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Application Deadline

Applications for the new doctoral cohort that begins each July are reviewed as received.

Priority Deadline: March 1

Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete. Each Ed.D. program application is evaluated as a whole.

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements below or contact the International Center at +1-626-812-3055 or by email.

Applicants must possess:

  • A bachelor’s degree
    A bachelor’s degree in higher education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
  • A master’s degree
    A master’s degree in higher education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA
    A 3.0 gradaute grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale is required. (Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals who do not meet this criteria if competency can be shown.)

Applicants must submit:

  • A Graduate Application (Apply Online | Download PDF)
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts (Download PDF)
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's Graduate Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's domestic applicant transcript policy.
  • A letter of intent
    Submit a written statement double-spaced, describing educational goals, short- and long-term professional goals, professional activities, and areas of research interest. Typically, the letter of intent is five to seven pages in length.
  • A scholarly writing sample
    Submit a writing sample that demonstrates the student's ability to write cogently and use research and professional literature effectively in developing ideas and arguments (e.g., a master's thesis, a scholarly article published in a journal, or a comprehensive course paper)
  • A professional vitae (Download PDF)
  • Three letters of recommendation (Download PDF)
    Request letters of recommendation on doctoral program forms, one completed by the applicant's supervisor, at least one from a professor, and all from persons who can attest to the applicant's potential for doctoral study and leadership.
  • GRE scores
    Request the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years be sent directly from the testing agency to APU's Graduate Center.
  • Additional materials (if desired
    Applicants may submit other evidence of potential for leadership as desired.

All materials should be sent to:
Graduate Center: Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Fax: (626) 815-4545
graduatecenter@apu.edu

Interview

Upon invitation, doctoral applicants complete an interview with at least one member of the doctoral faculty. The purpose of the interview is to meet the candidate, discuss career goals, evaluate the compatability of the program to the student, and ascertain, at least initially, the applicant's potential for success in educational leadership.

Computer Access Required

Students must own a laptop computer during their tenure in the program and are expected to bring it to class with them. The APU Computer Store makes arrangements to enable students to purchase computers and software at economical rates on convenient terms. Often, the required purchase of the laptop and software can be budgeted into student loans. For further information, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Financial Services in the Graduate Center at (626) 815-4570.

What to Expect

Once all admission materials have been received by the appropriate office, the Graduate Admissions and department faculty review the applicant's file. The applicant is then notified of the committee's decision.

*The downloadable version of this document is provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF). To learn more about PDFs or to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, visit Internet Utilities.

Admission Requirements – International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. CIS and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply to be a graduate student at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and other admission requirements specified by the program.

International applicants must:

International applicants must also submit:

  • An International Graduate Application
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
    Note: This application is submitted in place of the domestic graduate application.
  • A $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
    Note: This fee is submitted in place of the $45 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants.
  • Official transcripts
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's International Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's international applicant transcript policy.

  • Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (if applicable)
    Request official TOEFL/IELTS test scores sent directly from the academic institution to APU. For more information, read our English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate and Doctoral Programs.
  • An affidavit of support and a bank statement
    International applicants must provide an affidavit of support and a bank statement proving financial ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • A recent photo
    International applicants must submit one recent photo of yourself.
  • A résumé showing work experience
    International applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates recent work experience.
  • Three recommendation letters (Download PDF)
    International applicants must request recommendations completed by professors or employers (non-family members) who have knowledge of the applicant's academic ability and potential. Some programs require specific information in their recommendations.
  • Essays (international master's applicants only)
    International applicants must submit a typewritten essay addressing the following questions:
    1. How do you hope to benefit from an academic experience in America?
    2. Describe your current religious or philosophical beliefs.
    3. Explain why you would be a good candidate to study at APU, including any leadership roles you have experienced.

Submit all materials to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
USA
+1-626-815-3055
Fax: +1-626-815-3801
Email IC

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the International Center, the department reviews the applicant’s file. The student is notified of the committee’s decision within approximately two weeks.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.