The M.A. in PK-12 Educational Leadership requires students to complete coursework required for the administrative credential plus 9 additional units related to research and the completion of an action research project which takes place of the traditional thesis paper required for most M.A. degree majors.

Students are admitted in cohort groups (including both master and credential only students) each summer. Each cohort includes approximately 20-30 students, all of whom are working professionals in public or private schools or other educational settings. Coursework leading towards the preliminary administrative services credential is completed over 3 semesters (summer, fall, and spring). Master's degree students will complete 9 additional units spread out between 2 additional semesters (the summer between years 1 and 2, and the fall semester of the 2nd year).