Graduate Programs

The Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership program was designed for astute students with appropriate professional experience beyond those studying at the master's level. Through advanced study, educational leaders develop further knowledge, skills, and research capabilities in order to enhance their ability to lead effectively in positions of administration in a variety of educational or non-school settings.

Graduate students who complete the Specialist in Education degree in Administration and Leadership have fostered excellent educational leadership skills. No matter which career path they choose, education specialists are prepared to guide and promote high-quality student achievement.

The development of effective leadership is at the heart of the Master of Arts in Administration and Leadership degree. Graduate students in this program focus on a variety of theories, current legal issues in the world of education, school finances, research, and more. Student will also gain field experience, in which they can practice leadership functions at the school level.

The MA in Behavioral Analysis is designed to provide early- career professionals with knowledge, skills, and practical training in behavioral analysis.

The MBA in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated program that is part of the La Sierra University Zapara School of Business MBA Cohort for professionals.

Application for an administrator’s certificate with endorsement as a principal, supervisor, or superintendent may be made to the Office of Education of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

The Master of Arts in Counseling degree program allows students to select from seven concentrations: Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, Behavioral Analysis, School Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Neuroscience & Education. Some individuals may require more than the minimum of 45 units because of the requirements for a certification, credential, or licensure

Academic requirements for the Seventh-day Adventist Administrator’s Certificate may be incorporated into the program for a Master of Arts, Specialist in Education, or Doctor of Education degree in Administration and Leadership.

The "Credential - CRED PROG/CAL MULT SUBJ" refers to a teaching credential program that prepares educators to teach multiple subjects across various grade levels, with a focus on California's specific requirements.

The "Credential - CRED PROG/CAL Single Subject" refers to a teaching credential program in California that prepares educators to teach a specific subject area at the middle or high school level.

The credential program specifically designed for individuals seeking administrative leadership roles within Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) elementary schools. This program prepares candidates to become administrators, such as principals or vice principals, in SDA educational institutions.

A Guidance & Counseling Credential is a professional certification that qualifies individuals to work as school counselors or guidance counselors in educational settings.

The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential in California authorizes individuals to work as school counselors in K-12 schools.

Credentials are granted only to individuals who have attained the baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

The "Credential - CRED PROG/SEC Teaching - SDA" refers to a credential program for individuals seeking to become secondary school teachers within Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) educational institutions.

The program also focuses on promoting moral development within a Christian context, cultivating professionalism in educators, and deepening understanding of the social contexts that shape education. Ultimately, it seeks to prepare students to be effective, ethical leaders and scholars in the field of education.

The Specialist in Education degree for Curriculum and Instruction contributes to the development of professional personnel for service in a variety of educational settings, including professional teacher (K-16), supervisory functions, and other central office functions involving curriculum leadership

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction builds on the baccalaureate degree. The program is designed to cover a combination of theory, practical skills and research, which meets the needs of the professional educator. All MA candidates should request an academic advisor upon receiving acceptance to a graduate program.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is the second approach available for completing the approved Teacher Education Program. The credential program is integrated with graduate courses that enhance candidate ability to teach in California schools.

The Program in Customized Concentrations oversees the customized MBA program. A person with academic objectives not readily achievable through an existing Zapara School of Business (ZSB) Master of Business Administration program may receive an MBA degree with a customized concentration from the Zapara School of Business after the completion of a special curriculum approved by the School.

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program provides the standard credential for persons preparing for professional congregational and other religious leadership. This post baccalaureate program enables students to develop a thorough, discriminating understanding and personal appropriation of the heritage of the community of faith, its scriptures, traditions, doctrines, and practices in both their historical and contemporary expressions and to develop skills appropriate for pastoral ministry. Full-time students typically complete this program in three academic years.

The Doctor of Education with a specialization in Educational Psychology allows students to select from six concentrations: General Educational Psychology, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling (PPS track), Student Life and Development, Behavior Analysis (Board Certified Behavior Analysis), and Neuroscience and Education.

The Specialist in Education degree for educational psychology is a non-credential elective program which provides advanced preparation for educational generalists, teachers in all disciplines, administrators, college instructors desiring a professional educational background, and practitioners aspiring toward clinical or research applications.

The Department of English offers an MA in English degree, focused on British and American literature, which requires courses in literature, literary criticism, religion and literature, and research methods. Graduate students also accepted into the College Writing Instructor program will also study composition theory. The MA in English degree prepares students for further post-graduate work or to succeed in a wide variety of occupations where analytical thinking, strong writing, research skills, and effective communication abilities are essential.

Most degree holders in Finance enter into careers as financial analysts, financial advisors, or financial managers. In an organization, financial managers are often responsible for the management of investments, financial reports, and strategic planning and goal-setting to support the mission and vision of the organization.

This program allows a student to apply for internship status from the Board of Behavioral Sciences in order to become eligible for a Professional Clinical Counselors license upon completion of a licensure exam.

