Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California Option)

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Program Overview

Degree:

Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California Option) Degree

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

Make an impact and become a leader in the educational field by earning a Master of Science in Education Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California Option). This program is designed for professionals who are committed to improving education and who are interested in becoming school site or district administrators.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn to build a culture of collaboration that brings together families and community members, responds to diverse interests and needs, and mobilizes resources. You’ll also explore and analyze the organization, operations, and resources necessary to foster safe, efficient, and effective learning environment and discover professional and personal ethics necessary for leading schools and for school systems.

This master’s degree program can be completed with or without a preliminary credential option for those pursuing a career in the nonpublic education sector.

Degree Requirements

To receive a Master of Science in Educational Administration, students must complete at least 45 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 4.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and if the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Course equivalence cannot be granted for life experience.

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

To be successful in this program, it is highly recommended to take program coursework in sequence described below.

Requirements for the Major

9 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

An examination of the importance of a shared vision to shape the culture and improve the climate of a school that serves a diverse population of students. Ethics and philosophy of leadership are used as lenses through which to better understand the interplay of the school’s internal and external stakeholders as it pertains creating and managing the vision.

4.5 Quarter Units

School Improvement Leadership Identification and analysis of human, fiscal and material resources available and how these resources might be aligned to improve student achievement. Development of a collaborative, data-based school plan that addresses the needs of all learners. Analysis of an instructional leader’s role in using strategies that address culturally responsive teaching, social and mental health needs and improved student learning for all students, including English learners and students with special needs.

4.5 Quarter Units

An instructional leader’s perspective on instructional theory, curriculum development, and assessment. Analysis of student academic content and curriculum standards, research-based instructional and assessment practices. Application of data to inform continuous school improvement. Evaluate and support professional development framed around collaboration and the principles of adult learning.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDA 653; EDA 655

This course provides a theoretical and practical framework for effective instructional leadership in the area of supervision and evaluation of instruction. It will examine the role of the instructional leader in the context of stewardship of all resources to promote effective instructional leadership practices. Methodologies are presented for engaging in the practice of supervision of instruction, pedagogical assessment, program quality, and standards-based instruction. The instructional leader will be encouraged to emphasize maintaining and increasing teaching effectiveness through providing research based and relevant professional development opportunities.

One of the following:

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDA 654

Supervised application of theoretical concepts in practical settings. Candidates complete a portfolio of administrative activities demonstrating competency as entry level administrators in areas identified in the California Performance Expectations as sanctioned by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for awarding of the preliminary administrative services credential. A triad consisting of the University Supervisor, the Site Mentor/Administrator, and the candidate, develops a plan at the onset of the class. The plan stresses day-to day administrative functions as well as policy analysis and implementation. Grading is S/U/IP only.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: EDA 654 with a minimum grade of B. Meets min requirement for degree

Master’s degree guided study under direction of instructor. Requires prior approval of appropriate academic department. This course is intended for candidates seeking the Master degree in Educational Administration only, and not seeking the preliminary administrative services credential. Candidates will apply content learned, from program courses, and develop appropriate fieldwork activities to further develop their leadership skills. By completing the field activities, candidates will demonstrate mastery of the Course Learning Outcomes, which are aligned to the Program Learning Outcomes.

4.5 Quarter Units

This course examines the theories, principles, and concepts related to leadership, administration, and management as well as student learning assessment models. Focus is directed toward understanding how to apply the leadership theories and assessment models in education settings involving faculty, staff, students, parents and the community. Emphasis is placed on professional and personal development and modeling of professional growth activities to faculty and staff in educational environments.

4.5 Quarter Units

This course provides candidates an introduction to public school budget and finance practices, emphasizing site level finance. This course provides an exploration of federal, state and local laws, policies, and regulations regarding revenue sources, district and school budgeting, and financial management procedures. Candidates will be provided an introduction to public school budgeting and accounting procedures as well as investigate current issues in public school finance. Candidates will understand organizational and systems leadership as well as techniques and skills to address conflict-management, problem-solving, and dealing with unintended consequences of decisions. Candidates will learn the importance of using the school vision/mission and annual goals, based on student performance and other school-wide data, for setting budget priorities so resources allocated in appropriate and focused areas of the school need. Candidates will learn to understand the importance of school administrators practicing ethical behaviors related to decisions they make.

