UC LEAD Ed.D. Home · Admissions
Admissions
Everything you need to apply—dates, required materials, selection criteria, and what to expect after you submit.
Information sessions
Join a session for an overview of requirements and time for Q&A with program faculty and staff.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with Zoom details and a calendar invitation.
Required materials
Prepare these items before you start the online application.
Statement of Purpose (no word limit)
Your Statement of Purpose should address the following four areas:
- Demonstrated leadership experience
Examples include completion of work for the Administrative Services Credential for P–12 candidates; program director at a school, district or regional institution; community college project director; postsecondary administration; in-region professional education experience. - Knowledge of educational research and application to practice
- Plan for how participation in the program will shape your future in leadership practice
- Areas of interest for dissertation research
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation need to be submitted via the online recommendation form available within the application.
You may find it useful to consider in advance whom you will ask to serve as recommenders so you can contact these individuals and confirm their willingness.
We suggest selecting recommenders who can comment on your ability to be successful in a rigorous Ed.D. program as well as speak to your leadership skills.
Resume/CV
Upload a current resume or CV reflecting your professional roles, leadership scope, and accomplishments.
Writing sample
Submit an academic or professional writing sample that shows your ability to make an evidence-based argument, synthesize sources, and write clearly for an education audience. This may be a published piece or an unpublished paper (e.g., graduate coursework paper, policy memo, evaluation report, research brief, or capstone project). A master’s thesis (or excerpt) is also an appropriate example.
Transcripts
For review, upload scanned transcripts from all institutions attended since high school (upload front/back, even if blank). Official transcripts are required after provisional admission.
Interview process
Interviews are required for admission and are by invitation only. We prefer to conduct interviews in person to get to know you better and learn more about your background and goals.
Application fee
The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application.
Former UC San Diego Graduate Students
If you previously completed graduate study at UC San Diego, please contact Melissa Wolf to review your application requirements before submitting.
Selection criteria
The Committee will look for the following evidence in selecting top candidates:
- Distinguished academic record, including completion of a Master’s degree
- Outstanding letters of recommendation
- A track record of successful leadership experience
After you apply
Admissions decisions are usually made within four to six weeks after the deadline. Once you have submitted a complete application, it will be reviewed to determine if the admissions committee would like to schedule an interview.
Interviews are required for admission and are by invitation only. We prefer to conduct interviews in person to get to know you better and learn more about your background and goals.