MA Educational Administration

Program Details

• ADMISSION

  How to Apply

  Master's Degree Admission Requirements

  • Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of a 2.5 in the last degree completed or in the 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted
  • Application to the university in the graduate/post-baccalaureate program
  • A clear teaching credential
  • Four years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status
    • This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, or clinical or rehabilitative services
    • Substitute or part-time services does not apply
    • Verification of full time employment must be on district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
  • Two recent letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate's work in the field of education, preferably from supervisors
  • Employment and/or access to a school where there is cooperation to conduct the master's program field study courses, and the California Administrative Performance Assessment (CalAPA) data collection, instructional coaching, and stakeholder interviews (as required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing) with students, faculty, and staff, and community members
    • Applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation to satisfy this requirement
  • A writing prompt, please respond to the following prompt: 
    • 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.
  • No GRE required to apply

  Please note: To be considered for admission you must reside in an approved state.

  Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and Certificate of Eligibility Information

  Admission to CSUSM’s program does not guarantee that you will obtain the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or Certificate of Eligibility. If you are interested in obtaining the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or Certificate of Eligibility you must meet specific requirements as defined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). It is your responsibility to understand the specific requirements related to the credential or certificate. Information regarding the requirements may be found on the CTC website.

  Upon completion of all of the appropriate coursework associated with the program, CSUSM will be responsible for providing a formal recommendation to the CTC for those pursuing the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or Certificate of Eligibility. You will only be recommended for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or Certificate of Eligibility if you have satisfied the requirements as outlined by the CTC.

  Please understand, the CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to those who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet the credentialing requirements.   

  View Catalog Page

  NOTICE TO STUDENTS re: PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
  California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

• COSTS

  Semester	Units*	Subtotal**
  Fall Semester - Block 1	6	$2,994
  Fall Semester - Block 2	6	$2,994
  Spring Semester - Block 1	5	$2,495
  Spring Semester - Block 2	4	$1,996
  Summer Semester - Block 1	4	$1,996
  Summer Semester - Block 2	5	$2,495
  Total	30	$14,970

  *Unit rate for this program is $499

  **University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

  *Please visit the CTC Exams website for more information regarding CalAPA fees.

  Funding and Financial Aid

  • This program is eligible for financial aid
  • Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
  • Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
  • Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705
• COURSE SEQUENCE

  View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the Educational Administration Catalog Page.

  Please note: This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.

  Sample Schedule for Fall Start

  Masters and Credential Option

  Semester	Course (units)
  Fall Semester - Block 1	EDAD 610 (3) EDAD 612 (2) EDAD 624A (1)
  Fall Semester - Block 2	EDAD 614 (3) EDAD 616A (2) EDAD 624B (1)
  Spring Semester - Block 1	EDAD 618A (2) EDAD 626A (2) EDAD 622A (1)
  Spring Semester - Block 2	EDAD 618B (2) EDAD 622B (1) EDAD 698A (1)
  Summer Semester - Block 1	EDAD 616B (2) EDAD 622C (1) EDAD 698B (1)
  Summer Semester - Block 2	EDAD 620 (3) EDAD 626B (1) EDAD 698C (1)

   Credential Only Option

  Semester	Course (units)
  Fall Semester - Block 1	EDAD 610 (3) EDAD 612 (2) EDAD 624A (1)
  Fall Semester - Block 2	EDAD 614 (3) EDAD 616A (2) EDAD 624B (1)
  Spring Semester - Block 1	EDAD 618A (2) EDAD 626A (2)
  Spring Semester - Block 2	EDAD 618B (2)
  Summer Semester - Block 1	EDAD 616B (2)
  Summer Semester - Block 2	EDAD 620 (3) EDAD 626B (1)

  Sample Schedule for Spring Start

  MASTERS AND CREDENTIAL OPTION

  Semester	Course (units)
  Spring Semester - Block 1	EDAD 610 (3) EDAD 612 (2) EDAD 624A (1)
  Spring Semester - Block 2	EDAD 614 (3) EDAD 616A (2) EDAD 624B (1)
  Summer Semester - Block 1	EDAD 618A (2) EDAD 616B (2) EDUC 622A (1)
  Summer Semester - Block 2	EDAD 618B (2) EDAD 622B (1) EDAD 698A (1)
  Fall Semester - Block 1	EDAD 626A (2) EDUC 622C (1) EDUC 698B (1)
  Fall Semester - Block 2	EDAD 620 (3) EDAD 626B (1) EDAD 698C (1)

   CREDENTIAL ONLY OPTION

  Semester	Course (units)
  Spring Semester - Block 1	EDAD 610 (3) EDAD 612 (2) EDAD 624A (1)
  Spring Semester - Block 2	EDAD 614 (3) EDAD 616A (2) EDAD 624B (1)
  Summer Semester - Block 1	EDAD 618A (2) EDAD 616B (2)
  Summer Semester - Block 2	EDAD 618B (2)
  Fall Semester - Block 1	EDAD 626A (2)
  Fall Semester - Block 2	EDAD 620 (3) EDAD 626B (1)

  Schedules are subject to change.

