Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program 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
Application Process
Application
Complete and submit an online application and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Resume: Upload a current professional resume highlighting your education, professional experience, leadership roles, and relevant accomplishments.
- Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement of no more than two pages (12-point font, double-spaced) reflecting on your understanding of diversity, social justice, and student achievement. Discuss how these concepts shape your approach to leadership, drawing on your experiences in your current school setting and considering how they will inform your future work as an educational administrator.
- Verification of Experience: Upload a completed Verification of Experience Form for each employer to verify your years of eligible experience.
- Verification of Clear California Teaching or Service Credential: Upload a digital copy of your current Clear California teaching or service credential downloaded directly from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Your letters should be from education professionals who can address your academic preparation, leadership experience, and potential for future leadership. At least one letter must be from your immediate supervisor. You will include the contact information for your recommenders in your application, and they will be contacted by LMU to upload their letters directly into your application file.
College/University Transcripts
Provide official transcripts for all colleges or universities you have attended including community colleges. If you are a current student or alumni of LMU, there is no need to request an official transcript from the LMU Registrar.
Request that official transcripts be sent via email to graduateadmission@lmu.edu. If your university is unable to send an official transcript electronically, please have a physical transcript sent to:
Graduate Admission
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive
Charles Von der Ahe Building, Suite 235
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Applicants who have completed their postsecondary education from an institution outside the U.S. must have their transcript from their degree granting institution translated and evaluated by a U.S. transcript evaluation service. Please see our requirements for International Applicants for more information.
Interview
Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview with a member of the admission committee. Interviews are by invitation only.
International Applicants
LMU does not issue student (F-1) visas for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. Non-U.S. citizens who are green card holders or have visa types that allow university study (such as work visas and dependent visas) may apply to the program. If you have questions about your eligibility due to your visa status, please contact soeinfo@lmu.edu.
International students have additional admission requirements.