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. Applications are available at: https://www.calstate.edu/apply.

2. 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. 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. 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.

5. Interview - Upon review of your application materials, individuals may be invited for an interview with the Educational Leadership Admissions Committee.

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 experience in schools (substitute or part-time service does not apply). Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience.

*Please note that to be recommended for the Certificate of Eligibility or Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, documentation of at least five years of full-time successful experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status located in California or another state, or a combination of experience earned in California and another state. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, clinical or rehabilitative services, or a combination of teaching and school services equal to five years. Substitute or part-time service does not apply. Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience.

2. Basic Skills Requirement - Provide evidence of having satisfied the basic skills requirement as outlined by CTC: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667)

3. Prerequisite Teaching Credential: For the Administrative Services Credential, effective July 1, 2013, a prerequisite credential is defined as:

• A valid California clear or life teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching; or
• A valid California clear or life Designated Subjects Teaching Credential, provided the holder also possesses a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university; or
• A valid clear or life California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Teacher Librarian Services Credential, Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, or a School Nurse Services Credential, requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including field practice or the equivalent.

Holders of any of the other Health Services Credentials, such as the school physician, dentist, dental hygienist, optometrist, clinical psychologist, and psychiatric social worker, do not meet this requirement.

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

5. Notification to School District Form- Application must include this form that indicates employing district has been made aware of the candidate’s intentions to enroll in the PASC program at CSU Channel Islands: https://education.csuci.edu/admissions/documents/notification-to-school-district.pdf.

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/Fieldwork courses (EDPL 631 & 632).

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

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

3. Resolve incomplete grades, if applicable.