Overview
The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program (Tier I) prepares candidates for administrative responsibilities in a variety of educational settings and contexts. Prospective administrators receive grounding in the principles of leadership practice and a broader understanding of schooling.
A strong conceptual knowledge of how students learn and the leadership and management actions necessary to support student learning are basic in the preparation of prospective administrators. Candidates develop a professional perspective by examining best leadership practices and school policies in relation to fundamental issues, theories, and research in education that support student learning.
Field experiences assist candidates’ knowledge and skills in providing effective learning environments for the students and schools served. They acquaint candidates with a range of leadership and administrative responsibilities, and provide opportunities for acquiring and developing leadership and administrative skills related to the work of school administrators in supporting student learning.
Most students complete the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (Tier I) with the Master of Arts in Education: School Administratio, in a combined program also offered at APU.
Benefits and Distinctives
The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and Internship Credential (Tier I) Programs:
- Allow educational professionals with master's degrees to serve as administrators while completing their credential.
- Focus on immediately applicable materials and projects in collaboration with other practicing administrators.
- Connect students with highly experienced faculty who are active in the field.
- Emphasize an ethical approach and cultural sensitivity.
Learn more about the program and our faculty.
School of Education Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, the School of Education receives accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), making APU one of only three private schools in California with this distinction. Further, our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These notable accreditations set APU graduates apart from other candidates and ensure your degree will be recognized throughout the United States and internationally.
University Reputation
Azusa Pacific University held its place for the second year in the most prestigious category of the U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009, ranking in the third tier of the national category. Additionally, for the first time, APU ranked ninth among the best up-and-coming national universities. Previously, APU was ranked in the top 25 schools within the Western Universities-Master’s category, enjoying prominent placement and recognition for outstanding first-year and service-learning programs.
According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine, APU ranked number 6 in the nation in awarding the most master’s degrees to Hispanics. In addition, The Princeton Review included APU as 1 of 120 colleges in the 2009 Best in the West category.
