Here are answers to our most common questions...

1. Do I need a Master's degree?

Yes. Earned baccalaureate and master's degrees from accredited institutions of higher education are required. Degree must be completed prior to application date.

2. How often do classes meet?  Where do classes meet?

Classes generally meet all day Friday and Saturday, every three to four weeks. Most of the classes are held at UC Davis, with a few held at Sonoma State University.  Our August Kick-Off Event for first-year and second-year students is held offsite, usually at a conference or retreat center, and lasts for 4-to-5 consecutive days to ensure a quality cohesive experience for each group. (The August Kick-Off requires additional housing fees - see below)

3. What is the cost of the program?  What types of Financial Aid are available?

Students are charged quarterly fees according to the UC Davis Graduate Fee schedule.  For an idea of the proposed fees for the 2008-2009 year, click here. For more specific information, please click on the UC Davis Graduate Financial Aid page.  In addition to standard financial aid, students are kept apprised of grants and other funding information as it becomes available.  There will be additional fees for the occasional special event, i.e., our annual August Kick-Off.

4. Do I really have to take the GRE or MAT if my scores are more than 5 years old? What is the difference between the GRE and MAT?

Yes.  This is a UC Davis Graduate Study policy.  However, do not be overly concerned about scores.  Due to the unique application process for the CANDEL program, we consider the scores of minor importance within the scope of the entire application package. 

The GRE measures reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills.  The MAT (Miller Analogies Test) requires the solution of problems presented as analogies. Both the GRE website and the MAT website offer practice tests, and are now computerized and offered at testing centers near you. Please review both websites to decide which one is right for you.  When you go to take your test, you will need to indicate the Institutional Code and Department Code for your scores to be sent directly to the program.  Institutional Code No: 4834  Department Code: 3101

5. What about submitting unofficial transcripts/test scores?

Official transcripts and test score reports must be submitted in order to be considered for admission to the CANDEL program. You may submit unofficial documents UNTIL your official documents arrive (before/on the application deadline). 

6. How many units must be taken to complete the program?

The CANDEL program is designed to be completed in three years.  We expect students to enroll for approximately 12 units per quarter for all three years: two years of coursework for 72 units and one year of dissertation seminar for 36 units.  

7. Is this a program to prepare faculty members to teach at the university level? Our goal is to cultivate leaders who want to work within their P - 12 and community college districts and/or administrations to implement and develop real change. Yes, you can teach at the university level with an Ed.D. - however, if this is your primary goal, then we suggest seeking out a program that is more suited to your professional needs. Please review the UC Davis Ph.D. program in Education.

8. What is a "cohort-based program" and what are its advantages?

Every August, a new group of students begins the program and continues through the whole program together.  Each quarter, your group, or "Cohort" will all register for the same courses - CANDEL classes are not open for other Education graduate students.

Overwhelming feedback from our students indicates the cohort style is one of the strongest features of the program.  Students are able to support one another, study and work together on projects and research, visit each other's sites, and generally find a more enriching experience in this collegial and personal setting.

9. How beneficial is having P-12 and Community College interests work together?

The results have been very successful - we think its a great match! The feedback we consistently receive from our students is that the program provides a unique opportunity for professionials to interact and learn about the "other side" and to recognize and appreciate the challenges and hurdles within those environments.

If you do not find the information you need, then please go to the Contact Us page.