Online Master of Arts in
Educational Administration

Unlock K-12 Leadership With an Advanced Degree in Education 

Prepare for administrative roles in California’s K-12 education system with CSUSM’s fully online Master of Arts in Educational Administration (MAEd). Earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) either on its own or as part of this comprehensive master’s degree. 

Our fully online, 12-month program emphasizes social justice and equity, grounded in a conceptual framework for culturally proficient educational practices.  

You’ll be prepared to complete the three California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) Leadership Cycles required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to earn the PASC and become a K-12 administrator. 

 

VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS  

 

Attend an Information Session

Join an Online Information Session 

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Educational Administration program through one of these upcoming informal webinars and Q&A sessions: 

• Thursday, April 10, 4:00 pm – Online 
• Thursday, June 12, 4:00 pm - Online 

Admission and Costs

Admission

Admission to the MA in Educational Administration program requires an undergraduate degree, a teaching credential and at least four years of full-time experience in a school setting. View all admission requirements.

Costs and Financial Aid

• $530 per unit
• Eligible for financial aid

VIEW ALL PROGRAM DETAILS

 

Curriculum Highlights

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration curriculum emphasizes a research-based, theory-to-practice model designed to meet the requirements for the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC). You’ll conclude the program by writing and presenting a research-based thesis, completing a project or sitting for a comprehensive exam. 

 

Careers and Job Outlooks

 

FAQ

• What is a cohort?
  A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts form strong bonds, creating a support system and professional network that proves beneficial during and after the program. 
• Will my diploma say "online"?
  No, your diploma will not specify that your degree was earned online; it will simply indicate that you received a bachelor’s degree from California State University San Marcos, the same as traditional, on-campus students. 
• 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 CalAPA 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 at CSUSM are dedicated to making 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 be applied immediately. 
• What are job possibilities like in this field?
  The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential prepares candidates for various leadership roles in schools and districts. Some candidates start with steppingstone positions such as grade- level or subject-area leaders, while others apply for assistant principal, TOSA or specialist positions. There is a high turnover in school leadership positions, so opportunities are plentiful. In the final class of the program, we support candidates in creating a leadership resume, practicing interview questions and reviewing current job openings. 
• 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.
• 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 my professors or cohort members?
  The online program starts with a Zoom meeting orientation that includes faculty members and the cohort. There are weekly recorded Zoom check-in meetings with faculty. There are also activities scheduled for interaction with cohort members, such as regular blogs, short video assignments and setting up candidates’ own Zoom links for collaboration. Professors are available via email, scheduled check-in meetings and other access as outlined in their syllabi. 
• 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. 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 practice in the field through this program. 

  
  
• What if something comes up and I must miss an 8-week block of classes?

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

• What if I don't pass a class?

  The coursework is mastery-based with assignments graded using 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 take an incomplete and finish their remaining work by contract. Another option is to repeat the course, although this requires enrolling and paying fees a second time. 

   

• Can I talk to a student who has recently finished this program?
  Yes. The program coordinator can share the names and contacts of recent graduates so that you may reach out to them. There is also an opportunity to contact featured alumni on the Alumni and Friends webpage. 
• Where can I learn more information about the CalAPA?

  The CalAPA is the California Administrative Performance Assessment. Candidates will complete and pass three cycles of the CalAPA as required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. View more information on the CalAPA website.  

• What happens if I don't pass the CalAPA?

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

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

  Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn about the support and resources available to active-duty military, veterans and their dependents.

• What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and how can it benefit me?

   Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows you to earn academic credits for skills and knowledge you've acquired outside of a traditional classroom. This can help reduce the number of courses needed for your degree, saving you time and money while accelerating your path to graduation.

• How do I apply for CPL?

  Start by contacting your CSUSM advisor, who will guide you through the CPL process. You’ll need to provide proof of your certifications and/or provide supporting documentation demonstrating your learning, knowledge or skill acquired through experience. Once the appropriate paperwork has been received, the department faculty will assess which credits you qualify for.

• Can other forms of experience besides certifications count towards CPL?

  Yes, beyond certifications, prior experience such as work or military experience may also qualify for credit. Faculty at CSUSM will review these experiences on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.