Program Overview

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) program is designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in California schools, such as assistant principal, principal, dean, and other administrative positions.

Program Overview

• The program is 100% online.
• Most students complete the program in one academic year, which includes Summer, Fall, and Spring terms.
• The program consists of twenty-four units in total.
• New cohorts begin in the Summer term only.

Program Structure

• The program follows a cohort model, where students move through the program together, taking the same classes at the same time.
• This model builds community, consistency, and support, even in an online format.
• Courses include both live Zoom sessions (synchronous) and independent online work (asynchronous).
• Most courses meet live on Zoom once per week, typically on weekday evenings to support working professionals.

Program Requirements and Details

• The program is designed to be manageable for full-time teachers and parents.
• It is a lock-step program, meaning courses are designed to be taken in a specific order.
• Taking one course at a time would significantly extend the timeline and may require waiting until the following year for certain courses.
• Students can switch class sections after registration, as long as another section still has open seats available.
• The program includes applied field-based components aligned with leadership practice, which can often be completed at the student's current school.

Assessments and Exams

• The program includes CalAPA preparation and support embedded into the coursework.
• Students complete their CalAPA submissions individually but receive structured support and guidance through the program.

Admission and Enrollment

• Applications are accepted for the upcoming cohort.
• While there is no official hard deadline, early application is strongly recommended.
• Cohorts typically enroll about 3540 students to maintain individualized support.

Financial Information

• Payment plans are available for admitted students through Student Accounts.
• Tuition is not eligible for financial aid, as this is a non-degree seeking program.
• Transfer credits are not accepted due to the structured cohort sequence and program alignment.

Program Conclusion

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program is a comprehensive, online program designed for educators seeking leadership roles in California schools. With its structured cohort model, flexible scheduling, and embedded support for CalAPA exams, the program aims to prepare students for administrative services credentials while accommodating the needs of working professionals.