Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration

Dr. Samuel Johnson
Program Director
(650) 508-3710
sjohnson1@ndnu.edu

The Master of Arts in School Administration is offered in conjunction with the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. The Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration prepares students to serve as an administrator (superintendent, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, deputy superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor, consultant, coordinator or in an equivalent intermediate-level administrative position) in public and private schools and districts. A paid administrative internship may be arranged on an as-needed basis in coordination with needs of the student's school district. 

The program includes courses that address the critical juncture between theory and practice in instructional leadership. Eleven units of the coursework is taken in leadership, management, finance and a specially-designed human resource development course addressing the specific needs of educational leaders. Twelve additional units are taken within four courses that include field-based practicum assignments.  To assure instructional leadership, six units in curriculum design and implementation and assessment and evaluation are included in the required courses. A one-unit capstone course will be offered during the candidate’s final year in the program.

Degree candidates are supported by University instructors as well as field-based partners in schools and districts during the program. The usual time between a student’s first and last courses is a two-calendar-year period.  Courses are offered at convenient late afternoon-evening times and Saturdays.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to the basic requirements, applicants to the Master of Arts and Credential in Administrative Services must meet the following requirements:

1. Proof of a bachelor's degree.
2. Valid preliminary or clear Multiple-Subject or Single-Subject Teaching Credential.
3. Evidence (by transcript) of introductory courses in Psychology and Sociology or complete such courses by mid-program.
4. Interview with Administrative Services Program Director.
5. A minimum of one-year of classroom teaching experience (a minimum requirement of three years is required before the Administrative Services Credential can be awarded).

The following summarizes the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential recommendation and Master of Arts in School Administration through NDNU:
1. Successfully complete required courses (includes any required prerequisites).
2. Possess a valid CA teaching or services credential.
3.Complete three full years of teaching or services experience with a valid CA credential.
4. Once employment as an Administrator in a California public school district, non-public school or agency, or county office of education is validated, the State of California will issue an Administrative Services Credential. If the credential candidate does not have an offer of employment as an administrator, a Certificate of Eligibility will be applied for and issued.

See Course Descriptions for more information.

Required Courses	Units
Core Courses:
EDU4600                    Financial Management	3
EDU4604                    Human Resource Management in the School/District	2
EDU4606                    Leadership Concepts	3
EDU4609                    Organization and Management	3
EDU4700                    Trends in Curriculum Development	3
EDU4703                    Educational Assessment and Evaluation	3
Practicum-based Courses:
EDU4621                    School/Parent/Community Relations	3
EDU4624                    School Law, Governance, and Politics	3
EDU4627                    Program Initiation and Implementation	3
EDU4718                    Contemporary Topics in Technology Leadership	3
EDU4881                    Capstone Course in Administrative Services, Tier 1 Program 1
Total Unit Requirement	30