Unlock Your Leadership Potential

Are you ready to step into a school leadership role in California? UMass Global’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration (MAELA) with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) prepares experienced educators to become vice principals, assistant principals, and principals in K–12 schools. In this practitioner-focused online MAELA program, you will build the skills to oversee daily school operations, manage budgets, lead curriculum and instruction, support teacher development, collaborate with families and communities, and drive student achievement. Fieldwork and clinical practice are embedded throughout the program so you can apply what you learn in real educational settings and grow your confidence as a school leader.

Here's what you can expect from this unique, practitioner-based program:

  • Credentialing Opportunities: When you successfully complete all program requirements, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Eligibility or PAS Credential (PASC) from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). If you are hired into an eligible administrative role while enrolled, you may also qualify for an Administrative Services Internship Credential to help you move into leadership sooner.
  • Mentorship and Support: You will learn from experienced K–12 administrators who are committed to developing the next generation of educational leaders. Their guidance, feedback, and real-world insight help you translate research into practice and lead positive change in your school or district.
CA Only

At a Glance

Online
34 Credits
Next Start Date
Fall I (Aug 31, 2026)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Fast Track

Choose Your Pace

Full-time (finish in 1 year) and part-time (finish in 2 years) options let you advance your career in a way that fits seamlessly into your life.

Standards

Aligned with Standards

Aligned to the highest national standards in leadership, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Education Leaders Standards.

Standards

CTC-Recognized Degree

Our MAELA with Embedded Credentials was designed to meet the California Council on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) program standards.

Courses You Might Take

EDAD 616

Professional Growth and Learning

3 Credits
EDAD 614

Aligning Resources and Systems for School Improvement

3 Credits
EDAD 608

School Law, School wide Discipline and Safety

3 Credits
EDAD 606

Change and Continuous Improvement

3 Credits
EDAD 604

Community Perspective, Collaboration and School Culture

3 Credits
EDAD 602

Applied Educational Research and Data Analysis

3 Credits

What Learning Is Like at UMass Global

Instructor-Paced, Credit-Based

This program is delivered in a credit-based, instructor-led format, with online courses organized into eight-week sessions. Each course follows a clear weekly rhythm with structured assignments and set deadlines, guided by faculty who keep you on track and help you take on complex topics. You’ll also learn alongside a cohort of peers, participate in discussions and group work, and receive regular feedback from your professor — ideal if you prefer structure, interaction, and one-on-one support.

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.

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-Paced, Credit-Based

This program is delivered in a credit-based, instructor-led format, with online courses organized into eight-week sessions. Each course follows a clear weekly rhythm with structured assignments and set deadlines, guided by faculty who keep you on track and help you take on complex topics. You’ll also learn alongside a cohort of peers, participate in discussions and group work, and receive regular feedback from your professor — ideal if you prefer structure, interaction, and one-on-one support.

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.

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

Stephanie Herrera, EdD
Associate Dean, School of Education, Assistant Professor of Education
Stephanie Herrera EdD

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.

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.

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Military Veterans!

  •  Yellow Ribbon School
  •  Recognized Military Friendly School
  •  Founded to Serve Military Personnel

Check out our Military and Veterans pages and discover how we can support you in your educational journey.

Learn How

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is institutionally 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)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

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