Skip to Content

WELCOME to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!!!!!

FAQ


Admissions

  1. When will I be interviewed?
    Interviews take place approximately two weeks after the application deadline. You will be called to set up at time by the department staff.

  2. When will I be notified of acceptance or denial?
    You will receive a letter of acceptance or denial on behalf of the department within about two weeks of your interview date unless stated otherwise. This letter does not represent the university's decision. You will receive an acceptance or denial letter on behalf of the university approximately a month after interviewing. You must be accepted or denied by both.

  3. Is it possible that the University will deny me even if the program accepts me?
    Yes. The university can deny you if you do not meet the university's requirements, do not submit all required documentation, or if an admissions cap is placed.

  4. Can my files be held for a later application cycle?
    Items submitted for your department supplemental application can be held for a later application cycle. The only thing you would need to re-submitted is updated contact information, if necessary. The Office of Graduate Studies will hold your transcripts, but you will have to re-apply to the university again through CSU Mentor.

  5. If I re-apply do I have to pay the application fee again?
    Yes, you will have to pay the application fee again if you re-apply. The only exceptions are if the department had to cancel a program, then you can negotiate waiving the next cycle application fees.

  6. If denied, will my application fee be reimbursed?
    Applications fees are non-refundable.

  7. If denied can I transfer my application to another program within EDLP? CSUS?
    If you are denied for one program within EDLP, you can speak to the program coordinators or department chair to see if you qualify for another EDLP program being offered. It may be possible for you to apply to another program within CSUS, but you are subject to their admission requirements and deadlines.

  8. Can I apply to the CRED program if I am not currently a teacher?
    Yes, but please contact a department advisor or the department chair to discuss how this will affect you.

  9. How many years of teaching experience are required for the CRED program? MA program?
    We recommend that you have a minimum of three (3) years teaching experience to apply to a CRED program. On occasion we will accept those with a complete two (2) years teaching experience going on their third. Teaching experience is not necessarily required for the MA.

  10. Is a credential required before applying? If so what credentials qualify?
    Yes, a credential is required if applying for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (ASC). It is not required if you are applying for a Masters, however it is highly recommended. ASC candidates must possess a valid California Teaching Credential (K-12) requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation including student teaching; or a valid California Designated Subjects Teaching Credential requiring a baccalaureate degree; or a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential requiring a baccalaureate degree and a program of professional preparation including field practice with school-aged students; or a Librarianship Credential; or a health Services School Nurse Credential; or a Clinical or Rehabilitation Services Credential.

  11. What programs require me to work in a specific district/county?
    If you are interested in applying to the Elk Grove USD cohort, Sac-City USD cohort or Twin Rivers USD cohort, you must work in that specific district and contact the CSUS program coordinator and District contact person to apply. If you are interested in applying to the Placer county cohort, you should work in or close to that county and you must contact the CSUS program coordinator. You can find this information under Programs.

  12. How many qualified applicants are needed to run a program? What happens if under? If over?
    To officially run a program, we need a minimum of 25 qualified applicants. If a particular cohort is under this number, they will be offered to join another cohort if available or to apply again at a later date. If a particular cohort is over this number, excess applicants will be offered to join another cohort if available, we may run two cohorts, or to apply again at a later date with possible guaranteed acceptance.

  13. I’m reapplying after taking time off, what do I need to do?
    You must first re-apply to the university through CSU Mentor. You should contact the EDLP department office to see what update supplemental application paperwork is needed. Next you should contact the EDLP Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Geni Cowan, to go over your status and any other requirements that may be needed before you return.

  14. I’m a returning student and some of my courses may have lapsed, what do I do?
    You should contact the EDLP Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Geni Cowan, to go over your status, determine what, if any, courses have lapsed, and needs to be done to bring them current.

  15. Can I apply as a CRED student and then switch to a MA student to save money?
    It is highly not recommended to change classifications once you have started a program. While you can submit a Classification Change to switch from a MA student to a CRED student, you cannot do the same to switch from a CRED student to a MA student. You will have to re-apply ($55) to the university as a MA student. This may also delay your Advancement to Candidacy and enrollment in your culminating experience.

Back to Top

Program

  1. How many units are in the CRED program? MA program?
    There are a total of 33 units required for the CRED program: 27 course units and 6 units of field experience. There are a total of 30 minimum units required for the MA program: 24 course units and 6 units of culminating experience.

