You desire to inspire and lead others.

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential prepares you to serve as an entry-level school administrator. You’ll learn to establish and sustain a vital learning community that supports powerful teaching and learning. This program is offered fully online throughout the state of California or in person at PLNU’s Bakersfield Regional Center. Courses provide 24 semester units foundational to the master’s in educational administration degree with a concentration in educational leadership. An additional 12 semester units are required for the master's degree.

This program is ideal for:

• Public and private school educators who seek to lead at school sites or at the district level.
• Educators who seek cutting-edge graduate study focused on learning results and supportive relationships.

You may earn your Preliminary Administrative Services Credential alone or as part of your master’s in educational administration.

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):

• Fall 2023 Quad I — August 28, 2023

• Spring 2024 Quad I — January 8, 2024

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2023 Quad I — August 9, 2023

• Spring 2024 Quad I — December 13, 2023

Note: Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates. This program is offered in a fully online format in San Diego and is offered both fully online and hybrid in Bakersfield.

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 Preliminary Administrative Services Credential 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.

Admissions Interview: You may be eligible for an interview waiver. Eligibility can be discussed in more depth with a PLNU admissions counselor once you've started your application. 

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
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
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. 

Pursuing a degree or credential in educational leadership focus will prepare you to lead at the school site or district level or to continue leading at those levels with greater effectiveness.

Career opportunities include:

• Principal or vice principal

• District administrator

• Instructional coordinator

• Curriculum specialist

• Program director

• College or university provost or dean

• College or university department chair

• Admissions counselor

• University registrar

For information about the courses required for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information