doctoral candidates engage in research that addresses real-world issues, driving equity-focused improvements in their institutions.
Why We Do It
We are committed to fostering educational justice by preparing leaders to navigate and address the complexities of America's community colleges. Our mission is to ensure institutions take responsibility for equity and the success of all students.
Program Structure
Small seminars and research support courses: No more than 15 students admitted per cohort
Monthly class meetings:
Fall and Spring courses meet Thursday (5:00–9:40 pm), Friday and Saturday (8:30 am–5:00 pm). Two-week summer residency at San Diego State University
Unique Features
Accommodates Working Professionals: Classes held once a month and during summer intensivesProgram Length: Empowers candidates to finish coursework and dissertation in as little as 36 months (60 Units)
Cohort Collaboration: Explores collective problem-solving and shared reflection on leadership practices through a collaborative cohort model
World-Class Faculty and Leaders: Work alongside renowned educators and field practitioners to enhance your knowledge of community college leadership
Get In Touch
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Scholarships
ARPE Faculty Emeriti Create Scholarship for Doctoral Students
Collective gift offers financial support to doctoral students studying disability in the CCLEAD program.
Harris and Wood Scholarship for the Advancement of Community College Equity
The Harris and Wood Scholarship for the Advancement of Community College Equity will provide scholarship support to students in the Ed.D. program in Community College Leadership in the College of Education. Students conducting “equity” focused dissertation research focused on under-served students of color are eligible for this scholarship.
Vasquez Scholarship for Advancing Latinx Student Success
The Vasquez Scholarship for Advancing Latinx Student Success will provide scholarship support to students in the Ed.D. program in Community College Leadership in the College of Education. Students conducting dissertation research centered on improving equitable outcomes for Latinx students in community college and/or on Latinx transfer students and post-baccalaureate achievement for Latinx transfer students are eligible for this scholarship.
What Community College Leaders and Alumni Are Saying:
"The SDSU Ed.D. program strengthened my role as a practitioner-scholar and reinvigorated my commitment to student access, success and equity…allowing me to lead with passion and purpose."
Julianna Barnes, Ed.D., Chancellor, South Orange County Community College District
"The Ed.D. program is a significant resource for those who aspire to lead our colleges. It has a track record of successfully preparing students to move into responsible leadership positions, and it has become one of the most important community college leadership programs in the nation. Students have the opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the most important higher education leaders and policy makers in the country while studying current issues and developing critical leadership competencies under the guidance of experienced faculty members."
George Boggs, Ph.D., SDSU Faculty Member & President Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges
"The SDSU Ed.D. program for Community College and Post-Secondary professionals provided me the foundation to become a transformational-servant community college President. The program provides practical skills and focuses on creating policies, programs and student support services from a student equity perspective."
Martha O. Garcia, Ed.D., President, Mount San Antonio College
"The San Diego State University (SDSU) Ed.D. Program in Community College Leadership prepares the future leaders within higher education with the necessary competencies to be effective leaders. The program’s focus on inquiry and understanding are critically important and provide a solid foundation for the students in the program to embrace their role in advancing an equity-oriented approach to student success."
Scott W. Thayer, Ed.D., President, Cypress College
