Ready to make a greater impact in schools and communities? Whether you're pursuing a master's degree, or a credential, our Educational Administration program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to guide schools toward excellence. With flexible options and personalized support, you'll gain the tools to lead, inspire and create lasting change in California's preK-12 and adult education systems. Learn from experienced faculty, connect with a supportive cohort, and take the next step toward transforming education.
Explore our M.A. in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Service Credential
Advance your career with out M.A. in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Designed for aspiring preK-12 leaders, this cohort-based program blends theory and practice to develop strong instructional leadership and technology skills. Earn both your Master's degree and Teir-1 credential in just three semester - available on campus or online.
Explore our Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential prepares educators for administrative ans supervisory roles in California's preK-12 and adult education systems. Grounded in state standards, this program develops the competencies needed for effective leadership, instructional oversight, and school management. Earn your Teir-1 credential in a flexible in-person or online format, and take the next step toward your clear credential.
M.A. in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Service
- The program focuses on equipping candidates with the skills and knowledge required for instructional leadership in preK-12 schools.
- Candidates have multiple opportunities to link theory and practice based on research throughout the program.
- The program offers an intertwined curriculum for both degrees and service credentials.
- Candidates receive Master of Arts degrees in Educational Administration and California Preliminary Administrative Services (Tier-1) Credentials upon successful completion.
- The Tier-1 credential licenses candidates for administrative and supervisory services in preK-12 and adult education in California public schools.
- The credential is valid for 5 years.
- Accepted candidates are placed in a cohort that meets two evenings a week over 3 semesters.
- Candidates experience comradeship and lifelong networking relationships with cohort peers and instructors.
- The program guides and coaches all candidates to become technology experts through digital portfolios.
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is required for all administrative and supervisory positions from pK-12 and Adult Education in California public schools. The program is based on a set of competencies necessary for successful performance as a California school administrator. Regulations, policies, and procedures governing the program for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential, available from the department office, were developed in accordance with guidelines developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Administrative Services Credential in California is a two-tier credential that allows educators to take on various key roles in educational settings.
The initial five-year preliminary credential is issued once basic requirements are met, and it evolves into a clear credential upon fulfilling all necessary criteria. Credential holders can provide essential services in grades preschool through 12, as well as in adult education programs. These services encompass overseeing instructional programs, personnel evaluation, disciplinary actions, and the management of various school services. The credential is a prerequisite for those assessing instruction quality and handling discipline services at the school site level.
Apply Now for Spring 2026 - Deadline Oct 31, 2025
Apply Now for Fall 2026 - Deadline April 15, 2026
Your Journey Begins Here
Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in Educational Administration? Don’t wait—start your application today and be part of a program that transforms lives!
Admission to the Program
- Meet the general university requirements for admission to graduate study (Title V):
- Have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate university authorities;
- Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
- Have earned a grade point average of at least 2.75 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.75 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and
- Satisfactory meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate university authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a university may make exceptions to these criteria.
- Applications to a master's degree program in educational leadership with an administrative credential must meet the following requirements:
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- A 2.75 grade point average in the last 60 semester units attempted
- Positive review of application materials and assignment of a permanent advisor
- Four years of successful teaching experience in K-12 schools with a California Professional or Clear Teaching Credential or any equivalent credential approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Precondition Requirements)
- Two (2) positive recommendation letters, including one from your school site principal.
- Meeting of admission standards developed by the Division of Applied and Advanced Studies in Education (refer to the EDAD student handbook).
- Orientation/screening interviews with program faculty.
- A program of study approved by the advisor and division chair.
Program completion requirements
Upon successfully completing Cal State LA's M.A. in Educational Administration program, candidates fulfill the degree requirements and are awarded the degree. If they lack an administrative job offer, they can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). This CoE confirms their readiness for the preliminary credential and allows them to seek administrative positions. The Certificate of Eligibility has no expiration date.
Candidates with a verified offer of employment in an administrative position can be recommended for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. For those who possess the CoE, upon securing a job offer, they can apply for the preliminary credential by submitting the Verification of Employment Form (CL-777).
Cal State LA's M.A. in Educational Administration program aligns with Administrative Services Credential Program Standards. The Program Coordinator ensures that all candidates in the program successfully complete all coursework requirements and fieldwork experiences, along with passing each CalAPA cycle before being recommended for either an Administrative Services Preliminary Credential or a Certificate of Eligibility to the CTC
- A clear or life California teaching credential that requires a bachelor's degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization.
- A clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education, or special subjects, provided the applicant also possesses a bachelor's degree and holds an English learner authorization.
- A clear or life California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for school nurse, teacher librarian services, or speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative services, which requires a bachelor's degree and a program of professional preparation, including fieldwork or the equivalent.
Course Schedule Sample | |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | EDAD 5001 (3 units) Introduction to Educational Administration EDAD 5062 (4 units) Research/Data Assessment EDAD 5063 (4 units) Pluralism, Collaboration, and Social Justice EDAD 5162 (3 units) Fieldwork in Research and Data Assessment |
| Semester 2 | EDAD 5061 (3 units) Educational Leadership EDAD 5065 (4 units) Instructional Leadership EDAD 5066 (4 units) School Management EDAD 5161 Fieldwork in Educational Leadership |
| Semester 3 | EDAD 5064/5164 (4 units) School Law & Fieldwork EDAD 5067/5167 (4 units) School Finance & Fieldwork EDAD 5281 (2 units) Clinical Internship EDAD 5290 (2 units) Reflection and Digital Portfolio Assessment |
Forms and Application
Information Sessions
ONLINE INFO SESSIONS
Learn more at our live online information sessions. Join any of the following sessions at 4 pm:
- Tuesday, August 26
- Thursday, September 11
- Tuesday, September 23
- Tuesday, October 7
- Thursday, October 23
FAQ
- What is the cost per semester?
As of Fall 2025, it’s $4,571.20.10/Semester
- If I am a couple of months short for the 4 years of experience requirement, will this mean I will not be eligible to apply?
Yes and No. If you're that close, we MAY admit you, IF OTHER factors are assessed to be outstanding from the application review and a seat is available.
- Can I still apply if I have the PPS credential and MS in Counseling instead rather than a teaching credential?
Yes. PPS is one of the equivalent credentials and the counseling experience with the PPS is equivalent to the classroom teaching experience. So if you have at least 4 years of experience with the PPS credential, you'll be eligible.
- When is the registration period?
The University informs you of the assigned registration period. You will need to pay the fees 3-4 days prior to the beginning of the registration period in order to access the GET system.
- When do I get the registration info?
Our Division staff emails you the registration information 5-6 weeks prior to the beginning of the registration. If you do not receive the registration information, please call the division office at 323-343-4330.
Contact Information
Department of Applied and Advanced Studies in Education
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
King Hall C2098
Phone: 323.343.4330
Fax: 323.343.5336
Email: Betty Lee or Karen VonLawn
Advisement and Staff
Staff
Dr. Anthony Hernandez
Department Chair
[email protected]
Betty Lee
Administrative Support Coordinator
[email protected]
Karen Von Lawn
Administrative Support Coordinator
[email protected]