Education: Educational Leadership Specialization, M.A.

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The Master of Arts in Education provides advanced preparation for educational professionals working in P-12 and higher education settings.

Educational Leadership Specialization 34-36 units

The Educational Leadership Specialization program develops in students leadership skills related to relationship building, and communication with individuals and groups. The program focuses on developing the ability to implement, assess and evaluate curriculum/programs, instructional strategies, and standards-based accountability systems. The program also develops each student’s understanding of basic administrative responsibilities including resource management, personnel supervision, and daily operational issues related to safety, law, and public policy.

The Educational Leadership Specialization prepares leaders pursuing a career in P-12 and higher education settings. For those candidates pursuing a focus in K-12 education, the program also prepares them 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. For those working in Early Childhood education, course content and assignments are differentiated. There are currently no Early Childhood CCTC credentials.

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.

Those candidates pursuing the higher education focus will develop an understanding of the history and structure of American higher education and the development of college students. Additionally, they will gain exposure to the breadth and depth of higher education work by engaging in two field experiences.

Careers

The Master of Arts in Education. The Educational Leadership Specialization prepares educational leaders for Early Childhood, K-12 and Higher Education. Candidates are prepared for leadership positions in these three areas: Leadership and Management positions in Early Childhood; K-12 leadership positions for which the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is required; and a variety of leadership positions in Higher Education in the public, private and no-profit sectors.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership (P-12 focus)

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 five 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.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership (Higher 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 Thesis 1-3
(Continuing registration required)
or
EDUC 618 - Comprehensive Examination 1-3
or
EDUC 619 - Masters Project 1-3

Required Courses for Specialization in Educational Leadership - 27 units

EDPL 610 - Foundations of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Units: 3
EDPL 620 - Leadership of the Collaborative Inclusive Educational Institution Units: 3
EDPL 621 - Law and School Management Units: 3
EDPL 622 - School Finance and Principles of Applied Leadership Units: 3
EDPL 623 - Understanding and Influencing Organizations in Diverse Communities Units: 3
EDPL 624 - Human Resource Management in Education Settings Units: 3
EDPL 625 - Building Collaborative, Inclusive Learning Communities Units: 3
EDPL 631 - Professional Development/Fieldwork I Units: 1-4
EDPL 632 - Professional Development/Fieldwork II Units: 1-4

If enrollments permits

If enrollment permits, students pursuing a higher education focus will be allowed to substitute higher education-focused courses for the following:

EDPL 610 - Foundations of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Units: 3
EDPL 622 - School Finance and Principles of Applied Leadership Units: 3
EDPL 624 - Human Resource Management in Education Settings Units: 3
EDPL 625 - Building Collaborative, Inclusive Learning Communities Units: 3
Students pursuing a higher education focus may be allowed substitute the following higher education-focused electives:
EDPL 626 - Introduction To American Higher Education Units: 3
EDPL 627 - The American College Student Units: 3
EDPL 628 - Organization and Administration of Student Affairs Units: 3
EDPL 629 - Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education Units: 3

Note:

Program Maintenance Requirements: As a condition of remaining in the program, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better with no course grades lower than a C+. The progress of students in meeting this requirement and in progressing toward completion in a timely manner will be monitored at the conclusion of each term as part of the Professional Development and Field Experience Courses (EDPL 631 - EDPL 632 .)

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency for the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of EDUC 605 - Education in a Diverse Society , with a grade of B or higher.