The MBA in Health Care Management is designed to educate healthcare professionals like you about the changes in knowledge, legislation, and technology facing hospitals and health care practitioners today, helping you become a business strategist who can balance both the practice and business of health care.

Human Resource positions require a broad understanding of business practices, a current knowledge of legal requirements, and developing other employees. This provides an excellent background to increase promotion potential within the field, as well as multiple skill sets leading to other areas within business. Human Resource professionals often make excellent team leads or heads of department due to their ability to build, motivate, and sustain dynamic and effective teams in the workplace.

The program may typically be completed over a period of 4-5 years of study with candidates undertaking a minimum of two courses each quarter, and two courses during two 2-week intensive summer sessions.

Students customize their programs further through the use of their 9-unit electives to support some diversification in their degree program. These courses are to be taken from an area other than the one chosen by the student to meet their own specialization requirements.

An Instructional Leadership Ph.D. is a doctoral program that prepares educators for leadership roles focused on improving teaching, learning, and educational outcomes.

For the Board Certified Behavior Analysis certificate, at least 33 units of post baccalaureate study are required.

The licensure program requires satisfactory completion of 90 postbaccalaureate units including most courses and competencies specified for the Master of Arts degree in Counseling.

For the California Professional Marriage and Family Therapy licensure, at least 90 units of postbaccalaureate study are required.

A degree in Management can lead to a rewarding career in any field. From a physician opening a private practice, to a scientist leading a research team, to a foreman on a construction site, all benefit solid foundation in business and management education.

Many students graduating with degrees in Marketing enter careers in advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales. Whether you have an interest in research, the excitement of landing a new sales account, or managing the development of a brand, a rewarding career path is waiting for well-motivated and prepared students.

This program is designed to develop and equip students to become transformative storytellers across a wide range of visual mediums. While the traditional “film and television” craft is still relevant, the practical career realities are far broader and require a more expansive skill set. The MFA in Modern Media Production is crafted to develop visual storytellers with the broad skill set required to enter the work force.

The Master of Arts in Teaching with Music Education Emphasis program at La Sierra University is designed to give aspiring music educators an opportunity to earn a graduate degree in conjunction with state teaching credentials. In addition to the standard MAT curriculum, the Music Education emphasis offers specialization in music pedagogy and classroom instruction techniques unique to K-12 music education settings.

This Master of Arts (MA) program provides advanced academic study and research beyond the baccalaureate degree in the discipline of Near Eastern archaeology. It may serve as preparation for professional employment or further graduate study. Students must complete a thesis and a written comprehensive examination. Full-time students typically complete this program in two academic years.

The Specialist in Education degree in Neuroscience & Education is designed to bridge the gap between brain science and educational practice. Students in this program gain insights into how the brain learns and develops, enabling them to create more effective educational strategies and interventions. This degree is ideal for educators, administrators, and researchers who want to apply neuroscience to enhance educational outcomes.

This Master of Arts (MA) program provides advanced academic study and research beyond the baccalaureate degree in the general disciplines of religious studies. It may serve as preparation for professional employment or further graduate study. Students must complete at least one summative assignment – a thesis, a written comprehensive examination, or both. Full-time students typically complete this program in two academic years.

The Specialist Degree for School Psychology requires a minimum of 90 quarter units beyond an approved baccalaureate degree or 45 units beyond the Master of Arts degree in an academic field related to education, psychology, or relevant academic disciplines.

The Doctor of Education program with a specialization in School Psychology and Measurement is available only for the school psychology EdS graduates from La Sierra University and the non-La Sierra University MA graduates with PPS school psychology credentials.

Equip students with a deep understanding of the leadership, behavioral, and psychological principles that influence sports performance and physical activity.

The concentration in Sports Management is intended to prepare students to support or lead organizations throughout the world of sports business.

The Master of Arts in Student Life and Development is designed to provide early-career professionals with knowledge, skills, and practical training for leadership careers in secondary and higher education student affairs, student counseling/ advising, disability services, residential life, leadership programs, multicultural affairs, recreation, and student programming.

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program provides advanced academic study beyond the baccalaureate degree in the general disciplines of religious and theological studies, including world religions, biblical studies, ethics, theology, history of Christianity, Adventist studies, and practical theology. Students must prepare a summative integrated essay as a capstone project. Full-time students typically complete this program in two academic years.

The Behavior Analysis Specialization focuses on the study and application of behavioral principles to understand and modify human behavior.

The Marriage & Family Therapy Specialization trains students to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relational and emotional challenges.

The Neuroscience & Education Concentration explores the connection between brain science and educational practices. Students examine how neurological processes impact learning, memory, and behavior, and apply this knowledge to develop effective teaching strategies.

The Professional Clinical Counseling Specialization prepares students to become licensed professional counselors capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health issues.

The School Counseling Specialization equips students with the skills and knowledge to support the academic, emotional, and social development of students in K-12 settings.

The Sports Counseling & Coaching specialization combines psychological principles with coaching techniques to support athletes' mental and emotional well-being.