Master of Arts in Educational Leadership OPASC Combo Program Online
Applications Accepted for:
Fall 2026: Oct. 1, 2025 – June 15, 2026
Click here to view upcoming application and document submission due dates.
Admissions is providing extended support hours on 9/30 for the application deadline to support students who have questions and need assistance with apps.
Staff will be available on chat, email, and phone on 9/30 until 9 pm PT.
SDSU Global Campus is excited to offer a new online program that combines our Online Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (OPASC) program with a Master’s in Educational Leadership PK-12.
- Overview
- Courses
- How To Apply
About the Program
California needs qualified leaders who can transform their school communities. With SDSU Global Campus, you can earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership that’s designed for aspiring PK-12 administrators. This innovative online program combines the coursework of our Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program with an additional capstone course sequence required to earn your master’s degree.
Designed in collaboration with experts from SDSU’s College of Education — ranked #1 out of the 23 campuses in the California State University system — this program can help you build a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment for your students and your fellow educators.
Please note that our new combo program has a separate application from our standalone Online Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. You must select which program you’re joining before you apply, as you cannot switch programs once you’ve applied.
Is This Program Right for Me?
This Master’s in Educational Leadership program is designed for current education professionals who aspire to become quality-driven PK-12 administrators in the State of California. By attaining your Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in conjunction with a master’s degree from San Diego State University, you’ll be prepared to provide the following services in a PK-12 school environment:
- Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of instructional services at the school site level.
- Evaluate certificated personnel employed at the school site level, with the exception of the site administrator.
- Student and certificated personnel employee discipline services at the school site level.
To successfully join the program and start working towards your Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, you’ll need to satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
- A valid California clear or life teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching, or
- A valid California clear or life Designated Subjects Teaching Credential provided the holder also possesses a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, or
- A valid clear or life California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Teacher Librarian Services Credential, Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, or a School Nurse Services Credential, requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including field practice or the equivalent.
What Will I Learn?
Our master’s in educational administration program features the same coursework as our Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. These courses are closely tied to the latest California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPEs) and will prepare you to pass all three CalAPA (California Administrator Performance Assessment) cycles required for licensure as a school administrator in the State of California.
Your classes are 100% online and asynchronous. You can expect to spend an average of 10 hours per week on the learning platform and completing coursework.
You’ll also participate in a series of job-embedded field experiences to help you practice leadership and learn what it takes to become an administrator and meet the challenges facing today’s school communities. Field experiences are required and are supervised by university instructors along with a local site mentor.
In addition to the credential-related coursework, our Master’s in Educational Leadership program features a 3-course capstone sequence in the form of an action research project. Action research is designed to place the researcher within the research context, rather than the more traditional role of being outside and looking in. It’s the most relevant form of inquiry when compared to the daily work of an educational leader.
The capstone sequence allows you to practice data-based decision-making as you learn how to use data to inform your leadership practices and make changes within a school-based system.
- In EDL 690, you’ll explore advanced topics and existing research around a problem of practice within your sphere of influence.
- Then, you’ll identify existing data and prospective opportunities for data collection in EDL 691.
- Finally, in EDL 692, you’ll execute your action research plan, analyze the results, and compile the findings into actionable recommendations.
Student cohorts begin the program in the fall and spring semesters. Each cohort includes approximately 25–35 students, all of whom are working professionals in public or private schools or other educational settings. Your cohort is your learning community — you’ll work together to discuss the coursework, examine day-to-day work-related challenges, and provide encouragement when needed.
Outcomes
Labor Analysis
M.A. in Educational Leadership/OPASC Graduate — Nationwide
- 9,344Job Postings in the last 12 months
- 3%Projected job growth in the next 10 years
- $99,173Average salary of graduates
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Now more than ever, institutions across the state need strong leadership to guide our schools through unprecedented changes. To meet this demand, California needs highly-educated school administrators who can create growth, foster positive student outcomes, and build equitable learning environments for all members of our school communities.
The job outlook for school administrators is bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 270,000 school administrators employed across the country in 2020.
In California, job openings for PK-12 administrators are projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, which translates to nearly 2,500 new positions for administrators across the state. Most job openings in California are seeking superintendents, school principals, assistant school principals, and individuals ready to serve in elementary and secondary school administrative roles.
Salary varies depending on prior experience and credentials, local demand, and other factors. In California, annual wages can range from $90,000 for the bottom 10% of earners to nearly $175,000 for top earners. While earning a master’s degree is not required to become an administrator, most administrators hold a graduate-level degree (44,000 undergraduate degree holders vs. 163,000 graduate degree holders).
Why Should You Choose Us?
Expert Faculty
Learn online from the same faculty and lecturers who teach on campus at San Diego State University. Through years of active teaching experience and leading research projects, our instructors know what works in the classroom.
Stellar Reputation
San Diego State University was originally founded as a school for teachers in 1897. For 125 years, we’ve been preparing students for dynamic leadership roles in school systems across the globe. Today, SDSU’s College of Education is ranked #1 in the CSU system, and our online education master’s program is ranked #8 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
Accessible Learning
All courses are 100% online, self-paced, and can be completed in just one year, earn your license on your schedule and your master’s degree without sacrificing your impact in the classroom.
To complete the Master’s in Educational Leadership/OPASC Combo program, you’ll need to complete all 12 courses for a total of 35 units.
