Applying and Information Sessions
Information Sessions
February Virtual Information Session
Thursday 2/12/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
https://cpp.zoom.us/j/86011880901
February In Person Information Session
Where: Building 80, the Marriott Learning Center on the Cal Poly Pomona campus
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:00-11:00 am
The information session will include the opportunity to observe current doctoral classes and meet with current doctoral students. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the in-person session to the Doctoral Program Co-Directors: Dr. Betty Alford (btalford@cpp.edu) and Dr. Jose Aguilar-Hernandez (jhernandez@cpp.edu). Directions will be emailed to you prior to the session for those who RSVP.
March Virtual Information Session
Thursday 3/12/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
https://cpp.zoom.us/j/86011880901
March In Person Information Session
Where: Building 80, the Marriott Learning Center on the Cal Poly Pomona campus
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026,10:00-11:00 am
The information session will include the opportunity to observe current doctoral classes and meet with current doctoral students. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the in-person session to the Doctoral Program Co-Directors: Dr. Betty Alford (btalford@cpp.edu) and Dr. Jose Aguilar-Hernandez (jhernandez@cpp.edu). Directions will be emailed to you prior to the session for those who RSVP.
April Virtual Information Session
Tuesday 4/07/2026 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
https://cpp.zoom.us/j/83380447770
For further information about the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, please email Doctoral Program Co-Directors: Dr. Betty Alford (btalford@cpp.edu) and Dr. Jose Aguilar-Hernandez (jhernandez@cpp.edu).
Applying to the Program
The application for Summer 2026 admission to the Doctoral Program will open October 1, 2025 through Cal State Apply and will close May 1, 2026. The Program supplemental application may be sent at any time to btalford@cpp.edu.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Dr. Betty Alford, Doctoral Program Co-Director (btalford@cpp.edu) or Dr. Jose Aguilar-Hernandez(Jhernandez@cpp.edu), Doctoral Program Co-Director.
The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program requires a two step application process:
- University Application: To begin the application process, you must apply through the CSU system application website: Cal State Apply. Please be sure to complete all application sections marked REQUIRED.
- Program Application: Documents listed in #4 and #5 below should be submitted electronically as PDF files to btalford@cpp.edu.
Admission Requirements and Documentation
- Prior Education with Transcript Verification: 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.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE): The GRE is not required for admission to the program.
- Reference Letters: The Cal State Apply system will prompt you to submit contact information for three professionals in the field who can provide confidential letters of recommendation attesting to both your leadership ability and scholarship potential. It is suggested that you confer with your references prior to submitting their names and information. You may also email your letters to the doctoral program director, Dr. Betty Alford, at btalford@cpp.edu.
- Supplementary Application: The supplementary application (doc) requires responses to the following writing prompts as well as the submission of a current vita or resume.
The writing prompts are:
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- Your reasons for pursuing doctoral study and your commitment to educational reform.
- Key challenges facing the public schools, community colleges, or universities of California that you would like to address as a result of your doctoral learning and experiences.
- Three significant accomplishments that demonstrate your educational leadership potential and skills. You may refer to achievements in public schools, postsecondary institutions, or your community.
- An overview of your past background and current ability to devote significant time and attention to succeed in a rigorous program of doctoral study in education. Describe how you plan to manage your professional and personal responsibilities to enable you to successfully participate in a doctoral program.
Your written document in response to these prompts should be 5-7 pages in length (use 12 point font, double spaced).
Submit your responses to the writing prompts and your vita or resume as PDF files to btalford@cpp.edu.
- Interview: You will be contacted to schedule an interview with the program admissions committee. The interview will be 30 minutes in length with a 15 minute open-ended written response that will be used as a writing sample. No preparation is needed.