Program Format

Gain knowledge, skills and practical experience entirely online; study anytime, anywhere.

Each course in our program has been designed to replicate the ELPS residential coursework and adhere to the same competency standards. The learning objectives are clearly stated in the course syllabi, which can be found in each course’s Web site.

Our DL ELPS program is based on the cohort format. Each cohort consists of 20-35 participants who enter the program at the same time and progress as a group through a set sequence of courses from start to finish.

The cohort model allows you to experience synergistic relationships with faculty and fellow graduate students. In this online learning community, participants learn valuable teamwork and leadership skills as they collaborate to solve case studies, conduct research, and create reports for group presentations. Because the projects increase in complexity over time, you are able to develop the sophisticated conceptual and professional skills required by educational leaders.

IMPORTANT! Coursework for the Master’s Degree and Preliminary Services (Tier I) Credential is identical; however, the degree and credential are awarded as two separate and distinct functions, California State University Northridge and the Credential Office which recommends the credential to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing respectively. Therefore, a candidate who is pursuing both the Master’s Degree and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (or Certificate of Eligibility) must apply to each office separately, and those applications should be submitted concurrently. Documents submitted to the University and the ELPS Department for application to the Masters Program are not forwarded to the Credentials Office to satisfy Preliminary Services Credential application requirements. Candidates must provide separate copies of documents for the credential.