Take the Lead with a Fully Online Program
Cal State East Bay’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership provides you with the knowledge and practical training needed to assume a leadership role in an educational environment. The program is offered online, making it convenient for you to expand your education while remaining an integral part of your students’ lives.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Accredited by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (Administrative Credentials)
Taught by experienced, respected faculty in the education arena
As a participant in CSUEB’s online program, you’ll receive the same high-quality education available to traditional students. You can expect a challenging, hands-on curriculum as well as interactive feedback from your instructors and fellow students. You also have the option to earn a Preliminary California Administrative Services Credential.
The program has helped me reflect on and refine my leadership skills. I have developed a greater sense of self-awareness and confidence in my ability to affect change at the district level.
A Curriculum with Real World Application
As a student in the MS in Educational Leadership program, you will gain insight into tried and true techniques that can make a winning difference in your institution. You will leave the program having earned expertise in a range of topics, including:
A thorough understanding of major theories of organizational leadership.
Management skills related to school law, finance, and professional development.
Practical skills including finding and using data to define issues, conducting local research, developing clear oral and written communications, and using effective collaboration strategies.
The ability to evaluate the significance and validity of research and literature in your area of study.
The perspective of leadership through the lens of equality and social justice.
Make an Impact
What other professional field enables you to impact the lives of thousands of young people throughout your career? None other than education. Not only can you empower future generations, but you can also help shape the education industry in a number of ways – from technology advancements and curriculum enhancements to better overall leadership and management of today's schools using the lens of social justice and equity.
Empower future generations and help shape the education industry.
Occupational Trends
About 20,200 job openings for elementary, middle, and high school principals are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
In 2023, the median annual salary for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $103,460.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The number of jobs of elementary and secondary school education administrators was 295,810 in 2023.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
After completing my Master’s in Educational Leadership, I had the knowledge and confidence to further my career in education.
Leadership at All Levels
Set yourself apart in the education field by earning your MS in Educational Leadership from Cal State East Bay. The knowledge you will gain and the ability to apply that knowledge in a practical way will empower you to make a greater impact in your school and community.
Upon completion of the program, graduates find roles in educational programs within a variety of settings, including Pre-K -12th grade, higher education, and nonprofit educational organizations. Graduates have accepted roles as principals and assistant principals, department chairs, district superintendents, curriculum specialists, and school board contributors. Others have chosen to remain in the classroom, using their newly acquired skills to create a more effective learning environment that drives their students to excel.
Whichever path you choose, Cal State East Bay’s program will ensure you’re well-positioned to succeed now and in the future.
Here is what students have to say about the program:
CSUEB’s online program was as comprehensive and challenging as any program I’ve ever completed. The online course provided a rich experience, with online discussions that were thoughtful and engaging.
Cal State East Bay’s program provides an exciting educational option for working professionals. The timelines were manageable and the professors were flexible and easy to communicate with.
Program Objectives
Completing Cal State East Bay’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership Program will provide you with greater insight into:
Site leadership and organizational behavior
Instructional leadership
Supervision and staff development
From Learning to Leading
Take advantage of the flexibility a fully online course provides. If you are also earning the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, there is a fieldwork requirement which will be offered at your school site.
Degree Requirements
In addition to participating in the online course, you will demonstrate your educational leadership knowledge through:
- Maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
- Satisfactory completion of the University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR) by passing EDLD 600 with at least a "C" grade
- In the second year of the program, students initiate and complete a collaborative inquiry (research) project.
Required Courses
Sample MS in EDLD Course Sequence & Schedule
| Year 1: Spring Semester | Units |
|---|---|
| EDLD 600 Leading for Social Justice & Equity in Urban Schools (will meet the UWSR if completed with at least a "C" grade) |
4 |
| EDLD 620 Educational Leadership for Equitable Resources | 3 |
| Year 1: Fall Semester | Units |
|---|---|
| EDLD 610 Transforming Professional Learning to Support Equitable Student Outcomes | 4 |
| EDLD 625 Application of School Laws, Policies, & Governance for Equitable Outcomes | 3 |
| EDLD 697 Issues in Educational Leadership | 1 |
| Year 2: Spring Semester | Units |
|---|---|
| EDLD 630 Collaborative Research for Equity | 4 |
| EDLD 635 Equity Research Design I | 3 |
| Year 2: Fall Semester | Units |
|---|---|
| EDLD 693 Collaborative Research Project | 4 |
| EDLD 645 Equity Research Design II | 3 |
| EDLD 697 Issues in Educational Leadership | 1 |
For those pursuing the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, you will also need to complete EDLD 695 and EDLD 696 (Fieldwork Practicum; 2 units each) sequentially, starting with EDLD 695 during your first, second or third semester.
You are invited to join a cohort of students who all follow the same schedule. New cohorts begin the program in Spring semester.
University Writing Skills Requirement (UWSR)
EDLD 600 will meet the UWSR if completed with a grade of "C" or better. Since this is a required course in the program, you will fulfill the UWSR in your first semester. Even if you have met the UWSR previously (i.e., earned your bachelor's degree at another CSU campus, recieved an essay score of 4.5 or higher on the GMAT or GRE, or earned an essay score of 53 or higher on the CBEST), you must still take EDLD 600.
You will not have to take the Writing Skills Test (WST) if you pass EDLD 600 with at least a "C" grade.
