Frequently Asked Questions

The path to a doctoral degree requires commitment and dedication. Those considering a doctorate should take the time to reflect on what they hope to achieve. It will be important to establish a realistic schedule and prepare to work on weekends and holidays amid your other social and professional responsibilities. This added time commitment can seem overwhelming, which is why passion for the field and topic is essential.

Yes, the EdD in Organizational Leadership program is only offered online, meaning there will be no in-person classes.

The program is structured as a cohort-based endeavor and therefore, moving at an individual pace is not an option. Students begin their journey in January and conclude by December of the third year. This immersive approach ensures a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience, fostering collaboration and synergy among participants throughout the entirety of the program.

All SOLES graduate and doctoral students are required to complete an international experience. Given that the EdD in Organizational Leadership offers two residencies outside the United States, the international experience is built into the program.

Students are responsible for all travel-related expenses for the residencies, including flights, accommodations, visas, and passport. Students must have a valid passport by the program start date or obtain it promptly.

The EdD program explores the nuances of leadership from a global perspective across disciplines so graduates are prepared to be leaders who drive social change and work for the equity and inclusion of all.

The program workload is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Synchronous meetings typically occur once a month, on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., and on one Wednesday from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Pacific Time.

Each month, a 90-minute asynchronous module is released. Students attend a two hour monthly Collaborative Learning Module. Plan for an additional 15 to 20 hours per month for studying, assignments, and projects.

For further details, please review the draft meeting schedule for the first year.

Students are responsible for all travel-related expenses for the residencies, including flights, accommodations, visas, and passport. Students must have a valid passport by the program start date or obtain it promptly.

While this program's official launch date is January of 2025, it is rooted in a long history within the Department of Leadership Studies. In 2006, approval to offer the program as a PhD was granted by WASC. For several years following 2006, both EdD and PhD degrees were awarded until the final EdD in Leadership Studies was awarded in 2011.

SOLES also offered an EdD in Educational Technology and an EdD in Literacy, in collaboration with SDSU from 2000 - 2014.