Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus
https://soe.calpoly.edu/content/educational-leadership-and-administration
The MS in Educational Leadership and Administration is a rigorous, practical program while designed for those seeking leadership positions in PK-12 schools, is also beneficial for leaders from other fields, including teacher leadership, higher education, and nonprofit leadership. The program emphasizes applied theories of educational leadership, mastery of practical skills required for effective leadership and administration, and competence in research methods necessary for understanding and assessing learning organizations. Qualified candidates who meet standards established by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing can earn the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential with the master’s degree.
Requirements for Admission
Students apply via Cal State Apply and must submit an official transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, an educational leadership philosophy statement, a professional goals statement, and a video testimonial.
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential students must provide proof of a valid clear teaching credential orappropriate clear service credential as specified by California law and regulation. Also, a statement from the school district/agency verifying proof of a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience in the use of the candidate’s clear teaching/service credential (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).
International Students must meet all the standard eligibility criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English (English Proficiency Exam Requirements)
Prerequisites: A bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to the program start and must be from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum GPA: Cumulative higher education grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Application due date: Please see Graduate Student Dates and Deadlines for application deadlines. Students begin the program fall semester.
Advancement to Candidacy
Completion of at least 10 units of graduate coursework with cumulative and higher ed GPA of 3.0 or higher and an approved research project proposal.
Culminating Experience
Comprehensive examination (ELAP 5597)
Program Learning Objectives
- Development and Implementation of a Shared Vision: Education leaders facilitate the development and implementation of a shared vision of learning and growth of all students.
- Instructional Leadership: Education leaders shape a collaborative culture of teaching and learning informed by professional standards and focused on student and professional growth.
- Management and Learning Environment: Education leaders manage the organization to cultivate a safe and productive learning and working environment.
- Family and Community Engagement: Education leaders collaborate with families and other stakeholders to address diverse student and community interests and mobilize community resources.
- Ethics and Integrity: Education leaders make decisions, model, and behave in ways that demonstrate professionalism, ethics, integrity, justice, and equity and hold staff to the same standard.
- External Context and Policy: Education leaders influence political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts affecting education to improve education policies and practices.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| ELAP 5510 | Education Finance and Resource Allocation | 3 |
| ELAP 5511 | Educational Law and Governance | 3 |
| ELAP 5512 | Education Organization and Management | 3 |
| ELAP 5515 | Educational Program Evaluation and Personnel Management | 3 |
| ELAP 5519 | Professional e-Portfolios for Educational Leaders | 1 |
| ELAP 5586 | Introduction to Inquiry in Education | 4 |
| ELAP 5587 | Leadership in STEAM Education | 3 |
| ELAP 5588 | Ethical Leadership, Culture, and Learning | 3 |
| ELAP 5589 | Educational Research Methods | 4 |
| ELAP 5590 | Research Application in Education | 4 |
| ELAP 5597 | Comprehensive Examination | 1 |
| Total Units | 32 | |