Online Master's in School Administration...
Master of Arts in School Administration (MA SA)
Launching Lives of Purpose
Accelerated Pathway to Master of Arts in School Administration (MA SA)
Through our exclusive partnership with San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE)
, Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (pASC) program completers can transfer
up to 19 units to NDNU —fast-tracking their path to a master’s degree and leadership
advancement. Students then complete an additional 11 semester units at NDNU to be
awarded an MA in School Administration.
The Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration prepares students to serve as an administrator (superintendent, deputy superintendent, associate superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor, consultant, coordinator, or an equivalent intermediate-level administrative position) in public and private schools and districts.
High-Touch, Cohort Experience Built on SEL Leadership
- Learn alongside a supportive cohort in a program grounded in social-emotional, human-centered leadership—designed to strengthen relationships, equity, and impact in real school communities.
- Begin in fall and complete the 2-semester program by May.
- Convenient late afternoon-evening courses offered in an online format.
Eligibility (ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS)
- Successfully complete the full 21 semester units of the SMCOE pASC program, with a start date not more than 6 years prior to application to NDNU’s MA in School Administration Program.
- Be in good standing with SMCOE.
- Submit an application packet to NDNU with the following:
- NDNU application
- Original transcripts from all colleges attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of the student’s pASC Candidate Completion Record verifying that the student has successfully completed all pASC credential courses and is in good standing at SMCOE,
- Verification of passing the CalAPA.
Interview with Administrative Services Program Director
Graduate Programs that Transform Careers
MA Degree/Instructional Leadership
- Trends in Curriculum Development
- Educational Assessment/Evaluation
- Financial Management for TK-12 Administrators
- Action Research/Capstone
Interested in the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (pASC). Contact the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) at: https://www.smcoe.org/for-educators/credential-programs/preliminary-administrative-services
Caryl Hodges
Program Coordinator
chodges@ndnu.edu
415-518-5541
State Authorization for Online Programs
The Department of Education requires that institutions offering online or distance learning programs outside of their home states must seek authorization to operate from regulatory bodies in those states. Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state colleges and universities to offer online degree programs to its residents.
Program at a Glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Total units | 30 |
| Transfer from pASC | Up to 19 units |
| Units at NDNU | 11 |
| Length | Two semesters (start in fall, finish by May) |
| Format | Online, late-afternoon and evening courses, cohort-based |
| Prerequisite | Completed 21-unit SMCOE pASC program within the last six years |
How the pASC Pathway Works
- Complete your pASC with SMCOE. The San Mateo County Office of Education runs the 21-unit Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program.
- Apply to NDNU within six years. Submit your application, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, your pASC Candidate Completion Record and verification that you passed the CalAPA.
- Interview with the program director. You will meet with the Administrative Services Program Director to plan your path.
- Finish your master’s. Transfer up to 19 units and complete 11 units online at NDNU in two semesters.
Comparing options? Read our guide to choosing a school administration program.
Careers in School Leadership
A master’s degree is often the expected path into school leadership. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle and high school principals earned a median annual wage of $105,870 in May 2025. BLS lists a master’s degree as the typical entry-level education, along with five or more years of related experience, and notes that most states require public school principals to be licensed as school administrators.
Employment of principals is projected to stay roughly level from 2025 to 2035, but about 20,600 openings are expected each year as current leaders retire or move into other roles. Read our guide on how to become a school administrator for the full career path. Not on the administrator track? Explore our Master of Arts in Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pASC to apply?
Yes. Applicants must have completed the full 21-unit Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program through the San Mateo County Office of Education within six years of applying, and be in good standing with SMCOE.
Does NDNU award the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential?
No. The pASC is earned through SMCOE. Our master’s in school administration builds on it, letting you transfer up to 19 pASC units toward a 30-unit MA.
How long does the program take?
Two semesters. Students start in the fall and finish by May.
Is the master’s in school administration online?
Yes. Courses are online, with late-afternoon and evening sessions designed for working teachers and administrators. If you live outside California, check the list of authorized states.
What will I study?
Courses cover trends in curriculum development, educational assessment and evaluation, financial management for TK-12 administrators, and an action research capstone.