Become a catalyst for positive change in your community with UMass Global's national, online educational leadership degrees, including CTC-accredited pathways for school administrators in California.
Be the Change. Become the Leader Your Community Needs Most
Great leaders are needed in every industry. Whether you dream of making an impact in the California public school system as a school leader or supporting student outcomes in a non-teaching role, UMass Global can help you get there.
Our Educational Leadership degrees are designed for busy professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining their current commitments. From CTC-accredited credentials to a master's degree in educational leadership to a doctorate in organizational leadership, you'll be ready to lead positive change in your community. Professional development courses and certificates are also available for those currently working in the field who want to boost their resumes. Explore these helpful resources to determine which program best aligns with your career goals, then start your journey to achieving them at UMass Global.
Frequently Asked Questions
CASC is designed to develop the professional competencies of practicing educational leaders. This program is Fieldwork / Evidence of Competency-based and is in full compliance with the CTC requirements. Candidates will be required to demonstrate critical standards-based knowledge, skill and abilities through formative and summative assessments.
Educational Administrators who currently hold a Preliminary Administrative Credential who are interested in clearing their Administrative Credential.
At most institutions, it will take a student three to four years to earn this doctoral degree. But thanks to changes and updates made to the Ed.D. at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), students can now earn this prestigious degree in two years. This has been made possible by UMass Global embedding the student’s research and dissertation into their existing coursework. So, while the student completes their two years of coursework, they will, at the same time, be working through their dissertation. This allows students to complete the program in two years, rather than having to devote their third year solely to their dissertation, as is the case at many other institutions.
This timeframe assumes the student will take two courses in each session: Fall I and II, Spring I and II, and Summer I and II in their first year. Half of those are research courses, working toward their dissertation. In the second year, two courses in Fall I and II and Spring I and II, and then working solely on their dissertation in Summer I and Summer II.
Possible transfer credits can also speed the attainment of your Ed.D. at UMass Global. You can receive up to 12 credits for master’s and doctoral coursework in a field related to organizational leadership.
Absolutely. Earning an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Organizational Leadership is an investment in your future leadership capabilities and career advancement. This degree prepares you to effect positive change, enhance organizational effectiveness, and improve your leadership skills in various settings. Graduates often find that the knowledge and competencies gained significantly impact their professional opportunities, salary potential, and ability to drive strategic initiatives within organizations.
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)
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
What Is Educational Leadership?
Generally speaking, transformational leadership takes traditional leadership skills to the next level by incorporating key aspects of human psychology.
Educational leadership prepares educators to guide schools, support teachers, and improve student outcomes.
Explore why strong leadership matters and how it helps create positive change in education.
Use the skills and experience you gained in the classroom to influence and improve your school system. If you’re eager to know how to become a school principal, check out this step-by-step guide to becoming a principal.
Learn the steps and qualifications for becoming an education superintendent. Discover the path from educator to district leader and the skills needed to make this transition and have a successful career in school leadership.
Everything You Need to Know About Being a School Administrator
Discover the steps for how to become a school administrator. Learn about the different positions, strategies, and responsibilities of school admins.
Read more
5 Ways Educators Can Benefit from a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
There are multiple ways you could benefit from earning an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, including some personal reasons you may not have considered. You could:
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
I started the program because I knew I wanted to lead with a job that had more responsibility and would have more impact. I've reached my goal. Five years later, I am a Doctor of Education, a better leader and person and my school districts and students have benefited from my improved leadership.
Michelle H.
Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.
Through our coursework, we gained clarity to see beyond surface issues to the deeper systemic forces shaping our organizations... our doctoral education has given us the expertise to translate research into meaningful change. As doctors of education, we have the privilege of using our enhanced vision to illuminate paths forward and foster environments where transformation can flourish.
UMass Global, an accredited online college, offers flexible pathways for aspiring and current educational leaders. These programs support your growth with practical learning, field experience, mentorship, and flexible online coursework. From online credential programs to an online master's in educational leadership degree and online doctoral study, these options help you build the skills, experience, and confidence to lead schools, support districts, and create lasting impact.
Lead California schools with UMass Global's CTC-accredited Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Develop vision, coaching, and strategic improvement skills.
May 4, 2026
Administrative Services Credential - Preliminary
CA Only
This credential program is designed for individuals seeking a career in school administration and educational leadership.
Lead California schools with UMass Global's CTC-accredited Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Develop vision, coaching, and strategic improvement skills.
Credentials & Authorizations
Lead California schools with UMass Global's CTC-accredited Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Develop vision, coaching, and strategic improvement skills.
Advance your leadership with UMass Global's Clear Administrative Services Credential. 2-year CTC-authorized program with one-on-one coaching and Ed.D. option.
May 4, 2026
Administrative Services Credential, Clear
CA Only
If you strive to become an educational leader in California, the Clear Administrative Services Credential is a must. This two-year credential program will prepare you for high-level K-12 administrative roles.
Advance your leadership with UMass Global's Clear Administrative Services Credential. 2-year CTC-authorized program with one-on-one coaching and Ed.D. option.
Credentials & Authorizations
Advance your leadership with UMass Global's Clear Administrative Services Credential. 2-year CTC-authorized program with one-on-one coaching and Ed.D. option.
Transform your leadership with UMass Global's Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. AAQEP-accredited program completed in 2 years with embedded dissertation work.
May 4, 2026
Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
2 Yrs
100% Online
Step up and take your place among the next generation of leaders with this Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. Ultimately relevant in the workplace, this online Ed.D. features three yearly starts and a streamlined dissertation process.
Transform your leadership with UMass Global's Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. AAQEP-accredited program completed in 2 years with embedded dissertation work.
Doctorate
Transform your leadership with UMass Global's Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. AAQEP-accredited program completed in 2 years with embedded dissertation work.
Educational Leadership and Admin, PAS Credential, MA
Lead schools with impact through UMass Global's MAELA & PASC program. AAQEP-accredited with real fieldwork and mentorship for California administrators.
May 4, 2026
Educational Leadership and Admin, PAS Credential, MA
CA Only
Incl. PASC
Through online learning and job-embedded clinical practice, this program prepares you to become a California elementary, middle, or high school administrator at a school site or district level.
Lead schools with impact through UMass Global's MAELA & PASC program. AAQEP-accredited with real fieldwork and mentorship for California administrators.
Master's
Lead schools with impact through UMass Global's MAELA & PASC program. AAQEP-accredited with real fieldwork and mentorship for California administrators.
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D) - Information Session
Tuesday, June 9 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Online
Become an Educational Leader Today
Passionate about making a positive change in the education industry? Begin the next step to a degree in educational leadership. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.