  2. How long does it take to get your CRED? Masters?
    You can complete the CRED program in 3 semesters. In 2 semesters if you are in the Urban Leadership program. You can complete the MA program in a minimum of 4 semesters. In a minimum of 3 if you are in the Urban Leadership program.

  3. What credentials are offered through EDLP? Degrees?
    * CA Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
    * CA Preliminary Internship Administrative Services Credential
    * CA Professional Administrative Services Credential
    * Masters in Educational Leadership (P-12 emphasis)
    * Masters in Higher Education Leadership (Student Services and Community College emphasis)

  4. What is a cohort-based program?
    All Educational Leadership programs are organized to be cohort-based. Groups of students admitted each application cycle will take all of their courses together. Enrollments are predictable, and a course of study can be planned in advance in relation to the availability of highly qualified faculty.

  5. Do the CRED and MA courses intertwine? Which ones?
    Yes, the CRED and MA courses intertwine, however there are some courses that aren't required for the CRED and some that aren't required for the MA. Courses not required for the CRED are: EDLP 230, EDLP 500A/B, and EDLP 299T. Courses not required for the MA are: EDLP 255 and EDLP 495.

  6. Can I transfer classes from another college/university? How many?
    Yes, you can transfer courses from another university/college, provided you show proof of equivalency. You can transfer up to nine (9) units of coursework. This typically translates to three (3) courses.

  7. Can I take a few courses early to see if this is what I want to do?
  8. What days and times will I attend class?
    Our programs are catered towards working professionals. You will typically meet one night a week (either a Wednesday or Thursday) from 5:30-8:40pm and approximately every other Saturday from 8-5pm. The Urban Leadership program is taught on Saturdays only. Every Saturday from 8-5pm.

  9. The program requires three classes a semester, how are the classes structured?
    Our program breaks up the semester into thirds. You will be required to take one class during each third of the semester (approximately 5-6 weeks per class).

  10. I just got a position as an administrator, what do I do now?
    Now that you are an administrator, you can become an Intern within our program. Please complete the Internship Supplemental application along with a district prepared letter informing us of your administrative position and submit it to the department office. (See required format on supplemental application.) In addition you should contact the Credentials Office by phone 916-278-4567 or email Carol Lucido or Elizabeth Christian. They will provide you with an Internship Credential application packet.

  11. If I lose my job or am not currently teaching, how will this affect my field study work?
    Arrangements will be made with the university supervisor to determine how best to follow through with a field study project if one is not working.  This may entail that the student find another school site in which to implement the field study project.

  12. What type of culminating experience is required for your MA?
    In the EDLP department, you have the option of submitting a Thesis or a Project for your culminating experience. There is currently no Exam option.

  13. How do I calculate my 7-year deadline? Does this apply to the credential program?
    Graduate students have seven years, inclusive of the semester in which they took the earliest courses counted toward their degrees, to complete all requirements for a Master's degree. The end of this seven year period is determined by adding 14 semesters onto the term of the oldest course listed on the Advancement to Candidacy form. For example, if a student began his/her coursework in Fall 2004, his/her seven-year deadline would be Spring 2011. Use the Deadline Calculator to determine when your Seven Year Deadline is. This only applies to CRED students who are in the MA program also.

  14. Can I take time off after starting my coursework? After starting culminating experience?
    During the three semesters of coursework, a student can take one (1) semester off without penalty. However it is not recommended since this is a cohort-based program. We cannot guarantee that you will fall back into the correct course sequence when you return. If a student takes two (2) semesters off during regular coursework, the student will have to reapply to the university through CSU Mentor to return.

    Once a student enrolls in EDLP 500 (culminating experience), they CANNOT break enrollment. Students must be continuously enrolled through their culminating experience until graduation or reapply to the university.

  15. What jobs can I get with a CRED? MA? Do you offer Job-Placement?
    The Certificate of Eligibility that is earned through the administrative credential program authorizes an individual to apply for management positions in school districts that require the Administrative Credential.  Such positions include principal, vice-principal, and director.  Some districts require that their principals have a Master’s degree.  The EDLP department does not offer job placement.  The website Ed-Join is an ideal source for current job vacancies in California.

