College and University Leadership

Admission and Application

Before applying to the degree program, it is strongly recommended that you contact the program coordinator well in advance of the application deadline to understand and fulfill all requirements.

• Minimum Admission Requirements
• Step 1 - Apply Online
• Step 2 - Submit Application Materials
• Application Deadlines

Minimum Admission Requirements

The College and University Leadership (Ph.D.) degree requires applicants to have the following:

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Completion of basic research courses comparable to EDRM 600 (Introduction to Research Methods).
• At least two years of professional work experience in a higher education institution setting or at least two years of professional work experience within an organization that is engaged in work related to higher education.

Please note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

Before your application for graduate study is considered, all application materials must be received by the department.

Step 1 – Apply Online

• Complete the online graduate application form and pay the $50 application fee (payable online with a major credit card).
  • Select “Educ & Human Resource Studies (School of Ed) PhD” when choosing the Program of Study.

Step 2 – Submit Application Materials

Gather all of the following materials and submit to the School of Education in one complete packet:

• Statement of Purpose
  • Your professional and personal long range goals.
  • Why you wish to pursue doctoral studies and how this opportunity supports your long term goals.
  • A summary of how your previous experiences have prepared you to be engaged in doctoral studies.
  • A brief statement of your beliefs about higher education and its relevance to society.
• Comprehensive Résumé/Vita
  • Record of collegiate work, including names of institutions, periods of attendance, and degrees earned.
  • Record of all professional employment including dates of service (including military).
  • List of publications, exhibitions, awards, or other recognitions.
  • List of service activities, including professional, community, and charitable activities.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  In sealed envelopes from people who are able to speak to your current leadership ability and your ability to do doctoral work.
• Official Transcripts
  Include two official transcripts of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

International Applicants Only

Include the following items in addition to those listed above:

• Official Transcripts
  Ensure official copies include a certified translation into English (only one set of transcripts is required).
• Official TOEFL Scores
  Submit official TOEFL scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).In general, all applicants from countries in which English is not the official language, and who do not have an undergraduate degree from a country in which the official language is English (Canada, U.K., Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc.) must submit TOEFL scores. The minimum score for applicants is 550 (213 on the computer-based test).

Any materials that cannot be submitted online should be sent to the address as below.

Colorado State University
School of Education
Graduate Programs Office
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1588

The applicant will be notified via email regarding the status of your application.

Application Deadlines

Students may be admitted for the summer semester. Fall and spring admission is not available.