Doctor of Executive Leadership

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To be eligible for admission to the DEL, you need to have completed a master’s or first professional degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

In addition to the application (including a nonrefundable $75 application fee) prospective DEL students must submit:

• Licensure or Credential, Career Focus, Personal Skills Assessment
• A discussion paper of approximately 1,500 to 2,500 words (about five to seven double-spaced pages of 12-point type) in which you reflect on your motivation for pursuing the DEL and explain how the degree will help you explore your academic and professional interests and goals. You should also address the qualities and experiences you would contribute to a doctoral leadership cohort. The paper is an important part of the admission committee’s decision-making process.
• A résumé or curriculum vitae. Your current résumé should include your education and work history, honors and awards, publications and presentations, research experience (if any), and participation in professional and community organizations.
• Official transcripts. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended must be sent directly to UC Admissions either via mail or electronic delivery. If your degree is from a college or university outside of the United States, you should first contact the DEL program coordinator to determine whether a transcript evaluation is needed. If you are not a native speaker of English, you may also be required to submit a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Two confidential recommendations, one personal and one professional. Download the application reference form Professional references can be from supervisors, colleagues or professors.

An interview with the admissions committee, conducted in person or via phone/video call, is required of all applicants. Once your application materials are received, a representative from the UC School of Leadership will contact you for an admission interview.