The Master of Arts in Educational Administration is an advanced academic degree that builds upon an appropriate undergraduate foundation. A total of 36 semester units are required to complete this program. The curriculum for this degree links theory to practice for those who desire to be a school principal or administrator.

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates who complete the Master of Arts in Educational Administration program will be able to:

Equip

• Promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

Transform

• Promote the success of all students by modeling a personal code of ethics and developing professional leadership capacity.

Empower

• Promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

Program Eligibility for the Master of Arts in Educational Administration

• Basic Skills Requirement: Senate Bill 153 (Cap. 38, Stats 2024), effective June 29, 2024, makes two changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows possession of a bachelor's (or higher) degree earned at an accredited college of university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential or permit where the applicant must hold a bachelor's degree;
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the M.A. in Education or a stand-alone credential or added authorization housed within the M.A. in Education degree program. Candidates with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
• Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth. (References from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
• A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability; 
• An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair; and
• 3-5 years of teaching experience required. 5 years teaching required to apply for the credential.

Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.

Transfer of Credits

Up to six (6) units of approved post-baccalaureate coursework aligned with the course of study below, and unused for a previous Master’s degree, may be transferred from other institutions toward this degree. Candidates desiring to transfer coursework must petition this through their advisor during the first semester of enrollment.

Required Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Core Courses
GEL 6003	Instructional Leadership (APA Cycle 3)	3
GEL 6003F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Instructional Leadership (CalTPA Cycle 3)	1
GEL 6004	Equitable and Socially Just School Communities	3
GEL 6004F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Equitable and Socially Just Communities	1
GEL 6005	Organizational and Systems Leadership	3
GEL 6005F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Organizational and Systems Leadership	1
GEL 6006	School Improvement Leadership (APA Cycle 1)	3
GEL 6006F	Fieldwork and Practicum for School Improvement Leadership (CalAPA Cycle 1)	1
GEL 6007	Professional Learning and Growth Leadership (APA Cycle 2)	3
GEL 6007F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Professional Learning and Growth Leadership (CalAPA Cycle 2)	1
GEL 6008	Ethical and Visionary Leadership	3
GEL 6008F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Ethical and Visionary Leadership	1
Finishing Courses
GED 6072	Philosophy in Education	3
GED 6081	Educational Measurement and Evaluation	3
GED 6094	Action Research and Capstone	3
GED 6095	Capstone Project and Presentation	3
Total Units		36

Graduation Requirements

In order to earn and receive a Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree, a student must satisfy all of the following:

1. A completed Application for Program Completion (online or in the Office of the Registrar, Point Loma campus); 
2. Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher;
3. Completion of the approved graduate program consisting of a minimum of 36 units;
4. A recommendation from the credential analyst and director of the branch campus;
5. All accounts paid in full; and
6. All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight (8)-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.