School of Education | Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA LMU.edu
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School of Education | Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA LMU.edu
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Admin Services Credential

LMU provides a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in combination with optional M.A. in School Administration, proudly preparing school leaders to foster social justice for students and their communities in PK-12 public and charter schools and districts.

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Program Overview

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program offers access to credentialed educators through streamlined course modules and innovative content that empower candidates to examine systemic practices and bring a fresh perspective to education. LMU's program fully integrates the coursework with supportive CalAPA field experiences required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for eligibility for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Candidates have the convenient option of a few more courses to also earn a Master of Arts in School Administration. 

Program Details

Degree(s) Awarded

  • Administrative Services Credential, Preliminary
  • Optional: Master of Arts in School Administration (+14 course units)

Cohort Program?

Yes for credential

Typical Program Length

1.5 years - Credential (Fall, Spring, Fall)
2 years - Credential + M.A.

Units/Hours to Completion

  • 18 course units (Credential) or
  • 32 course units (Credential + M.A.)
  • CalAPA’s included and completed with substantive LMU support 

Estimated Cost

$1,632 per unit plus fees before scholarships; visit Graduate Cost of Attendance for more details

Teaching Modality

Online; all enrolled credential candidates must reside in California

Course Meeting Times

Designated Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Next Application Deadline

June 1, 2025

Next Program Start Date

August 2025 (Fall)

Application Requirements

picture of hands writing in a notebook
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement of intent
  • Verification of 3.5 to 4 years of experience
  • Verification of your clear base teaching or clear service credential
The California Administrative Services credential program requires a minimum of five years of experience working under a valid California base credential. (See the CTC website for further details.) In order to meet this requirement, applicants are required to have have a valid California clear base credential with at least 4 years credentialed experience prior to the start of the program.

Scholarships

We’re pleased to offer all candidates for the Administrative Services Credential with optional M.A. in School Administration a generous tuition scholarship equivalent to approximately $600 per course unit (an $1,800 scholarship for each 3-unit course).

We’re also proud to partner with our Diversity in Leadership (DLI) Fellows Program to offer additional grant funding. Please refer to DLI’s website for information about aid offered for candidates enrolled in this program.

LMU School of Education’s scholarships summary page lists other potential scholarships and funding opportunities for paying for your education. Please make note of all deadlines for scholarship applications, which may occur before an admission application deadline.

Scholarships are awarded to applicants based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to LMU’s mission, and other factors.

SOE’s Scholarships and Aid Page

Financial Aid

LMU’s Financial Aid office provides information regarding various types of state and federal financial aid and financing options to further cover tuition and fees. Visit their website for options and details on Graduate Student Financial Aid, Cost of Living, and other valuable resources.  Candidates are required to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California DREAM Act aid for consideration of financial assistance.

Due to federal guidelines, federal student loans are available only to those students enrolled in an M.A. program alongside their credential program.

Financial Aid Office

Eligibility

FAQs

How to Apply

Cost of Attendance

From the Program Director

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I’m pleased that you’re considering the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program at LMU School of Education. We believe that school leaders must be ethical leaders for social justice who respect differences, value reflective practice, understand change facilitation, build learning communities, and work effectively in diverse settings. LMU’s mission dictates that we lead in order to facilitate transformation, and our school administration leadership programs bring that vision to life.

I encourage you to tour LMU’s campus (in person or online), meet with an admission counselor, and request detailed information about our program.

Sincerely,

Manuel N. Ponce, Jr., M.A. ’09, Ed.D. ’13
Program Director, School Administration

View School Leadership & Administration Faculty

Careers

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An Administrative Services Credential enables you to develop, coordinate, and assess instructional programs; evaluate and supervise certificated and classified personnel; and manage budgets and resources for schools, districts, counties, and much more. Common career pathways and job titles include:

  • Superintendent
  • Associate superintendent
  • Deputy superintendent
  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Dean
Career Support at LMU

Take Your Next Step Today

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Our team is always happy to assist you!