At PLNU, we are here for the same reasons you are: We truly believe in the power of education, and we care deeply about individuals — including you.

The Diverse and Cross-Cultural Environments for Leaders program will prepare you to be a more effective leader in an education environment, business, or nonprofit organization. This 15-unit course of study can serve as a concentration within a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in leadership in learning or as a stand-alone added authorization.

In Diverse and Cross-Cultural Environments for Leaders, you will gain an in-depth understanding of complex cultural dynamics including race, gender, generation, religion, and socio-economic background. In addition, you will develop your ability to respond to the social, emotional, and academic needs of children, families, and community members, including military families, foster families, and those impacted by homelessness. You will learn from professors who have traveled to, worked in, and immersed themselves into a wide variety of socio-economic environments.
You don’t work in education because it’s easy; you do it because it matters. You want to be an educator who makes a difference in your students’ lives. That’s what we want, too.

Everyone you encounter here will share your goal of better serving your students, from your admissions counselor to your professors. Rest assured, PLNU’s School of Education will take a personal interest in you and care about your concerns, experience, beliefs, and goals.

Specialized to Your Interests

Learn to successfully serve specific populations and incorporate the latest, research-based and classroom-tested best practices in a highly focused program. Take certificates and added authorizations alone, in combination, or as part of a master’s degree to create your ideal combination.   

Convenient for Your Life

Our online and hybrid formats make these authorization and certificate programs work with your career and family obligations. Since PLNU is known for making education personal, you can be sure you will receive the attention and support you need.

Relevant to Your Needs

District partnerships ensure PLNU’s curriculum addresses current needs and topics facing educators. As a Christian university, PLNU equips you to integrate your beliefs, values, and goals with your teaching practice.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Spring 2022 Quad I - January 10, 2022

• Spring 2022 Quad II - March 14, 2022

• Summer 2022 Quad I - May 9, 2022

• Summer 2022 Quad II - July 4, 2022

• Fall 2022 Quad I - August 29, 2022

• Fall 2022 Quad II - October 24, 2022

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2021 Quad I – August 2, 2021
  All returning & exceptions students - July 19, 2021

• Fall 2021 Quad II – September 27, 2021
  All returning & exceptions students - September 13, 2021

• Spring 2022 Quad I – November 22, 2021

• Spring 2022 Quad II – February 14, 2022

Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's education program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced, that addresses the following topics:
   • Describe your professional career goals for the next five years.
   • Describe the variety of experiences that helped you determine these goals.
   • Explain what motivates you to work in California’s diverse schools.
   • Explain why you are applying to PLNU, a private Christian university.
4. Provide two professional recommendations. You will be asked to register your recommenders by providing their names, titles, and email addresses.
5. For credential seekers only: Submit basic skills exam (CBEST or equivalent) scores. This can be demonstrated by taking the CBEST exam
   • OR Multiple Subject CSET plus writing skills examination
   • OR CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examination
   • OR providing proof of a valid California teaching credential

Start Application

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and meets the requirements for educator certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in teacher credentialing is available on this website. 

This program is ideal for:

• Teachers, counselors and other professionals who work in diverse community settings
• Those who provide professional development to others in cross-cultural competence
• Resource personnel at a variety of human services and health agencies

Course information in the 2021 Graduate and Professional Studies catalog