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The Mills College School of Education offers the following credentials and degrees in our Educational Leadership Program:
Administrative Services Credential (ASC)
Master of Arts in Education (MA)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Each of these programs prepares students for the current challenges facing school administrators and other educational leaders. Our goal is to enable our students to effectively serve a diverse constituency, evaluate and implement new ideas for teaching and learning, and develop as both managers and leaders in school change.
In contrast to many traditional models, the Educational Leadership Program at Mills College prepares students to build and sustain the professional relationships that undergird educational leadership, reform, and renewal. They integrate their learning by constructing a personal framework of knowledge and skills to support effective action as administrators and leaders. They understand how diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences shape current educational policy and practice.
Please see requirements for information about admission and degree/credential requirements.
Administrative Services Credential (ASC)
With a focus on developmental and constructivist approaches to education, the ASC program emphasizes testing theory in practice, thoughtfully anticipating consequences, and evaluating outcomes. Our graduates have a strong record of becoming successful school administrators and leaders in educational reform.
The program offers course work that prepares students for two credentials that certify educators to become school administrators in California's K–12 public school system:
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential-Tier I
Professional educators who hold a valid California teaching credential (or other school services credential) and have a minimum of three years of full-time school-based professional experience may earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, Tier I, in one year of full-time course work at Mills College. Students who earn the preliminary credential can complete a master's degree in educational leadership by continuing their studies for an additional academic year.
Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential-Tier II
The Mills College Alternative Tier II Program is a field-based program that can be completed in two years. The program provides extended time for reflection on field-based activities. The first year of the Tier II program involves part-time course work, advising, and self-assessment. The second year involves advising and self-assessment. In order to participate in the Tier II Program, candidates must hold a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and be employed as a school administrator.
For more information about the State requirements for the Administrative Services Credentials please visit the website for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Master of Arts in Education (MA)
This program is well suited for professionals who would like additional preparation to hold leadership positions throughout the educational system and related organizations. The curriculum includes a required two-semester course called Inquiry into Leadership, as well as a number of elective courses in topics such as school-community relations, race and ethnicity, organizational development, ethical and moral concerns, the principalship, and fiscal and business services. Students work with their faculty advisor to create a program that meets their individual needs and interests.
A master's degree in educational leadership may be earned by ASC candidates who elect an additional year of course work, by EdD candidates as they complete course work towards their doctoral degree, or by students who enroll in the MA program only. For those who enroll in the MA program only, the program is usually completed in two academic years.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Designed for accomplished practitioners, the doctoral program prepares individuals for a wide variety of professional leadership positions, from K-12 schools, to non-profit educational organizations and higher education institutions. Applicants to this program must have a bachelor’s degree and significant professional experience in the field of education.
The EdD requires the equivalent of three full years of course work and by the doctoral dissertation. Applicants may petition for transfer of up to one year of credit from relevant prior graduate-level work. Required courses include research design and methods, race and ethnicity, ethical and moral concerns in educational leadership, and directed reading in the area of one’s dissertation topic; elective courses include a wide range of topics such as school-community relations, organizational development, the principalship, and fiscal and business services.
The doctoral dissertation focuses on a topic that is of particular interest and concern to the student and of relevance to the broader field of education. Course work supports this project by guiding students to develop a conceptual framework and research questions, research design, and literature review.
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