The program is not accepting applications at this time.
How can we develop schools that are more responsive to diverse communities? The CGU/SDSU joint PhD program in Education prepares you to contribute to the knowledge base that supports creation of educational programs and systems that are democratic and effective.
The mission of the Joint PhD program in Education offered by San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University is to develop scholars committed to research on democratic schooling, social justice, and equal educational outcomes for all students, as well as the improvement of educational systems serving diverse communities. The PhD is awarded on the basis of the candidate’s achievement in these areas:
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- Understanding of diversity and its implications for education
- Analysis and development of educational policy
- Expertise in systemic organizational change
- Application of theory and research-based knowledge to the transformation of communities
- Use of effective educational practices, including tools available through technology
- Contribution to the knowledge base in education
The student demonstrates these capabilities through coursework, qualifying exams, and completion of a dissertation under the supervision of a committee composed of faculty from both universities. Students complete a minimum of 24 units at San Diego State University and 24 units at Claremont Graduate University.
The program has been in existence since 1978, established under the leadership of Tomas Arciniega and Peggy Hawley at SDSU and Paul Albrecht, then dean of faculty at CGU. Since 1981, more than 190 education professionals have earned PhDs through the program, which offers the benefits of a large, comprehensive public university and a small private university within a transdisciplinary learning environment. Graduates are currently employed as school principals, superintendents and program directors, college and university faculty and administrators, educational specialists in private and public agencies, and consultants to schools and businesses.
Program Highlights
- Both CGU and SDSU offer a broad range of doctoral seminars and other graduate courses in education and related fields. In consultation with faculty advisors from the two universities, students develop an individualized program of study appropriate to their particular interests and designed to support their development.
- Faculty at SDSU and CGU bring diverse research and teaching interests to the study of democratic schooling, social justice, and diversity in education, with expertise in such areas as public policy, organizational theory and leadership, curriculum and instruction, bilingual and cross-cultural education, educational technology, and more.
- Although full-time study is encouraged, most students in the program are working professionals. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in as little as three years; part-time study significantly extends the time for degree completion.
- All applicants must have completed a master’s degree program prior to admission and reside in, or commit to relocating to, San Diego or Imperial counties.
- Fall and spring classes at both schools are offered in the late afternoon and evening. A variety of courses are also available during the summer at CGU. Students are required to integrate their SDSU and CGU coursework.
Program At-a-glance
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72 units
required units
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PhD in Education, Joint Program With San Diego State University
degree awarded
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In Person
modality
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Fall
program start
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4-7 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Areas of Concentration
- K12 Education & Equity: Policy, Practice & Reform
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Higher Education & Student Affairs
Take an approach to study based on a multidisciplinary view of theory and research, and a commitment to developing educational environments that are just, relevant, and rigorous.
Faculty
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Deborah Faye Carter
Associate Professor of Higher Education
Research Interests
Higher education; transition to college; college student outcomes; access to college; race in education; mentoring, equity, and diverse learning environments in STEM
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DeLacy Ganley
Dean, School of Educational Studies
Professor of EducationResearch Interests
Culturally relevant education; resiliency and achievement of marginalized populations; intersection of families, community, and school; language acquisition; social capital theory; systems theory
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Dina C. Maramba
Professor of Education
Research Interests
Equity and diversity issues in higher education; theory and practice in student affairs; college student development; access and retention; first-generation college students; Asian American and Pacific Islander populations; minority serving institutions
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Frances Marie Gipson
Clinical Professor of Education
Director, Urban Leadership ProgramResearch Interests
Urban schooling; distributed leadership; social-emotional learning; culturally relevant and linguistically responsive education; systems theory; learning and achievement; talent and leadership development; P-20 school policy
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Gwen Garrison
Clinical Professor of Education
Director of Educational Evaluation and Data Analysis
Research Interests
Organizational effectiveness; diversity & inclusion; research & evaluation process; data systems; data management; data visualization and storytelling
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Mary Simpson Poplin
Senior Research Fellow
Professor EmeritaResearch Interests
Highly effective teachers in Los Angeles area; effective teaching methods; students, schools and poverty; differences between Judeo Christian and secular thought; Mother Teresa (worked with her in 1996)
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Susan J. Paik
Professor of Education
Research Interests
Educational productivity; talent and leader development; giftedness and creativity; learning and achievement; psychosocial and environmental factors; urban and international studies; underserved students; Asian Americans and education; family-school-community partnerships; research methods, design, and evaluation
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Tom Luschei
Professor of Education
Research Interests
International and Comparative Education; Economics of Education; Teacher Quality, Teacher Policy, and Teacher Distribution; Education Policy across the Americas
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Guan K. Saw
Associate Professor, Joseph B. Platt Chair in Management of Technology
Research Interests
Educational inequality; STEM education and workforce; rural education; college access and success; social capital; mentorship; teacher victimization; health disparities; research methodology
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Carl Cohn
Senior Research Fellow
Professor EmeritusResearch Interests
Education, Urban education, Education policy
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Daryl G. Smith
Senior Research Fellow
Professor EmeritaResearch Interests
Organizational implications of diversity, Assessment and evaluation, Leadership and change, Governance, Diversity in STEM fields, Faculty diversity
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Eligio Martinez
Senior Research Fellow
Research Interests
P-20 education pipeline; college access and retention; community colleges; boys and men of color; middle school education; Chicana/o and Latina/o Students
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Charles Kerchner
Senior Research Fellow
Professor EmeritusResearch Interests
Institutional Change in Public Education
Application Guidelines
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Academic Prerequisites | All applicants must have completed a master’s degree program prior to admission and reside in San Diego or Imperial counties or commit to relocating if admitted to the program. |
Key Dates and Deadlines
Priority consideration is given to those candidates that submit both applications (Cal State Apply and Program applications) by December 15. You can access these applications and see the application deadlines on SDSU’s admissions page .
Application Checklist
Applicants should follow the guidelines on SDSU’s admissions page .