Educational Leadership
Tier I Preliminary Administrative Credential Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE TIER I PROGRAM?
The Tier I program encompasses the first year of the Master of Arts of Educational Leadership degree
program. At the end of the first year, students earn their California Preliminary Administrative Services
Credential (known as the Tier I). After completion of the first year, students may choose to continue on to
finish the Master’s portion of the program.
WHAT IS THE TIER I PRELIMINARY ADMINISTRATIVE CREDENTIAL?
This credential allows the holder to serve in an administrative capacity in California K-12 public schools
in the roles of Principal, Vice/Assistant Principal, Director, Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent,
Superintendent and more.
HOW LONG IS THE TIER I PROGRAM?
The program is approximately one year in length. Candidates starting in August/September are able to
finish by June.
HOW MANY SEMESTER UNITS COMPRISE THE ENTIRE TIER I PROGRAM?
There are 24 units in the program.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE FOR THE PRELIMINARY ADMINISTRATIVE
CREDENTIAL OTHER THAN THE 24 UNITS?
 The candidate must possess a valid California Clear Teaching credential.
 The candidate must have completed 5 successful years of full-time credentialed teaching.
WHO TEACHES THE TIER I PROGRAM?
Program faculty are generally practitioners in the field of K-12 Education. All program instructors
possess advanced degrees. The hallmark of the Tier I program is a collective faculty who is invested in
student success and are current contributors to the field.
I WORK FULL TIME. WHEN ARE THE CLASSES IN THE TIER I PROGRAM HELD?
Classes are a blend of online and on-campus instruction. On campus classes are typically held on
alternating Saturdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with extended Saturday breaks for holidays.
WHERE MAY I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION
FOR THE TIER I PROGRAM?
Désirée Braganza, Director, Tier I Program 925-631-8605 dpb3@stmarys-ca.edu
Ronda Levy, Tier I Program Assistant 925-631-4690 ral5@stmarys-ca.edu
Kathy Perez, Director Recruitment & Outreach 925-631-4506 kperez@stmarys-ca.edu.
Rev. 02/26/14