Academic programs
Mills College at Northeastern University
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Master’s Degree
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program, in addition to providing you with the skills and knowledge to utilize research to inform leadership, meets the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC). The MA in Educational Leadership program prepares you for administrative positions in K–12 public schools in the state of California. The PASC is required for administrative roles in all K–12 public schools in California.
Location
Oakland, California
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
1 Year
Type
Classroom
Program overview
Our MA in Educational Leadership program emphasizes both developmental and constructivist approaches to education. You’ll learn to test theory in practice, anticipate consequences, and evaluate outcomes as a school leader in a wide range of educational settings. Our graduates have a strong record of becoming successful school administrators and leaders in educational transformation. They are employed in 21 Bay Area school districts, including those in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
In this credential-based program, you’ll earn both a master’s degree in educational leadership as well as a PASC credential. After earning the PASC, you may continue on toward a Clear credential, which certifies you to maintain employment as a school administrator in California’s K–12 public school system beyond the five-year PASC credential.
The curricula and pedagogy for the MA in Educational Leadership program is firmly rooted in praxis, combining both research and practice, and the goal of our program is to develop reflective practitioners and thinkers. As a student, you’ll construct models of leadership that you can apply to real-life situations. Application of theories, identification of concepts, review of current research literature, and exploration of documented experience with comparable problems will be integrated into your course content and fieldwork experiences.
From the beginning of your coursework through the completion of your final field experience, you’ll work to clarify and deepen your educational philosophy and sharpen your educational vision. To develop a philosophy of education and a vision of excellence, you will—through courses and field experiences—read and understand contending philosophies and theories of education.
Adult learning is addressed through andragogy, a term used to clarify the curriculum development needs of adults. The MA in Educational Leadership program identifies the need for adults to be motivated to learn, to be active in the learning process, and to have the opportunity to integrate their past experiences with their present learning.
Our program integrates California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPE) competencies into the program in two field experience seminars, where students can practice their leadership while demonstrating mastery of CAPE standards.
Unique features
- In-person, academically rigorous program.
- To accommodate full-time work schedules, most classes meet once weekly per semester, in the evenings.
- Join a network of 21 Bay Area school districts.
Program objectives
- Meet standards for the PASC while attaining mastery of the CAPE competencies in one year (30 credits).
- Acquire mastery of leadership skills needed to serve as a school administrator in K–12 public schools.
- Achieve readiness to submit the California Administrator Performance Assessment exam to outside reviewers during the final two semesters of the program.
Career outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that California is the state with the fifth highest annual mean wage for kindergarten through secondary administrators, at $128,280 (2022). California elementary teachers earn an annual mean wage of $86,470, middle school teachers earn $92,350, high school teachers receive $94,600, and early childhood special education teachers earn $78,310 (BLS, 2022). For teachers seeking opportunities to earn a higher salary while working in a school-based position, continuing their education in an Administrative Services Credential program to secure employment as an administrator can significantly increase their wages.
Graduates of the MA in Educational Leadership program are employed in 21 Bay Area school districts, including those in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.
Curriculum
For 100+ years, Northeastern University has designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential learning
Your clinical and field experiences will occur at a school site where novice administrators grow their leadership capacity and learn through performance. With the support of experienced mentors, candidates will:
- Coach teachers.
- Review videos of their coaching sessions to improve their coaching skills.
- Receive feedback from their field experience instructors who have the dual role as faculty and former school principals.
- Receive feedback from mentors at their school site placements.
- Confidently navigate the legal, ethical, social, and fiscal demands educational leaders encounter.
“[The Mills educational leadership program] gave me the tools to foster inclusive school environments and the confidence to drive positive change as a high school principal.”
—Miles Green, ’20, Mills College, and principal at Holy Names High School in Oakland
Tuition and aid
Tuition
$23K
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024–2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
Finance your education
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
How to apply
Learn more about our required admissions materials and process, including deadlines.