The Master of Arts in Education provides advance preparation for educational professionals.

Educational Leadership Specialization 34-36 units

The Educational Leadership Specialization prepares candidates to complete the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Completion of this Level I administrative program prepares students to serve in positions of educational leadership in the California Public Schools. Through integration of course work and field experiences students are provided multiple opportunities to learn and practice the California Professional Standards for School Leaders. The program offers students understanding and application of leadership skills related to relationship building, communication, and the ability to apply, model, and analyze curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment, standards-based accountability systems, and data-based school improvement. The program also develops each student’s understanding of basic school administrative responsibilities including resource management, personnel supervision, and daily operational issues related to safety, law, and public policy.

Prior to recommendation for certification, University faculty determine eligibility, based on fully documented evidence, that each student has demonstrated satisfactory performance on the full range of standards set forth by the CCTC. A Masters degree is required for CI to recommend a candidate Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Candidates already possessing a Masters degree who successfully complete the required 30 units will be recommended for the Level I credential without completing a research project.

Careers

The Master of Arts in Education. Educational Leadership Specialization prepares candidates for leadership positions as school principals and for a variety of school leadership positions for which the Preliminary Administrate Services Credential is required. It prepares educational leaders who can develop, coordinate, and assess instructional programs; evaluate and supervise certificated and classified personnel, facilitate and manage safe and secure school learning environments, manage school site, district, or county level fiscal services; and develop, coordinate and supervise student support services.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership

1. Application — Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education.
2. One set of Official Transcripts — One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CI Admissions office. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be accepted into the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program.
3. CBEST Examination — Copy of card indicating passage of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) or verification that you have taken the test prior to admission to the program. Passage of CBEST is required for certification.
4. California Teaching Credential — Copy of a valid California teaching credential requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching; or a valid California Designated Subjects teaching credential provided the applicant also possesses a baccalaureate degree; or a valid California services credential in Pupil Personnel Services, Health Services, Library Media Teacher Services, or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services requiring a baccalaureate degree and a profession preparation program including field practice or the equivalent submitted to the School of Education.
5. Experience — Documentation of at least three years of full-time successful teaching experience (substitute or part-time service does not apply).
6. Two Letters of Recommendation — Two letters of recommendation from professionals who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional work at least one of whom is the candidate’s current school administrator.
7. Interview — Interview with School of Education Admissions Committee.
8. Writing Sample — A written statement of purpose (500- 600 word essay) describing why the candidate desires to be a school administrator serving the children and families of the diverse communities of California. This essay will include reflection on personal professional goals and ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Prerequisites

• Advanced coursework or a component of an induction program focusing on the integration of technology into Education:

EDUC 561 - Teaching with Technology  3
or equivalent

• Advanced coursework or a component of an induction program focusing in Special Education

Masters Core Courses - 7-9 units

EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society  3
EDUC 615 - Principles of Educational Research  3 

Select either:

EDUC 616 - Masters Research Thesis/Project  1-3
(Continuing registration required)
or
EDUC 618 - Comprehensive Examination  1-3
or
EDUC 619 - Masters Project  1-3