Back to Top

Graduation: Preparation and Afterwards

  1. I took some courses that are not listed on my Advancement, will this affect anything?
    Yes, this will affect your graduation. You Advancement to Candidacy is a contract that the courses listed are the approved courses that you have taken or will take. If you take a different course in place of anything listed on your advancement, you will be requirement to file a Petition of Exception before you can graduate.

  2. I finished my credential coursework, where do I go from here?
    Contact our Credentials Office by phone 916-278-4567 or email Carol Lucido or Elizabeth Christian. You need to be recommended  to CTC by our Credentials Office.  They will provide you with an application packet.  If you do not have an offer of employment in an administrative position, you may apply for the Certificate of Eligibility which verifies completion of all requirements for the preliminary credential and authorizes the holder to seek employment as an administrator.  The Certificate will have an issuance date with no expiration date.  Once the holder of a Certificate of Eligibility secures an offer of employment in an administrative position, he or she may apply for the preliminary credential by submitting an application (Form 41-4), a Verification of Employment Form (CL-777), and current processing fee to the Commission office.

  3. Do I have to apply for my Certificate of Eligibility right away?
    No, you are not required to apply right away for the Certificate of Eligibility.  However, it is highly recommended that you do so, since this guarantees you will not be held to any new requirements for the Preliminary Administrative Services credential.

  4. How long do I have to clear my credential? What if I need more time?
    You will have a full 5 years to clear your preliminary administrative services credential.  The valid period of the Administrative Services Credential is limited by the expiration date of the prerequisite credential. The administrative credential will expire with and may be renewed with the prerequisite credential by submitting an application (form 41-4) and processing fee. However, if the prerequisite credential is valid for the full five year period from the issuance date of the preliminary administrative credential, the administrative credential will be valid for the full five year period upon issuance. For this reason, it may take one complete renewal cycle to align the dates of the prerequisite and administrative credentials. By the end of the five-year preliminary period, the holder must meet the requirements for the clear credential.

    The holder of a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential who needs additional time to complete program requirements may request a one-year extension upon submission of an application (form 41-4) marked clearly as an appeal, the application processing fee, and a letter on official letterhead from the program provider verifying enrollment. The holder of a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential who needs additional time to complete the Administrator Training Program requirements may be issued a two-year extension upon submission of an application (form 41-4) marked clearly as an appeal, the application processing fee, and a letter on official letterhead from the Administrator Training Program provider verifying enrollment. (Information on the Administrator Training Program, including approved programs and providers, may be accessed through the California Department of Education’s website at www.cde.ca.gov).

  5. EDLP Professional CRED isn’t offered this semester, what are my options?
    See page 3 of the CTC Leaflet cl-574, Administrative Services Credential for Administrators Prepared in California.  It is available online.

  6. Who needs to apply for Graduation? Deadline?
    Only MA students need to file a Graduation Application with the Office of Graduate Studies. Applications are $63.50 and due February 1st for Spring graduation and October 1st for Fall graduation. Both CRED and MA students should register to graduate on the College of Education website if planning on attending the ceremony.

  7. I didn’t graduate during the semester I specified on my application, now what?
    If you did not complete your MA in the semester indicated on your filed Graduation Application, you will need to file a Graduation Date Change for $28 with the Office of Graduate Studies. This should be filed as soon as you realize you will not finish on time. Not filing this petition will hold up your registration for the following semester.

  8. What is the Advancement to Candidacy? Who is it required for? Deadline?
    The Advancement to Candidacy (A2C) is a form that lists the specific requirements (i.e., courses, exams, thesis/project) to be completed before a MA degree can be awarded. This form requires the student's, the MA advisor's and the Graduate Coordinator's signatures, as well as, meeting the WPG requirement before being submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. The A2C form is only required for MA students and is due February 1st or October 1st of the semester prior to beginning your culminating experience.

  9. What is the GWAR/WPG? Who is it required for? Deadline? Options?
    In August 2010, a new Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) specifically for graduate students was put in place.  Graduate students will follow a two-step process to meet the GWAR:  in the first step, your writing will be assessed to determine your readiness for graduate-level writing tasks.  The second step is the completion of the culminating experience. This requirement is only for MA students and should be fulfilled by the end of your second semester of coursework.

    All graduate students must complete one of these options before they may advance to candidacy:
    * Meet the equivalency standards through waiver as listed on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
    * Earn a grade of B or higher in a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course.
    * Obtain a score of 4.5 or better on the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) exam.