Courses (Fall or Spring)
- EDL 610 Visionary Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 640 Community Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 652 Instructional Improvement Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 660 Field Experience (Taken twice, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester; 3 units each)
- EDL 690: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (I) (2 Units)
Courses (Fall or Spring)
- EDL 650 Professional Growth Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 655 Communication, Problem-Solving and Decision Making in PK-12 Systems (3 Units)
- EDL 660 Field Experience (Taken twice, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester; 3 units each)
- EDL 680 Seminar in PreK-12 Educational Administration (2 Units)
- EDL 691: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (II) or EDL 692: Program Design, Appreciation, and Improvement (2 Units each)
Courses (Summer)
- EDL 600 Organizational and System Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 630 School Improvement Leadership (3 Units)
- EDL 691: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation (II) or EDL 692: Program Design, Appreciation, and Improvement (2 Units each)
Only students admitted to this program may register for courses.
Attend An Application Workshop For Tips On Successfully Applying To SDSU Global Campus.
Please note that our new combo program has a separate application from our standalone Online Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. You must select which program you’re joining before you apply, as you cannot switch programs once you’ve applied.
Out-of-State Applicants
While we welcome out-of-state students, SDSU Global Campus currently cannot accept applications from students residing in certain states. Please check back often, as this list of approved states does change. View the list of authorized states here.
International Applicants
Please click here for detailed guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Admission Requirements
To successfully apply for the M.A. in Educational Leadership/OPASC Combo program, you should be currently employed in a PK-12 setting. You should also ensure that you satisfy one of the following conditions:
- A valid California clear or life teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching
or - A valid California clear or life Designated Subjects Teaching Credential provided the holder also possesses a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
or - A valid clear or life California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Teacher Librarian Services Credential, Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, or a School Nurse Services Credential, requiring a bachelor’s degree and a program of professional preparation, including field practice or the equivalent.
You should also have:
- Verification of passing CBEST scores or a basic skills test.
- 5 years of work experience in your credentialed field by the time of program completion (must be currently working). Your work experience should be in a PK-12 setting within the United States. You’ll need access to a PK-12 school site while in the program to complete the program successfully.
- Recommendation from your site supervisor to be submitted through program application.
We understand that every student’s academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Student Service Representatives to find out what you’ll need to successfully apply to the program.
Application Instructions
To apply for the M.A. in Educational Leadership/OPASC Combo program, you should:
- Submit an application to the University through Cal State Apply. Please select Educational Leadership with Administrative Services (Preliminary) Credential. Please be sure to select the MA option.
- Submit a Program Application to SDSU’s College of Education.
- Within 72 hours of submission of your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email with a direct link to begin your program application.
- Save this email and use the link to revisit your application.
- Your application will be listed based on your Cal State Apply program selection.
- Click on the Application link.
- Click Open Application.
- Complete all required questions and upload the following required documents to the program application:
- California Clear Credential
- Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) with a bachelor’s or higher degree or an equivalent method (refer to the CTC website for more information)
- Acceptable documentation may include a copy of unofficial transcripts or assessment results
- Verification of Experience- A minimum of 5 years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status located in California or another state, or a combination of experience earned in California and another state. This experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, clinical or rehabilitative services, or a combination of teaching and school services. (Substitute teaching does not apply.)
- Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience. (See an example: Verification of Experience Template)
Note: To earn the credential, you must have a full 5 years of teaching experience at the time you finish the program.
- Verification of experience must be on the district or employing agency letterhead and signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, or director of human resources. School or district personnel other than the applicant must verify all experience. (See an example: Verification of Experience Template)
- Statement of Leadership Philosophy
- Write a Statement of Leadership Philosophy, 1-2 pages, addressing your beliefs and values about:
- Leadership
- Curriculum and instruction
- Students
- Teachers
- Parents
- Other stakeholders
- Write a Statement of Leadership Philosophy, 1-2 pages, addressing your beliefs and values about:
- Resumé/CV
- Two Letters of Recommendation – One of the recommenders should be an immediate supervisor. You will need the name and email of recommenders as you will input them in the system. Interfolio will generate an automatic email request and send it to them directly.
- Submit when all required questions have been answered, documents uploaded, and letters of recommendation requested. Note: Please do not wait for the letters of recommendation to be received before submitting.
- Complete all required questions and upload the following required documents to the program application:
- Within 72 hours of submission of your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email with a direct link to begin your program application.
- Submit Official Documents to SDSU Graduate Admissions, which include:
- Students who previously attended SDSU are only required to submit transcripts for coursework completed after their last attendance. If you attended SDSU as an undergraduate, you do not need to submit official SDSU transcripts, as we already have access to those records.
- Transcripts must have been issued within the last year. Transcripts received with print dates older than one year will not be accepted
- If you have international coursework, you are required to submit official transcripts (academic record) and official proof of degree (diploma/degree certificate), both in the original language and an English translation, for all post-secondary schools attended. Please click here for country-specific documents and detailed guidance on how to submit your transcripts, diploma/degree certificate, and proof of English proficiency.
Official documents should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225 - Electronic transcripts are highly encouraged. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your request. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use transcriptsforsdsu@sdsu.edu.
- The transcript submission deadline will be listed in your my.SDSU account under the Tasks tile
After submitting the online Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email from San Diego State University that includes your SDSUid, which is needed to log into my.SDSU. You can use my.SDSU to check your application status, update your contact information, access your financial aid, and more. Please check back frequently to make sure all of the required materials have been received — you’re responsible for ensuring that all supporting materials are submitted by the deadline.
Click here for more information on submitting your transcripts.
Financial Aid
This program is approved for financial aid. To begin the financial aid process, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. There, you’ll be able to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
We encourage you to apply for financial aid as soon as possible.