4.5 Quarter Units

This is an introductory course in educational law and ethics which examines education law, codes, and regulations and their school level applications. The focus is on areas of school law most likely to be used by beginning school administrators. Students are expected to complete all assigned readings. Because this course is part of a sequence leading toward a recommendation for the preliminary administrative services credential, it is understood that an honor system prevails and that all class work will be completed solely by the student.

4.5 Quarter Units

An introductory educational research course designed to provide knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for students to understand and demonstrate knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and action research. Emphasis is on the knowledge and skills required of a competent consumer and producer of educational research. The course requires that students utilize a high level of library skills and computer technology to locate relevant research and literature. (Scheduled for two months and meets once a week).

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: ILD 625

Provides the knowledge, skills, and protocols to generate and evaluate research relevant to various areas of professional education. Students produce a major action research and writing project focused on the practical needs of educators who wish to join the larger professional community in their field of specialty. This class is scheduled for three months one day a week and at the end of that time a grade of “IP” will be posted then the maximum length of time is 10 additional months. Class size is 10. Grading is H, S, or U only. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade.

*This course is for only Master student without credential.

Internship Option

2 Courses

EDA 602A and EDA 602B are aligned to the Internship candidate needs during the time they are enrolled in the program.

2.25 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: Candidate must provide documentation showing appointment to an educational administration position requiring the Administrative Services Internship credential.

There is a need to further support Educational Administrator Interns while they are working on completing their preliminary administrative services credential program. This course is designed to support administrator internship candidates by providing an instructor/coach for support with developing communication avenues and for providing daily practical experience support over and beyond the preliminary administrative services credential program courses. Grading is S or U only.

2.25 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: Candidate must provide documentation showing appointment to an educational administration position requiring the Administrative Internship credential.; EDA 602A with a minimum grade of S. Students need to be successful in EDA 602A before moving into EDA 602B.

There is a need to further support Educational Administrator Interns while they are working on completing their preliminary administrative services credential program. This course is designed to support administrator internship candidates by providing an instructor/coach for support with developing communication avenues and for providing daily practical experience support over and beyond the preliminary administrative services credential program courses. This course, EDA 602B, is a continuation of EDA 602A. Grading is S or U only.

Career Outlook

Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Education Administrators for Preschool and Childcare Programs
  • $52,134 avg. salary (USA)
  • 6,717 job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Median Salary:
$52,134 annual +8% above US average
Job Openings:
6,717 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $34,373
  • Medium
    $52,134
  • High
    $94,582

Most desired skills

  1. Child Development
  2. Preschool Education
  3. Working With Children
  4. Marketing
  5. Early Childhood Education
  6. Developmental Psychology
  7. Lesson Planning

Top companies hiring for this role

  • KinderCare Education
  • YMCA
  • La Petite Academy
  • Learning Experience
  • Learning Care Group
  • Right At School
  • Childcare Network
  • Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
  • $102,861 avg. salary (USA)
  • 25,427 job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Median Salary:
$102,861 annual +114% above US average
Job Openings:
25,427 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $69,451
  • Medium
    $102,861
  • High
    $163,052

Most desired skills

  1. Student Services
  2. Curriculum Development
  3. Special Education
  4. Project Management
  5. Lesson Planning
  6. Data Analysis
  7. Classroom Management

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Learning Care Group
  • Npower (Nonprofit)
  • KinderCare Education
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • Clark County School District
  • Childcare Network

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.

  • Candidates will develop a process for creating, stewarding, and communicating a shared vision that includes school-wide goals for improving teaching and learning.
  • Candidates will practice their skills in the role of the instructional leader in the context of the stewardship of effective instructional practices.
  • Candidates will apply knowledge they have learned to gain experience in the role of the instructional leader in the context of curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.
  • Candidates will apply what they have learned to enhance their skills in the collaborative, ongoing processes of data-based school growth plans.
  • Candidates will critique professional develop systems for the purpose of developing professional growth opportunities for school teachers, staff, and administrators.
  • Candidates will apply course learning activities to better understand the complex Interaction of all of a school’s complex systems and to promote overall teaching and learning.
  • Candidates will design and apply methods in which a school can engage their communities to promote the shared vision.
  • Candidates will select and research a topic related to educational leadership through the lens of a researcher.
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Admissions

Transfer Students Welcome

More about transferring to NU.

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Accreditations

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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

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Why National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

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“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

Francisco R.,

Class of 2016

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Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.

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NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.

Accelerate Your Career With NU

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.

Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

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All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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