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Administration & Leadership Education & Leadership
Degree Programs
We offer educational administration and leadership degrees on three levels: MA, Ed.S., and Ed.D. See program Descriptions, Prerequisites, or Requirements.
Credential Programs
We offer two administrative credentials: The California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) and the Seventh-day Adventist Administrator’s Credential.
These programs prepare students to enter the following occupations:
- 11-9031.00 Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare
- 11-9032.00 Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
- 11-9033.00 Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Admission Requirements
For the program admission requirements for M.A., Ed.S., Ed.D., PASC, or combining a degree with a credential, click here.
This web page is for advisory purposes only, and although every attempt is made to ensure its accuracy, readers are directed to the graduate bulletin for official information. The graduate bulletin can be accessed online at https://lasierra.edu/bulletins/
Contact US
education@lasierra.edu
951.785.2266
866-219-0671 (Toll Free)
951.785.2205 fax
Contact US
John Chen
Chair
(951) 785-2074
jchen1@lasierra.edu
Sylvia Cordoba
Credential Analyst
(951) 785-2224
scordoba@lasierra.edu
Office hours
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Thursday
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
- 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
| Program | Type | Units to complete beyond Bachelor's | Units to complete beyond Masters | Units to complete beyond Ed.S. |
| Master of Arts in Administration & Leadership | M.A. | 45 | ||
| Specialist in Education in Administration & Leadership | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| Doctor of Education in Administration & Leadership | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
Fast Facts | ||
| Minimum Program Length | 1 year | |
| Quarter Units | 36 | |
| Maximum Transfer Credits | Up 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
Graduate Programs Requirements Select School Below
Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions are required.
| Program | GPA | Letters of Recommendation | GRE Scores | Writing Sample |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters of Arts, MA | 3.0 Minimum | 2 Letters ( Download Form ) | Only upon request by School | Yes |
Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions are required.
| Program | GPA | Letters of Recommendation | GRE Scores | Statement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters in Divinity, MDiv | 2.5 Minimum | Only upon request by School | No1 | Personal |
| Masters Theological Studies, MTS | 2.5 Minimum | Only upon request by School | No1 | Personal |
| Masters of Arts, MA | 3.0 Minimum | Only upon request by School | Yes1 | Personal |
1 - GRE can be required if GPA is below the requirement and upon request of the School
Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions are required.
| Program | GPA | Letters of Recommendation | GRE Scores | Statement* | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts | 3.0 Minimum1 | Only upon request by School | No1 | Personal | Yes |
| Master of Arts in Teaching | 2.75 Minimum2 | Only upon request by School | No | Personal | Yes |
| Credential Program | 2.75 Minimum | Only upon request by School | No | Personal | Yes |
| Education Specialist, EDS | 3.3 Minimum1 | Only upon request by School | No1 | Personal | Yes |
| Doctor of Education, EDD | 3.3 Minimum1 | Only upon request by School | No1 | Personal | Yes |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership, PHDL 4 | 3.5 Minimum3 | Only upon request by School | Yes5 | Personal | Yes |
* Personal statement and curriculum vitae are currently being waived for admission by the school of education.
1 GRE scores can be required by department if applying with a GPA below the minimum requirement.
2 CBEST and CSE scores are required prior to acceptance if applying with and undergraduate GPA below 2.75.
3 GPA from Masters level degree.
4 The PhDL program is a selective program with an intake once a year for the fall term. In addition to above items, it also requires evidence of writing and research skills (thesis, or research-based paper), and current Curriculum Vitae.
5 Analytical writing score must be 4.0 or higher.
Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions are required.
| Program | GPA | Letters of Recommendation | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration, MBA | 3.0 Minimum | Only upon request by School1 | No |
| Business Analytics, MBA (Riverside India Cohort) | 3.0 Minimum | Only upon request by School1 | Yes |
1 - Two academic letters of recommendation (preferable typed) if GPA is below 3.00
2 - If GPA is below 3.0
Program Descriptions Education & Leadership
Degree Programs
Master of Arts in Administration & Leadership, (M.A.) will focus on the development of effective leadership. Your courses will focus on Historical and contemporary theories and research, Important legal issues that face school teachers, financing schools, and other fascinating topics.
The Specialist in Education in Administration & Leadership (Ed.S) program is focused on the pursuit of excellence through support and enhancement of educational leaders. This excellence is fostered through the discovery of meaning and purpose in the development of administrative and leadership skills.
The Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D) degree is designed for astute students with appropriate professional experience beyond those studying at the master's level. The curriculum offers opportunities for educational leaders to develop advanced knowledge, skills and research capabilities. Those completing the program may hold or may be interested in positions of administrative responsibility at the school or district level, in institution of higher learning, or non-school settings.
Credential Programs
This credential program focus on the development of competent and ethical leadership. The program of study will offer candidates the opportunity to prepare for administrative credentials through the state of California and/or through the Credentials Office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Read more.
Paying for College
Choosing Classes
Beyond Class
Career Advising
We want you to find a good job after you finish your degree at La Sierra. The Career Services, located in the Office of Academic & Career Services, is prepared to guide you through your job search process.