MA in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (TK-12 Educational Leadership)

Total units required for MA: 30

Program Description

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies aims to develop TK-12, higher education, and workforce development leaders from diverse backgrounds who will positively impact all educational settings. The program specifically focuses on cultivating leaders who promote learning, equity, social justice and achievement for all students. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies seeks to prepare transformational leaders with the capacity to effectively facilitate and manage change.

Admission Requirements

Admission as a classified graduate student requires:

  • a baccalaureate degree;
  • four years of teaching experience or its functional equivalent;
  • a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units;
  • proficiency in written English composition as demonstrated by either passing the Sacramento State Writing Placement for Juniors exam or equivalent, or enrolling in ENGL 109W passing with a grade of C or better; and
  • an interview with a student/practicing administrator/faculty team; interviews will be scheduled at the close of the application period, (the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test scores are NOT required; however, these test scores may be included with the admission application).

Applicants who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a written response to the student's admission application.

Admission Procedures

Prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, Riverfront Center 215, (916) 278-6470:

  • an online application for admission; and
  • one set of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State.

For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit the Office of Graduate Studies website.

The graduate degree program is subject to general University and Departmental requirements. These requirements are explained in the Graduate Degree Requirements section of the University Catalog.

Specific Additional Admission Requirements

Admission as a classified graduate student in TK-12 School Leadership and Policy Studies requires:

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree at the time of application;
  • GPA in the last 60 units of a 2.5 or better;
  • A minimum of 4 years teaching experience in a TK-12 educational setting;
  • Completion, and successful review, of CSU Apply and program Supplemental Application
  • Successful interview with faculty, demonstrating:
    • Preparation for graduate level study
    • Some leadership experience
    • Familiarity with current issues in education
    • Knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation skills
    • Knowledge of TK-12 education as a field
    • Entry level understanding of ethical leadership
    • Vision for TK-12 education

Applicants who have deficiencies in admission requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a written response to the student's admission application.

Specific Additional Admission Procedures

Each applicant must forward the following to the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department in the College of Education:

  • the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies application for admission (available in Eureka Hall 437);
  • two letters of reference (forms attached to application packet); and
  • one set of transcripts, including Sacramento State (these need not be official).

Approximately two weeks after the deadline for submission of application materials to the Department, each applicant will be scheduled for an interview. Approximately two weeks after all applicants have been interviewed, a decision regarding admission will be mailed to each applicant.

Minimum Units and Grade Requirement for the Degree

Units required for the MA:  30

Minimum Cumulative GPA:  3.0.  Only units with a grade ''C'' or better may be counted.

Notes:

  • This graduate degree program is subject to general University and Departmental requirements. These requirements are explained in the ''Graduate Studies'' and the ''Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department'' sections of this catalog.
  • All work must be completed within a 7-year period
  • 30 units required for the MA, including at least 21 units in approved Educational Leadership courses. Up to six units, including extension credit, can be transferred from another university (if current and not used toward another degree); a minimum of 21 units must be taken in residence

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student working toward a Master's degree must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy for the degree; the application is a form on which the student indicates a proposed program of graduate study. The student must be advanced to candidacy the semester prior to enrolling in EDLP 500A. The procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

  • removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
  • completed at least 12 units in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies graduate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA;
  • obtained advisor's preliminary approval of thesis or project proposal; and
  • taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

Advancement to candidacy forms are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website or the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department Office. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her Educational Leadership faculty advisor. The completed form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval.

Program Requirements

Graduate Core Requirements (15 Units)
EDLP 200Diversity and Equity in Educational Leadership 13
EDLP 201Foundations of Educational Leadership 13
EDLP 202School Law and Ethics of Educational Leadership,Education Law and Ethics of Educational Leadership 33
EDLP 209Organizational Systems and Human Resources3
EDLP 250Education Research 13
Concentration (9 Units)
EDLP 203Foundations of Educational Leadership,School Finance 23
EDLP 205Instructional Leadership3
EDLP 495BField Study in Educational Leadership3
Culminating Requirement 56
EDLP 230
Master of Arts Thesis/Project Seminar 4
EDLP 500A
Master of Arts Thesis/Project 4,6
Total Units30
1

To be taken fall semester.

2

To be taken spring semester.

3

To be taken in summer session.

4

To be taken 3rd semester.

5

Thesis/Projects. Students must file a Master's Thesis/Project Petition in the Department office one semester in advance and must have advanced to candidacy the semester prior to enrolling in thesis/project. EDLP 500A and EDLP 230 can not be taken in the same semester unless approved by the student's advisor and Graduate Coordinator or Department Chair. EDLP 500A and EDLP 500B can not be taken in the same semester unless approved by the student's advisor and Graduate Coordinator or Department Chair. Students needing additional time may enroll in subsequent semesters in EDLP 299T with approval of their advisor and Department Chair.

6

In order to be assured that faculty thesis/project advisors will be available, students must file the thesis/project petition with proposal in the Department office in advance of the semester of enrollment in EDLP 500A, EDLP 500B or EDLP 299T.