How to Apply
| Priority Deadline | April 1 |
| Final Deadline |
May 1 |
*This program is a Summer start only.
Application Instructions
Start Your Online Application
Complete your online application for the EdD in Educational Leadership program. Begin by completing each section of the online application. Review your information carefully, then sign and submit your application. After submitting your application, you will be directed to the Application Status Portal, where you can view and complete your remaining application requirements. Once all checklist items have been submitted and satisfied, your application will be considered complete and forwarded to the admissions review committee for consideration.
Official Transcripts
You must submit official transcripts verifying completion of:
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
**Applicants may apply while completing their master’s degree or Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, provided all degree requirements are completed before the start of the program.
How to Submit Official Transcripts:
- Certified e-transcripts are strongly recommended if your institution offers this option. Transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to California Lutheran University to be considered official.
By Email:
If a selection is available, choose California Lutheran University or use clugrad@CalLutheran.edu for direct entry.
By Mail:
California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Road, #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
Domestic Applicants with International Degree(s):
- Domestic applicants who completed their degree(s) outside of the U.S. are required to submit an Official Transcript Evaluation. The evaluation should include GPA equivalence and course-by-course listing, done by a NACES member company. CLU recommends two providers who have offered CLU applicants a streamlined process for obtaining an evaluation. These are IEE and The Evaluation Company. This should be ordered and sent directly to CLU to be considered official.
Professional Recommendation (1 required)
Provide the name and contact information for one recommender on the Recommender page of your online application.
Your recommender should be someone who knows you professionally, academically, or through related volunteer experience, ideally from an individual in a supervisory role. Recommendations from personal relationships (friends, family members, etc.) will not be accepted.
Cal Lutheran will send the recommendation form directly to your recommender, who will have the opportunity to provide comments and upload a letter.
Tip: You do not need to wait for your recommendation to be submitted before continuing your application.
Upload Your Resume or CV
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates at least 2 years of experience in an education-related field.
Your resume or CV should highlight relevant professional experience, including roles, responsibilities, leadership experience, and accomplishments related to education. This may include experience in areas such as teaching, administration, student services, educational leadership, or other roles that support learning and educational environments.
Please upload your resume or CV directly through your Application Status Portal as part of your application checklist.
Writing Sample
Submit a writing sample (minimum of 10 pages) that demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly, organize information effectively, and engage in scholarly writing.
Acceptable writing samples include a professional paper, research paper, academic essay, or California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA).The sample should showcase your ability to analyze information, support ideas with evidence, and present your thoughts in a clear and professional manner.
Please upload your writing sample directly through your Application Status Portal as part of your application checklist.
Start Your Online Application
Complete your online application for the EdD in Educational Leadership program. Begin by completing each section of the online application. Review your information carefully, then sign and submit your application. After submitting your application, you will be directed to the Application Status Portal, where you can view and complete your remaining application requirements. Once all checklist items have been submitted and satisfied, your application will be considered complete and forwarded to the admissions review committee for consideration.
Official Transcripts & Transcript Evaluation
International applicants must submit official transcripts and degree certificates (or certified true copies) in English for all colleges and universities attended. Documents must be sent directly from each institution to California Lutheran University.
Applicants must also submit an official transcript evaluation confirming U.S. equivalency of their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The evaluation must include GPA equivalency and a course-by-course evaluation.
Evaluations must be completed by a NACES member organization. Cal Lutheran recommends the following providers: International Education Evaluations (IEE) and SpanTran.
The evaluation must be sent directly to California Lutheran University to be considered official.
How to Submit Official Transcripts:
Certified e-transcripts are strongly recommended if your institution offers this option. Transcripts must be sent directly from your institution to California Lutheran University to be considered official.
By Email:
If a selection list is available, choose California Lutheran University or use clugrad@CalLutheran.edu for direct entry.
By Mail:
California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Road, #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
Language Proficiency
Minimum acceptable scores:
- Duolingo English Test score: 120
- TOEFL score: 4.5 or 88 on legacy valid for within 1 year
- IELTS score: 6.5
- Pearson’s (PTE Academic) score: 58
Applicants who earn a bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country may have the proof of English proficiency requirement waived on a case-by-case basis. Please contact International Admission for more information: intladmission@CalLutheran.edu.
Financial Responsibility or Official Bank Statement
International applicants must submit a Financial Responsibility Statement or Official Bank Statement demonstrating the ability to meet educational and living expenses while studying at California Lutheran University.
The document must include a valid issuance date and provide required sponsor information, if applicable. This documentation must be submitted before an admission decision can be released.
Please upload this directly through your Application Status Portal as part of your application checklist.
Professional Recommendation (1 required)
Provide the name and contact information for one recommender on the Recommender page of your online application.
Your recommender should be someone who knows you professionally, academically, or through related volunteer experience, ideally from an individual in a supervisory role. Recommendations from personal relationships (friends, family members, etc.) will not be accepted.
Cal Lutheran will send the recommendation form directly to your recommender, who will have the opportunity to provide comments and upload a letter.
Tip: You do not need to wait for your recommendation to be submitted before continuing your application.
Upload Your Resume or CV
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates at least 2 years of experience in an education-related field.
Your resume or CV should highlight relevant professional experience, including roles, responsibilities, leadership experience, and accomplishments related to education. This may include experience in areas such as teaching, administration, student services, educational leadership, or other roles that support learning and educational environments.
Please upload your resume or CV directly through your Application Status Portal as part of your application checklist.
Writing Sample
Submit a writing sample (minimum of 10 pages) that demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly, organize information effectively, and engage in scholarly writing.
Acceptable writing samples include a professional paper, research paper, academic essay, or California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA).The sample should showcase your ability to analyze information, support ideas with evidence, and present your thoughts in a clear and professional manner.
Please upload your writing sample directly through your Application Status Portal as part of your application checklist.
Copy of Passport (required post-admission)
International applicants will be required to submit a copy of their valid passport if admitted. This document is required to complete the enrollment process and support immigration documentation requirements.