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Admin Services Credential

LMU’s Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program prepares equity-minded school leaders who can skillfully navigate the complex challenges of PK-12 schools and districts in California

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Program Overview

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) program  fully integrates coursework with supportive fieldwork experiences that meet the requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Candidates in the PASC program also have the option to continue their studies at LMU for an additional year to earn an M.A. in Educational Leadership. (More details about this master’s program will be available in summer 2026.)

Program Details

Degree Awarded

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

Cohort Program?

Yes

Program Length

12 months

Units/Hours to Completion

  • 18 course units, including CalAPA requirements

Estimated Cost

$1,726 per course unit, plus fees (doesn't include scholarships; visit Graduate Cost of Attendance for more details)

Teaching Modality

Online; candidates must reside in California when they begin the program

Course Meeting Times

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

Next Application Deadline

December 1, 2026

Next Program Start Date

January 2027 (Spring)

Application Requirements

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  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience working under a valid California base credential (see the CTC website for further details
  • Verification of a clear base teaching or clear service credential
  • At least four and a half (4.5) years of work experience while holding a clear base teaching or service credential prior to starting the program
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement of intent

Scholarships

We’re pleased to offer all PASC candidates a tuition scholarship equivalent to approximately $600 per course unit, which amounts to 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 more details.

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 students enrolled in an M.A. program alongside a 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 the PASC program brings this 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
Director, PASC Program

View Educational Leadership 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!