Doctoral Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the program?

The application process is comprised of two major steps: 1) application to the university, and application to the doctoral program.

Step1: Applicants must first apply to the university online through the CSU system application website, CSU mentor, which includes submissions of your transcripts. This website is at http://www.csumentor.edu/AdmissionApp/. If you do not qualify for the free waiver, a processing fee of $55 dollars will be accrued. Upon request from the university, applicants will be prompted to submit official transcripts.
Step 2: The second part of the process requires that pertinent supporting documents be sent via email in PDF format to doctoralstudies@csupomona.edu. This is a comprehensive process that includes 1) submission of the Graduate Record Exam score, 2) three recommendation letters on our departmental form, and 3) completion of a doctoral program application that includes a formal written statement in response to a series of questions. Further information is available in the doctoral program brochure, and the Doctoral Studies and Admissions & Outreach websites:

Doctoral Studies Website: http://www.csupomona.edu/~doctoralstudies/
Admissions & Outreach Website: http://www.dsa.csupomona.edu/admissions/

What constitutes eligibility to the program?

To be eligible for admission into the doctoral program, you must meet both university AND doctoral program admissions requirements. Meeting university admissions requirements will only establish eligibility for consideration as an applicant, but will not guarantee your acceptance into the doctoral program. If you emerge as a finalist, based on the initial university and program screening process, you will be invited for an interview. After the interview window, the program admissions committee will convey formal admission decisions.

Note that failure to submit all components of the application process by the deadline will disqualify you from consideration for admission.

What are the requirements?

Prior Education: You must already have earned a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in upper division (junior/senior year) and graduate study.
GRE: If you took the GRE prior August 1, 2011, submit your scores from three sections of the General Test; a score of 1,000 or higher is recommended. Remember, this is a recommended score, not an absolute score. Scores cannot be older than five years from the date in which you plan to start the program.
Recommendation Letters: Provide three confidential letters of recommendation on our departmental form from professionals in the field attesting to both your leadership ability and scholarship potential.
Ed.D. Program Application: The Ed.D. Program application requires responses to several writing prompts as well as the submission of a current vita.

What do I need to know about taking the GRE?

Graduate Record Examination scores on the three sections of the General Test must have been taken within the past five years. For those who need to take the test, it is recommended that you begin this process as soon as possible. Test administration information is available at the GRE website: http://www.ets.org/gre. To have scores submitted, please note that the institution code for Cal Poly Pomona is 4082 and the department code is 3001.

What are the application timelines?

We have instituted a year round application process effective September 2012. Throughout the year applications will be paper screened and selected applicants invited for an interview. Successful applicants will be offered an “Early Admissions Option” to secure a place in the program. A new cohort will begin each September.

Once the CSU Mentor application has been submitted, there will be an automated letter of acknowledgement from the university that will be sent to you electronically. Keep it for your records as it will provide you with an Application Confirmation Number should you need to refer to it while going through the university admissions process. A second letter will then follow that will include your nine-digit identification number, or Bronco ID number, which you must use in all future communications with the university. You will also receive instructions on claiming/activating your Cal Poly Pomona account or BroncoDirect. BroncoDirect is the front door that you will use to access your application status, to do list, admission status, the course catalog, and financial aid information.

What is the selection process?

Candidates must meet all requirements listed on page 1.
Applications to the doctoral program will be reviewed and assessed by the program admissions committee.
Those candidates recommended by the program admissions committee will be invited for a personal interview.
After the interview process has been completed, candidates will be notified whether they have been admitted to the doctoral program.

How do I track my progress in the application process?

Admissions has a student-specific “to do list” that applicants can view on the web through BroncoDirect to follow their progress. You are strongly encouraged to monitor your progress in order to help facilitate completion of your file. If you encounter special difficulties, you may call the Doctoral Studies Office for assistance: (909) 869-3060. Please do not call regarding your status as an applicant, however, since you will be notified as soon as decisions are made.

When will I know if I have been accepted into the program?

We anticipate notifying candidates who meet both university and doctoral program eligibility requirements on an ongoing basis after successful paper screening and an interview. Following the personal interview session, candidates will be notified by email and formal letter if they have been accepted into the doctoral program.

What is the cost of the program and is financial aid available?

Although subject to change by the CSU Trustees, current program costs approximate $17,000 per year excluding books and local fees. Doctoral students are eligible for Stafford Loans and a host of other loan-type aid that can range up to $20,000 per year. Every student case is different. Students may begin the optional process by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The funds are awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come-first-served basis and the priority application timeframe is January 1 to March 2. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive the award notification from Financial Aid. All inquiries regarding financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at (909) 869-3700.

When will the program begin?

A new cohort of accepted candidates will start each fall. The fall quarter begins in late September. This is a rigorous, cohort-based, year-round program that is offered in a fixed sequence of courses that includes the dissertation culminating experience. The entire program, including the final dissertation, is designed for completion in three years.

When and where will classes be held?

Because the program is designed for working professionals, classes will be held on selected Fridays in the late afternoon/evening and on Saturdays with some having online components. Courses will be held on the Cal Poly Pomona campus.

How can I learn more about the program?

In addition to the doctoral studies website (www.csupomona.edu/doctoralstudies) and Doctoral Brochure, further information is also available from the Doctoral Studies Office at (909) 869-3060, Mr. Michael Bandoni, Staff Coordinator, and Dr. Ron Leon, Program Director.