Prompted by a California State University trustee resolution in 1985 to offer an independent doctoral degree in education, this report aims to determine whether additional doctoral programs in educational administration are needed in California. It examines the history and professional uses of doctorates in education, and surveys perceptions of the degree (both Ed.D. and Ph.D.) and its importance in school and community college administration. Alternative forms of training and continuing education available to administrators are examined, and national trends are cited regarding number of degrees awarded, sex and ethnicity of degree recipients, career patterns, and length of time between bachelor's and doctoral degrees. Other issues relating to supply and demand in California are discussed, including the adequacy of the current supply of doctorates. Based on 13 findings and 8 conclusions drawn from the evidence, the Commission offers two recommendations: (1) no new doctoral programs in educational administration should be established in any institution not now offering the degree, and (2) an intersegmental committee should investigate the needs and propose possible structures, components, and modes of delivery for doctoral programs designed specifically for present and future administrators in California's community colleges. An appendix describes the methods used by the Commission to survey graduate school deans, doctoral students, and school and community college administrators. (LB)