Next, meet your faculty. »
Featured Faculty
Dr. Michael Fanning
Our faculty is compelled to support new educational leaders who will bring about greater equity of learning for all students. Equity is a foundational requirement to bring about a just society where every person has the skills and knowledge they need to be full participants in fulfilling humanity’s destiny: to be united as one diverse family.
Dr. Michael Fanning has a several degrees, including a Doctorate in Education. He also holds four teaching credentials and administrative credentials for both K-12 schools and Community Colleges. He has worked in schools as a cook, custodian, teaching assistant, classroom teacher, mentor teacher, principal, and as a district Director of Human Resources and district Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He has taught education courses since 2000, at four different universities, where he also has served ten years as a program Coordinator and Director. Besides teaching at CSU East Bay, he is also an educational consultant who regularly visits schools to support teachers and school principals by making specific recommendations to improve instructional practices, professional development, school safety, human resources practices, and the effective use of fiscal resources.
Dr. Nancy Jordan
Teaching doesn't just require educating the mind; it demands the formation of the heart. I strive to inspire my students to nurture cognitive curiosity, engage in personal reflection, and collaborate with team members. All are necessary for successful leadership. As educators, we are leaders.
Nancy Jordan, Ed.D. was thrilled to join the California State University East Bay Online Master of Science in Educational Leadership program as an Adjunct Instructor in 2011. In 2014, Dr. Jordan stepped into the important role of Program Coordinator. Forming current and future leaders brings incredible joy to Dr. Jordan and she strongly believes in the mission of the popular CSUEB Online Educational Leadership program.
Dr. Jordan has spent much of her career providing leadership in educational settings as Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, and Principal. In 2016, Nancy accepted the position as the Northern California Director of Mission Integration for St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare. In this role, Nancy educates and connects stakeholders with the Mission, Vision, Values, History and Heritage of the organization.
Dr. Jordan holds a B.A. in Psychology, M.A in School Psychology, M.A. in Educational Leadership, Doctorate of Education with focus on Interdisciplinary Leadership, two California state credentials: Pupil Personnel Services and Clear Administrative Services. She is a credentialed School Counselor, School Psychologist and holds a private license in Educational Psychology.
In her free time, Dr. Jordan enjoys traveling with her husband and their 3 children and walking her sweet, labrador retriever, Duncan.
Laurie Sealy
Successful educational leaders draw on their talents, their skills, and their broad experiences to apply what works best for a given situation at a given time—appreciating the unique role of context and valuing the educators they work alongside. There is no one size fits all solution, but there are universal truths that can guide our actions for the benefit of every individual we have the privilege to serve.
Laurie Sealy has a strong background in leading instructional supervision in curriculum development and in working with teachers across a broad international spectrum. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento, a master’s degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from Sonoma State University, and an advanced certification in Educational Leadership and Instruction from the University of the West Indies.
Working with teachers at Cal State East Bay, as well as across the Caribbean and in the Middle East, it has become very clear to her how school leaders and teachers yearn for collaborative learning communities. She believes these successful and sustainable learning communities evolve where teachers are supported to use authentic assessment to inform instruction and in schools where educators work together to close achievement gaps and develop effective strategies collectively toward a shared vision.
Mary Jo Verbitsky
Mary Jo Verbitsky graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a BS in Liberal Studies and an MS in Educational Leadership from California State University, East Bay. She has taught for the El Dorado County Office of Education for 22 years. Verbitsky’s professional background includes work in alternative education, charter schools, and the new CCSS and SBAC.
Admission Requirements
If you would like to apply to Cal State East Bay’s Online Master of Science in Educational Leadership Degree Program, please consider the following requirements:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in university course work.
- Three recommendations from professional colleagues, including one from an educational administrator.
- A résumé that shows evidence of leadership activities.
- Statement of your professional goals related to the education field.
After your documentation has been received, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Review Committee.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit two applications to be considered for the program:
- One department application
- One to the university through Cal State Apply
Apply as soon as possible to secure ample delivery time of your application materials and timely processing of the information. All new cohorts begin each January.
Admission Deadlines
| Semester | Application Deadline | Transcripts & Other Documents Due |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | Program Application: 07/01/24 - 10/01/24 University Application: 08/01/24 - 11/01/24 |
Program Application: 10/01/24 University Application: 11/01/24 |
For international students, please refer to our International Application and Documents Deadlines.
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (PASC)
*Please note this option is available only in addition to the MS in Educational Leadership degree. This is not a stand-alone program.
If you are also interested in earning your Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC), please consider the following additional requirements:
- A current California teaching or services credential and a bachelor's degree.
- A minimum of five years full-time K-12 teaching or service experience under a credential.
- Satisfactory completion of CBEST (state test required for credentials).
More details on the eligibility requirements for the preliminary administrative credential can be found here.
Additional Information Regarding the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential:
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing took action to modify the requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC). Please review the commission’s program sponsor alert for details regarding the regulatory changes and implementation timeline.
You may take fieldwork courses for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential if you have worked as a California credentialed teacher (or in another position which requires a California service credential) for at least three years at the time you begin your program. However, you will not be able to apply for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential until you have both a Professional/Clear Teaching or Service credential and you have completed five years of full time experience.
If an employer wishes to hire you as an administrator, they may apply for a waiver of two of the five years of required experience. The California Commission for Teacher Credentialing can provide information to school employers about this waiver process.
At Cal State East Bay, we pride ourselves on putting students first, from the moment you inquire until you graduate. We hope you've found answers to your questions in this support center, but if not, please get in touch.