Continued Support For Joint Doctoral Degrees

AS-2719-05/AA - September 16, 2005

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) urge the CSU, University of California (UC) and private colleges and universities to continue their support for successful and viable joint doctoral degree programs.

RATIONALE: SB 724, as introduced by Senator Scott, authorizes the CSU to independently offer Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree programs that prepare administrative leaders for California public elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. Earlier joint doctoral degree programs are partnerships between the CSU and UC or private colleges and universities, which build on the strengths of the participating campuses to generate specialized high-quality programs in a variety of disciplines.

Such programs meet student needs without unduly causing regional displacement.

The first joint doctoral degree was established in 1965, a doctoral program in chemistry between San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego. As of July 2005, a total of 26 joint doctoral degree programs are in operation, and another is in the planning phase.