Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
Get to Know LMU's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, prepares experienced educators to meet state requirements for administrative leadership in California schools. Designed for professionals ready to move into school administration, the program develops the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to student learning and educational equity. Through focused leadership coursework and structured support for the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA), candidates build the preparation required for effective school leadership and California credentialing.
Our focused curriculum develops core expertise in foundations of leadership, school finance and human resources, governance, law and policy, and instructional leadership. Candidates also enroll in three 0-unit CalAPA support courses that provide structured guidance and monitor progress through each assessment cycle. Together, the coursework supports completion of the program and the state requirements associated with California's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Quick Facts
- Units: 12
- Part-time: 1 year
- Modality: Online (Synchronous and Asynchronous)
- Class Times: every other Saturday, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Enrollment Terms: Fall and Spring
Pathway to a Master's Degree
Students who complete the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program may apply all credential program coursework toward the M.A. in Educational Leadership.
Our Preliminary Administrative Services Credential by the Numbers
School of Education in California*
* U.S. News and World Report, 2026
LMU School of Education Students Awarded Grants and/or Scholarships
Average LMU Graduate Class Size
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Admission Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a foreign institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants who do not meet this requirement may submit a form to request an exception to the GPA requirement.
- Five years of successful, full-time experience in an eligible school-based professional role by the time they are recommended for the credential.
- California residency for the duration of the program.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are received; there is no need to wait until a deadline to submit your application. Applicants should expect to receive an admission decision within one month of submitting a complete application.
Spring (January) 2027
- October 15, 2026: Priority Deadline
- November 15, 2026: Final Deadline
Fall (August) 2027
- May 15, 2027: Priority Deadline
- June 15, 2027: Final Deadline
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Application: Resume, personal statement, verification of experience, verification of credential, and $50 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- College/university transcripts
- Interview (by invitation only)
International applicants have additional admission requirements.
LMU does not issue student (F-1) visas for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program.
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Never Miss a Deadline
Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allow for appropriate planning.