Preliminary Administrative Services Program Overview

This CTC-accredited credential program is designed for individuals seeking a career in school administration and educational leadership. Graduates may be eligible to be recommended for a certificate of eligibility or Preliminary Administrative Services Credential needed to serve as a school site/district administrator in California.

As a student, you will:

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate an actionable and sustainable vision of teaching and learning that is responsive to the changing context of a given school and local education agency.
  • Advocate for the school and communicate its successes, needs, and challenges to a broad range of audiences through a variety of media to achieve the school’s vision and goals.
  • Evaluate classroom instruction using research-based instructional and assessment practices to provide focused, constructive coaching and feedback.
  • Integrate organizational values, structures, processes, and policies in solving problems and making decisions that productively impact the school’s ability to achieve its vision and goals.
  • Create, implement, and evaluate a professional growth plan to build individual and collective capacity for leadership.
  • Strategically design continuous improvement plans based on analysis of program assessment data.
CA Only

At a Glance

Online
27 Credits
Next Start Date
Fall I (Aug 25, 2025)

Career Outlook for Administrative Services Credential - Preliminary

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDAD 602

Applied Educational Research and Data Analysis

3 Credits
EDAD 604

Community Perspective, Collaboration and School Culture

3 Credits
EDAD 606

Change and Continuous Improvement

3 Credits
EDAD 608

School Law, School wide Discipline and Safety

3 Credits
EDAD 610

Innovations in Instructional Leadership

3 Credits
EDAD 612

Working with Diverse Populations

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this credential program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • Valid California clear prerequisite credential
  • A minimum of three years of full-time, verified experience under a prerequisite CTC credential, with verification provided by a letter from the school district on letterhead and signed by Human Resources

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Program Start Dates

The program starts three times per year in Fall I, Spring I, and Summer I.

Letter of Good Standing

If the candidate is not currently employed in a position requiring a prerequisite CTC credential, they must submit a letter identifying the school and principal under whom fieldwork assignments will be completed.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Calculate Time and Cost

Testimonials

Meg V

The MAELA program was beyond invaluable. So much of what I was asked to do was relatable to my job. The people affiliated with the program know what works in education.

Meg V.
Educational Leadership & Administration, MA

The professors and staff were incredibly supportive, flexible, and helpful. I have graduated with the confidence to enter the world of education and be a knowledgeable educational leader.

Sarah D.
Educational Leadership & Administration, MA

 

An Online Education
Built For You

Get More Information

I'm active-duty military or spouse
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
aoi-cta-leadership.jpg

Want More Information About Leadership?

Explore professional pathways that span industries from business to education and learn about degree options that fit your future.