Our Fall 2027 application will open in October!

If you’re interested in applying for our next cycle, we encourage you to join our mailing list to connect with our Admissions Team and receive updates about upcoming information sessions.

Employment History
Candidates must verify the required full-time credentialed experience. The current requirements specify a minimum of four years for candidates currently employed in an eligible public, nonpublic, or private school setting and a minimum of five years for candidates not currently employed in one of those settings. Verification must be provided on official school or district letterhead and include dates of employment and an authorized signature.

Appropriate Prerequisite Credential
Candidates must hold an appropriate valid clear or life California teaching or services credential, or another qualifying credential/license identified by the program requirements.

Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: 

• Hold a valid clear or life California teaching credential that requires a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching or the equivalent, and holds an English learner authorization; or
• Hold a valid clear or life California designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, career technical education, vocational education or special subjects, provided the applicant also possesses a baccalaureate degree, and holds an English learner authorization; or
• Hold a valid clear or life California services credential in pupil personnel services, health services for school nurse, teacher librarian services, or speech-language pathology or clinical or rehabilitative services requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation, including field work or the equivalent; or
• Hold a valid license to practice occupational therapy issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy or a valid license to practice physical therapy issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California, provided the applicant also possesses a baccalaureate degree. Please note: Candidates recommended for the preliminary administrative services credential based on an Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy prerequisite credential will not be authorized to supervise teachers.

Basic Skills Requirement
Candidates must meet California’s Basic Skills Requirement through an approved option, which may include a bachelor’s degree, qualifying coursework, a combination of coursework and examination, or an approved examination pathway.

Active Connection to a TK–12 School
Candidates must have regular, ongoing access to a TK–12 educational setting where they can apply coursework directly to their professional context.

Dispositions Toward Equity Leadership
Candidates should be self-reflective, growth-oriented, open to feedback, collaborative, passionate about reimagining schools, and committed to bringing an equity lens to their practice.

20-MONTH M.Ed. + PASC
Year 1 Tuition: $15,000 (21 credits)
Year 2 Tuition: $10,000 (15 credits)
Total Tuition: $25,000 (36 credits) 

Monthly payment plans available over the academic year August–May (10 months).

Federal Student Aid Available to M.Ed students

Federal Student Aid is available to M.Ed only and M.Ed + PASC pathways. 

Federal Financial Aid loans are disbursed according to the three academic terms (August, December, March).

Candidates may also explore the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Special Curriculum Loan, which may provide partial financing toward the cost of the program.

PROGRAM LAUNCH
Virtual: June and August 2027
In-person in San Diego: August 2027

CORE COURSES
• Core Values and Foundations / Design Principles (Immersion)
• Leading for Liberation: Culture, Conflict, & Conversation
• Design for Deeper Learning
• Facilitating Adult Learning
• Positive School Culture & School Law
• Financial Resourcing for Equity
• Leading Innovative Schools

MASTER’S CAPSTONE — M.Ed. + PASC
The Inquiry to Practice Master’s Capstone series spans Fall, Winter, and Spring. Students apply human-centered design and continuous improvement to collaborate with colleagues, students, and families, disrupt predictable patterns of success and failure, and measurably improve teaching and learning.

LEADERSHIP FIELDWORK
Leadership fieldwork supports candidates in deepening self-awareness, courageous leadership, and the ability to apply learning directly within their professional context.

CALAPA SUPPORT
The CalAPA Seminar Series supports candidates through all three required cycles: school improvement, leading professional learning communities, and supporting teacher growth.

To be recommended for a California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, candidates must satisfy all the following requirements:

• Possess a valid California Clear Teaching or Services Credential (with at least one year remaining on document). Please note: Candidates recommended for the preliminary administrative services credential based on an Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy prerequisite credential will not be authorized to supervise teachers.
• Complete a Commission-approved program of specialized and professional preparation in administrative services, including the Administrative Performance Assessment (APA), resulting in the formal recommendation of the program sponsor 
  • Pass all three CalAPA cycles
  • Complete 120 hours of fieldwork hours aligned with the CAPEs
  • Pass all program courses: EDU 600, 605, 610, 615, 620, 625, 630, 660A, 660B, 660C
• Complete five years of full-time experience (see Terms and Definitions).
• Submit a Verification of Employment as an Administrator (CL-777)

Any candidate who has completed the requirements above but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which verifies completion of all requirements for the preliminary credential and authorizes the holder to seek employment as an administrator.

Learn more about requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Credential CTC Website