FAQs - Doctorate of Education

Where and when are classes offered?

Classes are offered at the Saint Mary’s Moraga campus, often in Filippi Academic Hall, the newest building on campus. Classes are held on Friday evenings and Saturday on alternate weekends. The program operates on a trimester system (Spring, Summer, Fall); two courses are taken per trimester. Summer enrollment is required.

There are two week breaks in between trimesters and a six week break during December and January.

What are the admissions requirements?

Click here for admissions information and electronic forms

If I attended Saint Mary’s for my undergraduate and/or graduate courses, do I need to submit official transcripts?

No, applicants who attended SMC do not need to request official SMC transcripts.  However, applicants need to include official transcripts for work completed at other institutions.

Are all Saint Mary's students Catholic?

We welcome students of all backgrounds, beliefs and faith traditions. Just over half of our student body (graduate and undergraduate) is Catholic. The percentage of non-Catholics tends to be higher in the graduate programs.

How many students will be accepted in each cohort?

Fifteen (15) to 20 students will be admitted in each cohort.

How long will it take to complete the program?

The majority of students have completed the program in four years. Students complete their coursework in three years and during the final year, they focus on their dissertation. The program has been redesigned so students can begin their dissertation work sooner to ensure an earlier graduation date. 

Is the program designed specifically for K-12 leaders?

While the majority of our students work in K-12 settings, some students work in community colleges and four year academic institutions as well. Additionally a few students work in other work environments, either performing educational and training functions or aspiring to make career changes. Click here for a sample list of students and graduates.

What is the total number of units for this degree?

The degree program is 60 units in length. All students will complete 51 units of coursework and 9 units of dissertation research.

I need to take the GRE – where can I find more information?

Candidates that need to complete the GRE General Test can register to take the computer-based GRE General Exam. More information about test dates and locations is available at www.ets.org.

Students who completed their master’s degree at Saint Mary’s College are exempt from taking the GRE exam.

Who are the faculty in the Ed.D. program?

The faculty includes academics and practitioners who are up-to-date with current research and literature and who are skilled teachers and mentors. All faculty members have doctorate degrees and practical experience in educational settings. We describe our work as a calling - a vocation – and we are committed to using our knowledge, professional connections and personal attention to benefit our students.

What kinds of dissertations do the students complete?

As recommended by many experts on higher education, Saint Mary’s EdD students are encouraged to conduct “applied” research, aimed at transforming the institutions in which they work. A major research focus is addressing both the causes of inequities – in services, in institutional policies and practices, and in cultural norms and expectations – and the effects that these inequities have on students. Click here to see selected titles of dissertations. 

What is the cost?

2011-2012: $850/unit/credit hour

What kind of financial aid is available?

The Saint Mary’s College Financial Aid Office is located in Brother Jerome West Hall and can be reached at (925) 631-4370 or 1-866-306-0390, by email at finaid@stmarys-ca.edu, or by FAX at (925) 376-2965. The office is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.  The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions regarding loans and federal and state student aid. Simple walk-in or call-in questions regarding forms and procedures can be handled without an appointment.  A formal appointment should be made for individual counseling. All students applying for financial aid should fill out a Saint Mary’s Financial Aid application which can be found under “Forms” along with further details at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/financial-aid/graduate.

To be eligible for financial aid, you must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is available online by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Saint Mary’s College Title IV code is #001302. You will also need to apply for a PIN by going to www.pin.ed.gov. You may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 with questions.

Saint Mary’s College Kalmanovitz School of Education students can apply for a number of private scholarships each Spring semester. If awarded, funds are available after July 1 and can be applied to Fall tuition. A scholarship application can be found on our website or can be picked up at our front office, mailed or emailed to you.  Please call (925) 631-4700 or email us at soereq@stmarys-ca.edu with your request.  All students applying for Kalmanovitz School of Education scholarships must complete a current FAFSA. Please call Jane Joyce at (925) 631-4149 or jane.joyce2@stmarys-ca.edu for assistance.  More Financial Aid Information

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

If you have questions about the program itself, please contact Dr. Kathleen Taylor, Program Director at 925.631.4510 or ktaylor@stmarys-ca.edu. If you have specific questions about financial aid, information sessions, or the admissions process, contact Jane Joyce, Director of Recruitment at 925.631.4149 or jane.joyce2@stmarys-ca.edu.