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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.
We offer degrees in the following areas:
Credential Programs in the above areas
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.
Course Schedules
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
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)
| Program | Type | Units to complete beyond Bachelor's | Units to complete beyond Masters | Units to complete beyond Ed.S. |
| Counseling | M.A. | 45 | ||
| Counseling PPS School Counseling | M.A. | 74 | ||
| Counseling MFT/LPCC Track | M.A. | 96 | ||
| Educational Psychology | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| School Psychology | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| Educational Psychology | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
| Educational Psychology - LPCC | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
| School Psychology | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
| School Psychology - BCBA | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
| Program | Type | Units to Complete the Program |
| PPS in School Psychology | Credential | 35 |
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 Programs | Type | Units to complete beyond Bachelor's | Units to complete beyond Master's | Units to complete beyond Ed.S. |
| Teaching | M.A.T. | 54 | ||
| Teaching (NAD) | M.A.T. | 54* | ||
| Curriculum & Instruction | M.A. | 45 | ||
| Brain, Affect and Education Specialization | M.A. | 45 | ||
| TESOL | M.A. | 45 | ||
| Curriculum and Instruction | M.A. | 45 | ||
| Brain, Affect and Education | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| TESOL | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| Curriculum & Instruction | Ed.S. | 90 | 45 | |
| Curriculum & Instruction | Ed.D. | 132 | 87 | 42 |
* Additional units may be required, depending on prerequisite coursework completion. Advisement available: (951) 785-2203.
| Credential Programs | Type | Units to Complete the program |
| Multiple Subject (Elementary) State of California | Credential | 47 (including student teaching) |
| Single Subject (Secondary) State of California | Credential | 47 (including student teaching) |
| Seventh-day Adventist Teacher Certification | Certificate | 47 (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."