Education, PhD (Joint Degree with SDSU)

Claremont Graduate University offers a joint doctoral program in Education with San Diego State University (SDSU) for residents of San Diego and Imperial Counties. Nonresidents must be willing to relocate to one of these counties and provide evidence of their move. Initial review of applicants is conducted by SDSU and then by CGU.

In addition to the information below, please refer to the extended program description on the SDSU website.

Program Features and Restrictions

Joint Program Guidelines. Extensive policies and procedures are provided on the Registrar’s Office webpages. Admitted students are students of both CGU and SDSU and must follow all student policies of each campus. In particular, enrollment is required at one of the campuses each semester. Changes of student status must be reported to and approved by each institution.

Degree Conferral. Upon successful completion of the program, the student earns a doctoral degree jointly conferred by CGU and SDSU. Students must be registered at both campuses during the semester of degree completion and must follow the policies, procedures, and deadlines of each campus for declaring their candidacy and for graduation.

Advising. Students are jointly advised by supervisor and dissertation committees consisting of two full-time faculty from each campus. Committee members are selected by the student.

Fellowships. Joint doctoral students are not eligible for tuition fellowships from CGU.

Degree Requirements

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required for the doctoral degree in Education. Coursework should consist of the following.

24 doctoral units from CGU, including EDUC 580A - Proseminar for Doctoral Study and EDUC 580B - Capstone for Doctoral Research
24 doctoral units from SDSU
24 Master’s units

Joint doctoral students may not enroll in independent study activities at CGU and are not required to enroll in a transdisciplinary course as part of their programs.

Academic Work and Research Tools. Students must complete the equivalent of one academic year of work and one research tool at each campus. Students admitted Fall 2019 or later must also complete a third research tool, which can be taken at either campus.

Program Outline. Guidelines regarding completion and submission of a program outline are detailed in the doctoral degree in Education section of the Bulletin. Joint doctoral students submit the outline to CGU upon completion of 12-20 units.

Qualifying Examinations. Two qualifying exams are required, co-supervised by a faculty member from each campus.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

K12 Education and Equity

There is an urgent need for highly educated professionals to understand research and best practices in order to assist schools and practicing educators in increasing overall achievement in the U.S. and closing the persistent achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic and ethnic groups. To that end, the concentration in K12 Education and Equity will center around classes and research experiences aimed at merging accountability in education with a focus on justice.

Doctoral candidates who focus on K12 Education and Equity often have professional goals such as the following.

To become professors in universities and colleges educating future K-12 teachers and administrators
To become researchers and/or policy makers in public and private arenas focused on K-12 schooling
To become principals, superintendents, or administrators, such as directors of curriculum or professional development, in public or private schools
To develop curricula for public or private organizations such as schools, universities or materials publishers
To become university educators in related fields such as nursing, speech therapy, and educational psychology

Higher Education/Student Affairs

CGU’s diverse and experienced student body in Higher Education/Student Affairs is comprised mainly of working professionals. Study is based on a multidisciplinary view of theory and research, and a commitment to developing educational environments that are just, relevant, and rigorous. Collectively, the faculty is knowledgeable and grounded in education as well as sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, psychology, law, gender/sexuality studies, politics, religion, literature, and leadership.

The doctoral program is designed for individuals with a commitment to applying a multidisciplinary view of theory and research. As diverse as the programs they design, CGU education students generally bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to their studies, as well as a commitment to scholarly endeavors.

This degree is highly individualized and designed to meet the career and personal goals of each student. Doctoral studies in Higher Education/Student Affairs lend themselves to emphases in the following areas:

Community College Leadership
Organization and Management
Human Development/Adult Development
History and Philosophy
Public Policy Analysis
Student Affairs