    Please note that EDLP 250 - Educational Research is a GWI course. All information regarding the GWAR can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

  10. My MA advisor is different than my choices or different from last semester, why?
     Each semester, faculty are limited in the number of units they can carry. While every effort is made to keep you with the advisor you had the previous semester, shifts in the units carried for courses taught and advising may require that you be re-assigned to someone who has room in their unitload.

    The same is true regarding your choices for an advisor. You are likely among several students requesting the same advisor(s). Limits to unitload are contractual issues, and dictate that faculty can not be required to carry an overload -- even if you want them to be you advisor.

  11. I need an additional week or two to complete my Thesis/Project, what are my options?
    You need to talk with your advisor. If you and your advisor can agree and certify that you have completed 95-99% of the work required, you may petition for continuous enrollment. Whether or not continuous enrollment is granted is up to the Graduate Coordinator, with consultation with your advisor and the Department Chair.

  12. What is the department’s policy on continuous enrollment? How is it different from the university policy?

    The Department’s criteria for being granted Continuous Enrollment status are:

    1. Demonstrate that you have completed 95% of the thesis/project process.

      That essentially means that you should have nothing left to do on your thesis or project except final formatting/revisions, and signatures. Your advisor must certify that such is that case by signing off on your application for Continuous Enrollment. The application is submitted to the Graduate Coordinator for final approval.

    2. Demonstrate that you can complete your thesis project within the first 2 weeks of the semester for which Continuous Enrollment may be granted.
      The Graduate Coordinator will identify the deadline date for each semester. If you are granted Continuous Enrollment, and do not meet the criteria, you will be required to enroll for another full semester, in order to graduate.
    If you and your advisor agree that you can meet those two criteria, you may apply for Continuous Enrollment status.

    The University's criteria for being granted Continuous Enrollment status is:

    1. Students who have been advanced to candidacy and who have completed all coursework can maintain the required active degree program status without additional University registration by paying a 'Continuous Enrollment' fee through CCE.* There are no units associated with this enrollment. Continuous enrollment is only valid for as long as the student is within the time period allowed for the completion of the culminating experience requirement. For example, students completing a thesis or project are allowed a maximum of three academic year semesters past the semester of first registration for the culminating requirement units to be completed. If not otherwise actively registered, the student must enroll in 'Continuous Enrollment' each of the three semesters beyond the initial university enrollment for culminating requirement units.
    *Please note that some departments require their students to enroll in the culminating requirement units each semester that they are working on the thesis or project, rather than allowing them to enroll in 'Continuous Enrollment'. This is at the department's discretion.

  13. What happens if I still do not complete my Thesis/Project after Continuous Enrollment?
    You should contact the EDLP Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Geni Cowan, to go over your status and any other requirements that may be needed.

  14. What does RP mean? When will my degree post? When will I get my diploma?
    A “grade” of RP (Report in Progress) is assigned to your culminating experience  or dissertation coursework at the end of the semester and is changed to “CR” (Credit) during the 10 – 12 week degree posting period. Posting of degrees begins on the official last day of the semester and is completed within 10 - 12 weeks. During this time, Degree Evaluators will be checking each student’s Advancement to Candidacy file to ensure that all of the courses approved by the department were completed. Diplomas, considered the ceremonial document, are mailed to students approximately 4 – 6 months after the official last day of the semester.

  15. Commencement: Location? Sign-up? Cap/Gown? When? Etc. etc. etc.
    Both CRED and MA students can attend commencement. They must register on the College of Education website. MA students must also submit a Graduation Application to the Office of Graduate Studies. Commencement is generally held at the Power Balance Pavilion (formerly Arco Arena). Guest will have to pay $10 for parking. Caps and Gowns are issued in the ASI office in the University Union. All of this information plus the date and time can be found on the CSUS Commencement website.

Back to Top

Tuition/Fees

  1. How much does this program cost per semester? Total?
    For those classified as a CRED the program costs $3724 per semester for a total of $11172. For those classified as a MA student the program costs $3919 per coursework semester and $2503 per culminating experience semester for a minimum total of $14260 (finished in four semesters). The fees listed are accurate at the time of posted and are subject to change.

