Educational Administration, M.A.*

Program of Study

Program Overview: The Master of Arts in Educational Administration focuses on research, with a theory-to-practice model that meets the requirements for the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The program culminates in the candidate writing a research-based thesis and presenting a thesis defense, project, or comprehensive exam.

*The Educational Administration, M.A. is offered through Extended Learning.

Session 1:

• EDAD 610 - Leading School Communities in a Diverse Society Units: 3 *
• EDAD 612 - Development of Professional Leadership Perspectives Units: 2 *
• EDAD 624A - Professional Field Studies Beginning Units: 1 *

Session 2:

• EDAD 614 - Leading Instruction Units: 3 *
• EDAD 616A - The Role of Schooling in a Democratic Society Units: 2 *
• EDAD 624B - Professional Field Studies Beginning Units: 1 *

Session 3:

• EDAD 618A - Culture of Teaching and Learning: Leading for Assessment and Accountability Units: 2 *
• EDAD 622A - Research Methods in Education A Units: 1
• EDAD 626A - Professional Field Studies Advanced Units: 2 *

Session 4:

• EDAD 618B - Leading School Improvement Units: 2 *
• EDAD 622B - Research Methods in Education B Units: 1
• EDAD 698A - Master’s Culminating Experience Thesis A Units: 1

Session 5:

• EDAD 616B - School Finance and Resource Allocation Units: 2 *
• EDAD 622C - Research and Assessment Methods in Education C Units: 1
• EDAD 698B - Master’s Culminating Experience Thesis B Units: 1

Session 6:

• EDAD 620 - Visionary Leadership Units: 3 *
• EDAD 626B - Professional Field Studies Advanced Units: 1 *
• EDAD 698C - Master’s Culminating Experience Thesis C Units: 1

Note:

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration is 30 units of instruction. Candidates may take only the 24 unit credential courses if they already have a master’s degree. 

*Courses for Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (24 units)

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Master of Arts in Education Program assesses four (4) Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs).These will be measured by the California Administrative Performance Assessments (CalAPA) and the Summative Digital Portfolio.

Students graduating with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration will be able to:

1. Analyze data to inform school improvement and promote equity.
2. Plan communities of practice through meeting facilitation.
3. Evaluate teacher growth through peer coaching.
4. Analyze current research literature and apply in practice.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the M.A. in Educational Administration includes meeting the general admission requirements for graduate studies at CSUSM and these additional components:

• Application to the University in the Graduate/ Post-baccalaureate Program.
• A clear teaching credential.
• Four years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, or clinical or rehabilitative services. Substitute or part-time service does not apply.
• Acceptance of up to nine (9) units of similar graduate-level coursework from another Educational Administration-approved program may be transferred into the CSUSM program with faculty approval.
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
• Two recent letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work in the field of education, preferably a supervisor.
• Employment and/or access to a school where there is cooperation to conduct the master’s program field study courses, and the California Administrative Performance Assessment (CalAPA) data collection, instructional coaching, and stakeholder interviews (as required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing) with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation to satisfy this requirement.
• A writing prompt.

Completion Requirements

The following completion activities apply to students pursuing the Letter of Eligibility for the  Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, or candidates pursing both the credential and the Master of Arts in Educational Administration:

1. Passing scores in each of the three cycles of the California Administrative Performance Assessment (CalAPA) (All).
2. Successful completion of the program core courses with a minimum 3.0 grade point average (All).
3. Advancement to candidacy (Master’s only).
4. Passing score on the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement - Graduate Level (GWARGL) (Master’s only). 
5. Completion of a five-chapter research thesis and defense, project, or comprehensive exam that investigates data surrounding school improvement and serving all students equitably. This research is supported by a qualified faculty chair and committee member (Master’s only).

Grading

All coursework will earn a letter grade except for the four field study classes (5 units) and the six research classes (6 units), which will be graded credit/no credit. A grade-point average of 3.0 must be maintained and any grade of less than a B- will be subject to review.