Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) only?

Yes. However, the PASC coursework is embedded into our Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration (MSEDAD) program. It is highly recommended that prospective students apply for the MSEDAD since they will be able to obtain both a credential and a master’s degree.

Additionally, it is possible to finish the PASC requirements and then decide not to continue with the final MS requirement. It is not possible to start the PASC and then add the MS degree later.

Can I apply to the MS in Educational Leadership and Administration (MSEDAD)
program only?

No. Our MS program is designed for teachers and other school professionals who intend to complete the PASC and all of its requirements.

What is the difference between the MSEDAD and PASC?

PASC coursework is done in four terms. Candidates for the M.S. degree must complete a capstone project (EDAD 567, 6 units) in a fifth term.

Those completing the PASC requirements must also pass the California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) per the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) guidelines. This is true for those enrolled in the combined MS/PASC program as well as the PASC only program.

What is the course sequence for MSEDAD/PASC?

You can find the most current course sequence here. Both programs include one summer session. Note that for the first four terms, the classes for both programs are exactly the same. It is only for the MS degree that candidates take an additional course in a fifth term.

When do cohorts begin?

New cohorts begin in the fall and, when there is a demand, in the spring. Email our office to confirm whether applications are being considered for a spring cohort (edleadership@fullerton.edu).

Please note: A cohort may be canceled based on insufficient number of completed applications by the indicated deadlines (see the program admissions page). In that case, applicants will be notified as soon as possible.

Is the MSEDAD/PASC available online?

MSEDAD/PASC are hybrid programs. Classes are offered asynchronously and meet face-to-face. In person sessions take place three Saturdays per term in fall and spring. During the summer session, in person meetings occur two Saturdays during the term.

When are dates for in person meetings determined?

Our department typically determines the Saturday meetings well in advance. Normally, dates are shared a few months prior to each term. The department also posts dates on the MSEDAD/PASC Community Canvas site.

How long is the program?

The combined MSEDAD/PASC program is 5 semesters (two and a half years) long, including one summer session. The PASC-only program is 4 terms (two years) including one summer session.

For the PASC, if I do not have 4 years of teaching experience, may I still apply?

If the applicant has other relevant professional experience, we will consider the application. The reason applicants must have a minimum of four years of teaching or pupil service experience is that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires at least five years of teaching experience to qualify for the PASC. Therefore, if you already have four years of experience when you apply to our program, you will complete your fifth year while you are enrolled. The CTC also provides guidelines about which other school-based professional experience qualifies for consideration. Please review those guidelines before applying. Our department is unable to alter CTC requirements. More information can be found here.

Are PASC enrollees prepared to submit the new state performance assessment (CalAPA)?

Our courses are aligned with the requirements of the CalAPA to assist our students in completing the required assessment cycles.

What happens if I complete my courses but do not pass all CalAPA assessments?

Per the CTC, candidates are required to pass all assessments to fulfill eligibility requirements and apply for their Service Credential. If a candidate in the program finishes their coursework but has assessments remaining, CSUF cannot recommend the candidate for the credential. Candidates must still be affiliated with the university until all cycles are completed successfully to be recommended for their credential. This may require intermittent meetings with the faculty PASC coordinator and/or registration in a special course through CSUF.

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

No, the GRE is not required for admission.

Are there any prerequisite courses I need to take before applying?

No, we do not require any prerequisites.

How are recommendations submitted to Cal State Apply?

Once the recommender details are saved in the application, each one will receive an email from "Calstateapply@liaisoncas.com" asking them to upload the department recommendation form via the Cal State Apply portal.

The department recommendation form is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FX7ltxP10tvca0sAuVsJtKytyY3--5Oz/view?pli=1

Please inform your recommenders about being listed in your application. At that time, you should also provide them with the link to the department recommendation form and
share that they will be receiving a separate notification from Cal State Apply. If recommenders have problems with uploading their form, they should contact the Cal State Apply Help Center.

Do I need to request transcripts from every school I previously attended?

Post-baccalaureate applicants (post-bacc certificates, credentials, master’s) are required to provide their transcript from the institution in which their bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree, if applicable) was earned. Please send official transcript(s) to CSUF Office of Admissions. Note that Admissions may request additional transcripts at any point during the application process. We are unable to provide final admission decisions until all transcripts are processed by the university.

Where do I send official transcripts?

Send official transcripts to Cal State Fullerton’s Office of Admissions. See their website for complete instructions. It is imperative that Admissions receives your official transcripts
as soon as possible since processing can take up to three weeks.

If transcripts do not contain your most recent semester/quarter completed grades, you must still submit them. You will be required to send in final transcripts at a later date. We are unable to provide final admission decisions until all transcripts are processed by the university.

What if I took classes at CSUF?

If you were enrolled at CSUF after 1980, you do not typically need to request transcripts. However, if you transferred to CSUF after attending a community college, you may need to request those transcripts. Admissions purges their document archive after a certain amount of time has passed. If you are flagged as missing transcripts, you will see a notification in your CSUF Student Portal after your application is received.

What is the GPA requirement?

All graduate applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 in their last 60 semester units or last 90 credits for quarter systems.

What if my undergraduate GPA is below 2.5? Will I have a chance to be admitted?

The program admission committee uses a holistic evaluation process. Each document is carefully considered. The committee looks for outstanding letters of recommendation, previous experience in the field, and written statements of exceptional quality. Special action is required if an applicant’s GPA is below 2.5 in the last 60/90 credits.

Can I take one class per term (3 units)?

No, ours is a cohort program and all students take 2 classes (6 units) per term. Students are admitted in a cohort each fall/spring and take their courses together throughout the program to enhance the learning experience.

What is the estimated total cost of the program (MSEDAD/PASC and PASC only)?

Tuition and student fees are approximately $2,700 per term, including summer sessions. Visit CSUF’s Student Business Services for most current fees information.

If I am applying to the credential program only, why do I have to pay the same amount as a graduate student?

Since you already received your first credential, e.g. your teaching credential, the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) is considered a second credential and is subject to the “Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs” tuition.

Are there any other fees?

The application fee via Cal State Apply is about $70. PASC only applicants are also required to pay the Credential Commencement fee when they are admitted. This fee (approximately $100) is a one-time, non-refundable fee for commencement participation (whether or not the student participates).

Is a Fee Waiver available for the program application?

Cal State Apply application fee waivers are not available to post-baccalaureate applicants.

A resume or CV is required as part of the application. What if mine is more than one page?

Longer resumes/CVs with relevant experience are welcome.

Do you have any information sessions?

Yes! Please see our program web page here for current dates.

I am unable to attend an information session. How else can I learn about the program?

There are several ways you can learn more about the program. Contact our current faculty coordinator, listed on our department website’s “About Us” page. You can also view an introductory video about our program. Lastly, feel free to email our department directly at edleadership@fullerton.edu.