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Masters Degree Programs in Education

Educational Leadership Academy: Master of Science in Administration and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

Admission Requirements:


  • Application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee
  • Official transcript in a registrar's sealed and stamped/signed envelope from the accredited institution that awarded the baccalaureate degree to the applicant as well as transcripts of all postsecondary and post-baccalaureate study.
  • Two recommendation forms that address the applicant's personal character, ability as an educator, and potential as an educational leader (letters on professional letterhead or forms provided are acceptable.)
  • A one- to two-page statement of educational purpose addressing topics such as future career objectives, issues in education, and issues in educational leadership
  • A signed Principal's Consent form indicating the support of the principal or supervising administrator under whom the administrative field work will be accomplished. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that administrative field work experiences be conducted under the guidance, supervision, and evaluation of a site administrator, who holds the administrative services credential in California, as well as a University advisor. The purpose of the consent form is to confirm the site administrator's willingness to plan with, supervise, counsel, and evaluate the applicant (as well as the applicant's experience and assignment)
  • A signed Work Experience and Commitment form that serves as a record of full-time assignments in the K-12 setting
  • Professional CV or resume (optional)

Applicants pursuing the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential are also required to submit the following:

  • A photocopy of any of the following credentials held: A California Teaching, Pupil Personnel Services, Health Services, Speech Pathology, Librarianship, Designated Subjects, or Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential
  • An official California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) transcript as proof of passage. (An original or photocopy of the "Passing Status Transcript Copy" card is required even if you have asked NES to send Pepperdine the test group report.)
  • Statement of Responsibility

Mara Leigh Taylor (MA '03, MA '06) founded Getting Out By Going In after more than five years of volunteer work inside prisons, teaching more than 600 inmates tools for rapid and lasting changes, and recently authored a book titled Women in Prison: Women Finding Freedom.