Administrative Services Credential
Explore a credential-only route to your future in school leadership.
Get Started Today
Ready to learn more about Concordia University Irvine?
Complete this form, and an admissions counselor will connect with you.
Prepare for Leadership in K-12 Education
The Administrative Services Credential program at Concordia University Irvine offers a credential-only pathway for experienced educators who are ready to step into administrative leadership. Designed for professionals in public or private K-12 settings, this program prepares you to lead schools with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Delivered fully online, the program focuses on practical leadership skills: supporting teacher growth, building collaborative communities, managing resources, and guiding school improvement. You’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to meet California credentialing requirements while continuing to work full time.
This program is ideal for educators seeking an efficient route to administrative leadership, with the flexibility to later add a master’s degree if desired.
Online
Study fully online where it’s convenient for you.
24 Units
Complete your program in 8-week classes.
$710/Unit
Clear your Administrative Services Credential.
“I signed up for classes and could not believe the quality of instruction I was getting. These were real-time practitioners — principals, teachers, administrators.”
Nnenna O., MAEd ’14, EdD ’18
Getting Started
The Administrative Services Credential is a 24-unit program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Courses emphasize leadership best practices, school improvement, data-informed decision-making, and community-building in educational settings. A supervised practicum provides hands-on experience aligned with California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL).
Upon completion of coursework and CalAPA requirements, students may file through Concordia’s Credential Analyst for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Next Start
July 6, 2026
Upcoming Starts
-
Fall Full 2026 August 24, 2026
-
Fall 1 2026 August 31, 2026
-
Fall 2 2026 October 26, 2026
-
Spring 1 & Full 2027 January 11, 2027
-
Spring 2 2027 March 8, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDUA556 – Legal and Political Aspects in Education
- EDUA557 – Human Resources
- EDUA558 – Financial Resources
- EDUA561 – Analyzing Data to Inform School Improvement and Promote Equity
- EDUA562 – Facilitating Communities of Practice
- EDUA563 – Supporting Teacher Growth
- EDUA590A – Administrative Practicum (A)
- EDUA590B – Administrative Practicum (B)
- EDUA590C – Administrative Practicum (C)
- EDUA591A – Advanced Administrative Practicum (A)
- EDUA591B – Advanced Administrative Practicum (B)
- EDUA591C – Advanced Administrative Practicum (C)
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
PASC Program
Completion of this program allows eligible candidates to file for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential through Concordia.
Program highlights include:
- Fully online courses delivered in 8-week terms
- An expedited pathway to administrative credentialing
- The option to earn a master’s degree by completing two additional courses (6 units) in Concordia’s MAEd in Educational Administration
- Faculty mentorship grounded in Christ-like service and professional excellence
- An enriched practicum guided by experienced, credentialed practitioners
Clear Administrative Services Credential
Concordia partners with the Orange County Department of Education’s Institute for Leadership Development to support graduates who need to clear their Administrative Services Credential (Tier 2).
This pathway includes:
- An individualized program aligned with California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL) standards
- 80 hours of job-embedded coaching for administrators currently employed in PK–12 settings
- Opportunities for Concordia Ed.D. students to bypass Tier I coursework through examination
Admission Requirements
View the Application Page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Meet our Faculty
-
Heather Vezner
Dean, School of Education
-
Margaret Thomas
Dean of the Townsend Institute, Faculty
-
Kellie Albrecht
Assistant Dean, School of Education
-
Belinda Karge
Professor of Education
-
Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
-
Catherine Webb
Professor of Education
-
Eugene Kim
Professor of Education
-
Michael Schulteis
Professor of Education
-
Rebecca Stanton
Professor of Education
-
Tanya Tarbutton
Professor of Education
-
Cari Chittick
Associate Professor of Education
-
Charlie Rodrigues
Associate Professor of Education
-
Lori Doyle
Associate Professor of Education
-
Lori Jaeger
Associate Professor of Education
-
MaryAnn Seng
Associate Professor of Education
-
Sandra Mercier
Associate Professor of Education
-
Sara Morgan
Associate Professor of Education
-
Teresa Hess
Associate Professor of Education
-
Barbara Howard
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Heather Churney
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Kara Bratton
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Robin Gomes
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Timothy Young
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Yvette Stuewe
Assistant Professor of Education
-
Bonni Stachowiak
Adjunct Professor of Education
-
Cynthia Stephens
Adjunct Professor of Education
-
Deborah Collins
Adjunct Professor
-
Edward Eldridge
Adjunct Professor of Education
-
Alyssa Flores
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/HR Specialist
-
Draven Espinoza
FAQs
Do I need to earn a master’s degree to complete this program?
No. This is a credential-only program. However, students may choose to apply to Concordia’s MAEd in Educational Administration and earn a master’s degree by completing two additional courses.
Is the Administrative Services Credential program flexible?
Yes. Administrative Services Credential courses at Concordia are offered online in 8-week terms, making it possible to balance professional responsibilities with credential preparation.
Related Programs
-
Teacher Credential Programs
Learn More: Teacher Credential ProgramsBecome a credentialed educator with confidence.
-
Special Education Teaching
Learn More: Special Education Teaching MinorPrepare to teach diverse learners with developmental disabilities.
-
Secondary Teaching
Learn More: Secondary Teaching MinorGain the skills and knowledge you need to teach at…
-
Elementary Teaching
Learn More: Elementary Teaching MinorPrepare to teach and support young learners.
-
Early Childhood (MAED)
Learn More: Master of Arts in Education: Early ChildhoodCreate learning experiences that make an impact on young learners.
-
Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics (MAEL)
Learn More: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics (MAEL)Specialize in SEL education practices essential to student well-being.
-
Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Grant
Learn More: Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans GrantTraining and mentorship for leaders in education and teaching
-
Leadership – Ed.D.
Learn More: Doctor of Education in LeadershipEarn your Ed.D. degree through hybrid or fully online classes.
-
Educational Leadership (MAEL)
Learn More: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL)Transform educational policies, systems, and communities.
-
Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics
Learn More: Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics CertificateMeet the needs of today’s students with SEL certification.