• FAQ

  What key knowledge areas will be covered in the program?

  • Leading an institution with values and focus on social justice
  • Preparation for the Cal Administrator Performance Assessment with current Cal APA assessors
  • Improving curriculum and instruction
  • Creating an environment to nurture literacy and digital learning
  • Managing budget, legal issues and personnel
  • Understanding and responding to data
  • Engaging in sound theoretical and practical leadership philosophies
  • Developing a culture of continual school improvement

  What type of instructors are teaching the program?

  The faculty here at CSUSM are dedicated to make this 12-month online program a valuable experience. With an entire faculty made up of experienced school administrators, you can rely on a high level of interaction with your professors and an education that can truly be learned today and applied tomorrow.

  How many hours a week will I be working on coursework to complete this program in one year?

  The university asks for one hour of “class time” and two hours of “out of class time” for each unit of instruction candidates complete.  Because the 16 week semester is condensed to an accelerated 8 weeks, this amounts to about 15 hours a week of coursework.  Surveys from candidates indicate a range of 10-20 hours a week of time they commit to the courses, depending on the student abilities and desire to go above the requirements. See the University Policy.

  Are the various classes each session coordinated with pacing and assignments?

  Yes.  Thoughtful planning and coordination of assignments help ease the workload for students.  Faculty work together closely to ensure that readings, data collections, and literature reviews are aligned between the classes and paced to ensure candidate completion. 

  What other expenses are associated with this program?

  Besides the tuition, there are costs for completing the three cycles of the CalAPA, minimal textbook expenses, and graduation fees. 

  How can I meet/get to know the professor or cohort members?

  The online program starts with a Zoom meeting orientation that includes faculty members and the cohort.  There are weekly Zoom check-in meetings with faculty that are recorded.  There are also activities scheduled for interaction with the cohort members, such as regular blogs, uploading short video assignments, and setting up candidates’ own Zoom links for collaboration.  Professors are available for emails, scheduled check-in meetings, and other access per their syllabi. 

  What are job possibilities like in this field?

  The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential prepares candidates to work in a variety of leadership roles in schools and districts.  Some candidates are new to leadership and start with stepping stone positions such as grade level or subject area leaders.  Some candidates are already in teacher/leader roles and apply for assistant principal, TOSA, or specialist positions.  There is large turnover in school leadership positions, so the possibilities are wide open.  In the final class of the program, we prepare candidates by supporting them in creating a leadership resume, practicing interview questions, and starting to look at announcements for current openings. 

  What do I talk to my school principal about before I start this program?

  It is critical to engage your school leader(s) in a conversation about joining an Ed Admin credential program.  All candidates statewide “partner” with their school leaders to accomplish the assignments and field study work required for the classes and the credential, and administrators know this and expect to work with you.   Your school leader will be asked to sign CSUSM course forms acknowledging that you will be supported and have access to school meetings, student data collection, observation time, and practicing in the field through this program. 

  What if something comes up and I have to miss an 8 week block of classes?

  Life happens and we know that on rare occasions that students need to step out of a class or a semester.  With a leave form completed, candidates can join another cohort when they are ready to come back.  Candidates have five years from enrolling to complete all coursework. 

  What if I don't pass a class?

  The coursework is mastery-based with assignments graded with rubrics.  Candidates are encouraged to submit work on time and adapt to the professor’s criteria and feedback.  Candidates, who don’t pass a class for personal reasons, may wish to take an incomplete and finish their remaining work by contract.  Another option is to repeat a course, although this requires enrolling and paying fees a second time for the same course.

  Is there an alumni group for this program?

  Yes.  The program coordinator can share the names and contacts of recently finished candidates.  There is also an opportunity to contact featured alumni on the Alumni and Friends webpage.

  Can I talk to a student who has recently finished this program?

  Yes.  The program coordinator can share the names and contacts of recently finished candidates.  There is also an opportunity to contact featured alumni on the Alumni and Friends webpage.

  How much writing/reading is there in this program?

  Depending on the candidate path, there is significant reading and writing in the program.  All candidates will read several books for the various courses.  In addition, there are writing assignments between 3-5 pages in most classes.  For those candidates also completing the Master of Arts, they will write a 30-50 page thesis.  The thesis is guided by faculty over six different one-unit classes, which averages to 5-8 pages for each of those classes. 

  Where can I learn more information about the CalAPA?

  The CalAPA is an acronym for the California Administrative Performance Assessment.  Candidates will complete and pass 3 cycles of the CalAPA as a requirement by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.  View information on the CalAPA. 

  What happens if I don't pass the CalAPA?

  If a candidate does not pass the CalAPA, he or she will work with their program coordinator or faculty to prepare to retake the exam.  The assessment fees will need to be paid for each assessment submission. 

  Is this program CTC approved?

  Yes.  This program is listed under authorized programs by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing . 

  In the pull down menus on the left, select Services Credential, Admin Services, Preliminary, Traditional, CSU, South Coast, San Diego, San Marcos

  Additional resource: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/asc

  What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.