What is the general profile of the CANDEL applicant?

Most applicants are teachers, administrators and student service professionals in the P-12 and Community College environments who have visionary leadership ability and have a strong desire create changes in educational policy from within their school, district, department, etc.

How often do classes meet? Where do classes meet?

Classes generally meet all day Friday and Saturday, every three weeks. Most of the classes are held at UC Davis, with a few held at Sonoma State University. Our Annual 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 (See Question #6 below).

What is the cost of the program?

The CANDEL program follows the UC Davis Graduate Fee schedule.  Please note that these are estimated costs.  For more information about fees and financial aid please visit our Fees and Financial Aid page.

Can I get an Administrative Services credential through CANDEL?

Yes, it is possible to obtain your Tier II Professional Administrative Services Credential (PASC II) during the second year of the CANDEL coursework. Please contact the CANDEL Program Coordinator at Sonoma State for more details.

Do I really have to take the GRE/MAT test?

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 General Test measures reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills (you will want to take the “General Test”, not the “Subject Test”). 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 take your test, you will need to indicate the Institutional Code and Department Code for your scores to be sent directly to the program.  GRE – Institutional Code No: 4834 Department Code: 3001, MAT – Score code: 4229

What is the Annual Kick-Off? Is this mandatory?

The Annual Kick-Off is an extraordinary five-day intensive for first and second year students, and yes, it is mandatory. For first year students, the Kick-Off includes a welcome orientation, the entire first course and initial part of the second course, a Sonoma State/CSU Library Orientation and more. Students will also be given tips on activating their UC Davis student accounts and how to register, pay fees, etc.  The dates for the 2011 year are July 29th – August 2nd.

The Kick-Off is held offsite at a retreat center for the first few days. This allows the new cohort to get to know each other in a neutral and relaxed environment. The positive feedback we receive each year points to the success of the event, and students are excited to return for the second year.  There is an additional cost for the Kick-Off of approximately $375-400. 

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.

What is the unit break-down per quarter?

CANDEL students enroll for approximately 12 units per quarter for the first two years of coursework (72 units).  After the completion of coursework, students must enroll in 12 units per quarter of dissertation seminars, until they complete their dissertations.

I would like to teach at a four-year university. Is CANDEL the right choice for me?

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.

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.

Still have questions?  E-mail us at candeledd@ucdavis.edu