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La Sierra University's School of Education is preparing educators who want to make a difference in the world. Employers contact us yearly from the U.S. and international schools, seeking educators who enjoy helping people learn, who want to participate in cutting edge research and 21st century thinking, who will be role models to their students and leaders in their field. Is that you? You'll experience a life-changing education here.

Come experience what the School of Education at La Sierra University has to offer. Take that step toward making a greater difference, today.

My experience at La Sierra ignited a passion for learning that I share with others. It provided me with the foundation for a significant amount of who I am today. At La Sierra, all of the dots were connected, and it has made a difference in my life. And it has helped me to adapt with confidence to a changing world.
Ron Williams, ED.D.

Leading a school or a school district is an exciting challenge. A quality education is essential to the success of our young people and to the prosperity of our nation and our global village. In the department of administration and leadership, we offer a practical, research-based program of study to enhance your ability to lead effectively, achieving greater success in your professional role as an educator and change agent.

Career Opportunities Administration & Leadership

Careers in this area include:
  • School principal
  • Assistant principal
  • Superintendent or associate superintendent of schools
  • School district administrative staff, such as curriculum specialist or student services director
  • University professor of education
  • Educational researcher
  • Writer or editor of educational resources
  • Classroom teacher
  • Administrator in non-educational settings
ProgramTypeUnits to complete beyond Bachelor'sUnits to complete beyond MastersUnits to complete beyond Ed.S.
Master of Arts in Administration & LeadershipM.A.45
Specialist in Education in Administration & LeadershipEd.S.9045
Doctor of Education in Administration & LeadershipEd.D.1328742

Fast Facts 

Minimum Program Length1 year
Quarter Units36
Maximum Transfer CreditsUp to 9 quarter units
I work with doctoral students, so I have first-hand knowledge of what is expected at La Sierra versus other universities. I think the quality of education at La Sierra is second to none. It is rigorous, but also very relevant. They bring in real-world applications so we understand how to apply the learning."
Ron Williams, ED.D Administration and Leadership

Counselors and therapists are professionally trained to teach clients how to effectively manage difficult areas of their lives, including difficulties first encountered in childhood, adolescence, and/or adulthood. The Department of School Psychology & Counseling helps you prepare for a career in educational and psychological services, helping people improve the overall quality of their lives.

Career Opportunities School Psychology & Counseling

Careers in this area include:

  • School Psychologist
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Researcher
  • School Counselor
  • Classroom teacher
  • Administrator
  • Residence hall supervisor
  • Youth worker
  • Licenses Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Licenses Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
ProgramTypeUnits to complete beyond Bachelor'sUnits to complete beyond MastersUnits to complete beyond Ed.S.
CounselingM.A.45
Counseling PPS School CounselingM.A.74
Counseling MFT/LPCC TrackM.A.96
Educational PsychologyEd.S.9045
School PsychologyEd.S.9045
Educational PsychologyEd.D.1328742
Educational Psychology - LPCCEd.D.1328742
School PsychologyEd.D.1328742
School Psychology - BCBAEd.D.1328742
ProgramTypeUnits to Complete the Program
PPS in School PsychologyCredential35
La Sierra University was much different than previous graduate programs and colleges I had attended. My time spent at La Sierra University gave me more than professional success; it added personal fulfillment and growth."
Paige Sautner, ED.S., School Psychology

In the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, our goal is to develop competent, professional educators who are prepared to serve effectively in public and private school systems. We also prepare you to earn California state elementary and secondary school teaching credentials as well as Seventh-day Adventist teaching certification. You can also get a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction here.

Career Opportunities Curriculum & Instruction

Careers in this area include:

  • Public school teacher
  • Private school teacher
  • Seventh-day Adventist school teacher
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Middle school teacher
  • High school teacher
  • Researcher in education
  • Professor in higher education
  • Consultant in education and related fields
  • Positions in educational publishing
  • Online Instructor and Program Developer
  • Remedial Learning Educator
Postgraduate ProgramsTypeUnits to complete beyond Bachelor'sUnits to complete beyond Master'sUnits to complete beyond Ed.S.
TeachingM.A.T.54
Teaching (NAD)M.A.T.54*
Curriculum & InstructionM.A.45
Brain, Affect and Education SpecializationM.A.45
TESOLM.A.45
Curriculum and InstructionM.A.45
Brain, Affect and EducationEd.S.9045
TESOLEd.S.9045
Curriculum & InstructionEd.S.9045
Curriculum & InstructionEd.D.1328742

* Additional units may be required, depending on prerequisite coursework completion. Advisement available: (951) 785-2203.
Credential ProgramsTypeUnits to Complete the program
Multiple Subject (Elementary) State of CaliforniaCredential47 (including student teaching)
Single Subject (Secondary) State of CaliforniaCredential47 (including student teaching)
Seventh-day Adventist Teacher CertificationCertificate47 (state) + 23 for SDA
After I earned my bachelor's, I finished all my credential coursework and earned my teaching credentials for both state and SDA schools. Then I started doing my master's the second half of the year."
Clayton Koh, Elementary Teaching Credential Curriculum and Instruction
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