Course Overview!

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is a doctoral program designed for working education professionals. It prepares educators to lead reform efforts in PreK-12 schools, community colleges, and postsecondary institutions. The program offers three emphases: Educational System Redesign, Urban Teaching and Learning, and Students' Special Needs, Supports, and Services. The curriculum focuses on developing leadership skills, research methodologies, and practical applications to address complex educational challenges. The program emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative research methods and integrates real-world experience through required laboratories of practice. Graduates will be equipped to lead and innovate within diverse educational settings.

Course Structure

The Ed.D. program requires 60 semester units, with at least 30 units at the 6000-level. It includes core courses covering topics like organizational theory, leadership for change, research methodologies, and equity in education. Students choose one course from several sets of options to tailor their studies to their chosen emphasis. Required laboratories of practice provide hands-on research experience. Students must pass a qualifying examination and complete a dissertation (12 units). A selection of emphasis-specific and elective courses is available. The program is designed to be completed entirely with 6000-level courses and labs.