The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership prepares 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. There are two emphases – P-12 and Higher Education – created for specific populations of professionals seeking to apply their graduate learning towards their career goals.

Admission to the Master of Arts in 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. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for acceptance into the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may qualify by taking the GRE and achieving minimum threshold scores.

3. 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/supervisor.

4. Interview– Interview with School of Education Admissions Committee.

5. Writing Sample– A written statement of purpose (500-600 word essay) describing why the candidate desires to obtain a Master’s in Educational Leadership specific to their emphasis. This essay will include reflection on personal and professional goals, and the ways in which the knowledge and skills will be developed to achieve these goals.

Additional Admission Requirements for the P-12 Emphasis and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

1. Experience– Documentation of at least three years of full-time successful teaching experience (substitute or part-time service does not apply).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Writing Sample - Include a writing sample why the candidate desires to be a school administrator serving the children and families of the diverse communities of California.

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 and EDUC 615 - Principles of Educational Research with grades of B or higher.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to Candidacy represents the formulation of an official program of study for a master’s degree in the School of Education. It establishes your catalog rights and forms the basis of your degree audit when you are ready to graduate. At least one semester prior to graduation, you must advance to candidacy, which is when you receive approval of your program of study from your Graduate Advisor. You must be enrolled when you advance to candidacy. Advancement to Candidacy is a prerequisite for enrolling in the culminating experience (thesis or comprehensive examination). Students are eligible to advance to candidacy and must meet the following requirements before submitting the Advancement to Candidacy Worksheet:

1. Successful completion of one of the courses identified to fulfill the campus Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement.

2. Resolve incomplete grades, if applicable.

3. Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative and program grade point average.

4. Complete six units of program requirements, program prerequisites (if applicable), and any other program requirements for advancement to candidacy.