Educational Leadership and Administration, M.A.

The Department of Educational Leadership

Program Description

The P12 Administration Program integrates the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) with the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership and Administration. For those who qualify, PASC only and internship options are available. The program enrolls new students twice a year. Students enrolled in the master’s and credential program can complete the program in 3 semesters with a total of 30 units. Learn more about the curriculum here. Graduates earning an MA in ELA along with PASC are authorized to serve in administrative roles in California P-12 public schools, and are more desired by districts and county offices than those with a BA/BS and advanced credential alone. Our graduates are prepared to lead in diverse educational settings with problem-solving and analytical thinking skills as a scholar-practitioner for transformational change.

Admission Requirements

The P12 Administration Program requires the following documentation: application to Cal State Apply and Kremen School of Education and Human Development P12 Administration Program, 2.75 GPA, transcript of undergraduate degree and credential completion (and MA or MS degree for PASC only applications) to satisfy the basic skills requirement, a Clear or life California prerequisite credential (See CTC terms and definitions for current list), two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, current resume, and current district of employment human resources letter that verifies at least 3.5 years of experience in an educational setting or at least 5 years of experience for those seeking the internship option (both excluding Teacher on Special Assignment).

Program Requirements

Graduate Writing Requirement

Students meet the Graduate Writing Requirement by receiving a passing score on the California Administrator Performance Assessment Leadership Cycle 1.

Educational Leadership Practicum (7 units)

ELA 271 - Leadership Seminar and Fieldwork 1 Units: 1
ELA 272 - Leadership Seminar and Fieldwork 2 Units: 2
ELA 273 - Site-Based Leadership and Fieldwork 3 Units: 4

Educational Leadership Core (15 units)

ELA 261 - School Leadership for Equity and Improvement Units: 5
ELA 262 - Communities of Practice for Student Learning and Wellbeing Units: 6
ELA 263 - Professional Learning for Teacher Growth Units: 4

Additional Requirements (6 units)

Select one of the following plans (A or B) for 6 units:

A) Professional Growth Plan (leads to Comprehensive Exam)

Select 6 units of electives in consultation with the P12 Administration Program coordinator. The electives will represent specialty topics for professional growth in educational leadership and administration. See Advising Note 2 for information related to the use of Administrative Internship units.

B) Research Plan (Leads to Project or Thesis)

Complete both courses below for a total of 6 units:

ERE 153 - Educational Statistics Units: 3
ERE 220 - Research in Education Units: 3

Culminating Experience (2 units)

Students will have three options for a culminating experience:

1) Comprehensive Exam (0 units) plus 2 units of ELA 278T Topics in Advanced Education Administration

A comprehensive examination is an assessment of the student’s ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. The results of the examination must evidence independent thinking, appropriate organization, critical analysis, and accuracy of documentation.

2) Project - ELA 298 Masters Degree Research Project

A project that is a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required.

3) Thesis - ELA 299 Thesis

A thesis is the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions. explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis is required.

Total: 30 Units

Advising Notes:

No more than 6 units of coursework taken for CR/NC only may be applied toward degree requirements. A maximum of 9 units of upper-division coursework is allowed.
Up to 6 units of ELA 287 or ELA 288 from the PASC Administration Internship Option can be used to satisfy Elective Requirements in the MA in Educational Leadership and Administration.