Program Requirements

Admission into the M.A. in Education with the Option in Educational Administration program requires meeting the general admission requirements for graduate studies at CSUSM and these additional components:

• Application to the University in the Graduate/ Post-baccalaureate Program
• A clear teaching credential
• Authorization to teach English Learners such as SB 2042 or the CTEL/CLAD
• Three years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status for admission to the program and five years of experience to apply for the preliminary services credential. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, or clinical or rehabilitative services. Substitute or part-time service does not apply.
• Official transcripts mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from EACH college or university attended. 

• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field of education.

• Completion of prerequisite courses or a waiver of their equivalent

Prerequisite Courses/ Requirements:

• A writing prompt. This will be judged according to the University's Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).  Click here for the rubric.  Choose one of the following  prompts:

Describe the leadership skills have you developed prior to the Educational Administration program and what you hope to learn over the next two years as a practicing leader.
     OR
When you reflect on your current role in the workplace, describe how you are supporting educational equity and how you hope to expand that goal as a future leader.

Candidates who meet the requirements will be invited for an interview with a panel of faculty in June. This interview is an opportunity to make final decisions on admissions.

Credential, Degree Requirements, and Courses

The Tier I Preliminary Administrative Services Credential consists of 24 units of instruction.  Those who already have a Masters Degree need to earn just the credential.  Upon completion of Tier I and securing employment as an administrator, candidates will have 5 years to complete a Tier II Administrative Services Credential.

The M.A. in Education with the Option in Educational Administration requires the completion of 30 units of study as follows:

Semester I, Fall (6 Units)

Semester II, Spring (6 units)

Advancement to Candidacy

Upon completing the four semester credential program, the candidate must complete the paperwork for advancement to candidacy to move into the final stages of the Master’s curriculum. 

The Culminating experience will be a thesis, including an oral defense.