About the Program
The M.A. in Educational Leadership: Educational Technology and Learning and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Credential (PASC), Tier I offers a dynamic leadership program designed to give graduates an undeniable advantage—holding both their master's degree and credential—allowing them to meet state standards and work in public or private schools.
Program Format
At APU, we understand the challenges of earning your degree while juggling work, family, and other commitments. Our programs are designed to make attending Azusa Pacific simple, so you can reach your educational goals.
The M.A. in Education Leadership: Educational Technology and Learning and PASC, Tier I offers students a sequenced course design that can be completed through five nine-week terms. Candidates take courses with the same peers throughout the program. Studenst take classes just one night a week, with each session lasting approximately four hours. Students benefit from courses designed to maximize their interaction with other students and professors, creating a rich learning community.
Field Experience
Coursework is immediately applicable as a resource for curriculum planning, achievement assessment, decision making, and program improvement. Field experience is embedded throughout the program. The candidate assumes leadership responsibilities at a local school or district setting under the guidance of a site supervisor and university mentor throughout two terms: Fall I and Fall II or Spring I and II. Field experiences include intensive experiences both in the day-to-day functions of administrators and in longer-term policy design and implementation. These experiences are closely related to the job performance requirements of administrators.
Acquiring the Preliminary Administrative Services Certificate of Eligibility
Upon completion of the program, the candidate is encouraged to apply for the Preliminary Administrative Services Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is evidence that the candidate has successfully met all developmental objectives and program standards to merit recommendation for the certificate. This document qualifies the candidate to apply for an entry-level administrative position in California school districts. Upon being offered an administrative position, the candidate applies for and acquires the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The administrator has five years to complete requirements for the Professional Administrative Services Credential, Tier II. Candidates who do not immediately secure an administrative position apply for the Certificate of Eligibility, as there is no expiration date on the certificate.
Standards-based Program
This program is built on the six California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs). Candidates use their strengths to develop a Shared Vision of Learning (CPSEL 1) that focuses on maintaining high expectations for student achievement. They learn to develop and sustain a Culture of Teaching and Learning (CPSEL 2) through analysis of content standards, the study of instructional delivery, data analysis, application of research, and by providing staff development for all employees. Management of the School in the Service of Teaching and Learning (CPSEL 3) assists candidates as they learn the complexities of recruiting, training, and evaluating employees by providing a safe, productive environment, and by understanding legal mandates and constraints. Candidates learn to Work with Diverse Families and Communities (CPSEL 4) for improved student success by incorporating diverse family and community expectations in school decision making. Candidates enhance their Personal Ethics and Leadership Capacity (CPSEL 5) as they engage in conflict resolution, change management, decision making, and program assessment. Political, Social, Economic, Legal and Cultural Understanding (CPSEL 6) is enhanced through analysis of political forces, legal principles, economic dynamics, and cultural distinctions present in the school setting.
Program Goals
Faculty members in the Department of Educational Leadership strive to challenge students to develop visionary leadership, scholarly practice, and exemplary character and engage in the scholarship of discovery, integration, application, and teaching to prepare students who are:
- Identified as being competent, innovative, visionary leaders able to create technologically integrated educational environments within their organizations wholly conducive to educational programs that help connect students with schooling and their professional careers.
- Recognized as scholarly practitioners who integrate theoretical knowledge with practical decision making, who are grounded in relevant technologies and substantive professional content, trained in skills of inquiry, capable of independent and critical thought, and who are dedicated to improving their own professional practice, as well as that of other educators.
- Respected as individuals of high moral and ethical character who probe the deeper questions regarding the meaning of human existence and who dedicate themselves to a perpetual quest for truth as they face the contradictions inherent in the world.