  2. What are my payment options? Where do I pay?
    To pay for tuition a student may apply for financial aid, enroll in the installment plan, or pay cash/credit. You may mail you tuition by check or money order. You can visit Student Financial Services a pay in person by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are not allowed for in person payments. Or you can pay online through MySacState by check, debit or credit card. A convenience fee may apply.

  3. How do enroll in the installment plan? How much per installment?
    Once you enroll in your courses through MySacState, click Account Activity to pay your tuition. You will be given the option to enroll in the Installment Plan. The installment plan requires that fees are paid in four installments. The first installment represents the campus fees and a one-time $33.00 non-refundable administrative fee. Payments are broken down by the 1st payment (due upon registration) of $583 and three monthly payments of $1123. The later you enroll and apply, more of your tuition will be due upfront.

  4. When can I apply for financial aid?
    You can file for financial aid as soon as you apply to the university. You do not need to be admitted first.

  5. How do I sign up for financial aid? When will it be processed?
    First, please visit the financial aid website. Secondly, you must file a FAFSA every year you want financial aid. The FAFSA is available every January 1, and Sac State's priority filing deadline is March 2 for consideration of maximum financial aid. Be sure to check MySacState to accept your financial aid award. If your funds have been received from the appropriate federal, state, or private agency and you have no holds, the earliest you can expect your Fall check is around August 30 and your Spring check is around January 24.

  6. How long will financial aid defer my fees?
    While waiting for your disbursement, financial aid will typically defer you fees throughout the first week of classes.

  7. Where do I find my account balance?
    Due Dates and amounts are visible on MySacState the day after registering. Next to Account Activity.

  8. How long do I have to pay my tuition?
    You tuition due date will be based on the day that you register for your FIRST class. Those registering during the initial registration cycle, will have fourteen (14) calendar days to pay. Those registering during the late registration cycle, will have seven (7) days to pay. Once the regular campus semester has began, you will only have two (2) days to pay.

  9. Will CSUS send me a reminder that my tuition will be due soon?
    The university does not send paper billing statements in the mail. Due Dates and amounts are visible on MySacState the day after registering.

  10. I forgot to pay my tuition by my due date and I was dropped, what do I do now?
    Once your enrollment is cancelled for non-payment of tuition, your account will be suspended for about a week. After that time you can re-enroll. Please contact the department office for staff-enrolled courses.

  11. A HOLD was placed on my account for forgetting to pay my tuition twice. How do I remove this?
    Again, you account will be suspended for about a week. Now you are required to pay your tuition prior to enrolling in classes. Once paid, Student Financial Services will remove your registration hold.

  12. I was charged an additional $25, why? An additional $100, why?
    An additional $25 will be charged if you enroll during Late Registration. An additional $100 may be charged if you have to reenroll after being dropped for non-payment of tuition.

  13. I already paid for my courses, but need to drop… will I be reimbursed?
    Students who officially withdraw from the University prior to the first day of instruction will receive a 100% refund, minus a $10 processing fee, of registration and non-resident tuition. Beginning with the first day of instruction through the 60% point of the semester, refunds will be on a pro-rata basis utilizing the official withdrawal date. Students are not eligible to receive a refund for withdrawing after the 60% cut off. The pro-rata refund will be calculated as the proportion represented by the number of days that the student was enrolled to the number of days in the academic period. Refunds will first be applied to any outstanding debt owed to the University. Please submit a Refund form.

  14. How much do textbooks typically cost?
    Books and materials will be at an additional estimated cost of $300 per semester.

  15. What are my parking options? How much does it costs?
    A Sac State parking permit or parking arrangement is required at all times to park on campus. A daily parking permit is $6 or a two (2) hour permit is $3. You can pay for parking permits at the CSUS information booths, the permit machines, Student Financial Services or at University Transportation and Parking office, as well as, online. Besides parking on campus, you have the option of carpooling, Regional Transit w / CSUS Commuter Pass, Hornet shuttle, biking or walking. The fees listed are accurate at the time of posted and are subject to change.

Back to Top

 Registration

  1. When will I be allowed to register?
    Registration Appointments are assigned by class level priority two weeks prior to the first day of registration. You can log into MySacState to look up your registration appointment.

  2. I can’t see the courses I need to enroll in on the class schedule?
    The EDLP department does not publish their courses on the Class Schedule. This is a way to guarantee our seats will be reserved for our students. The department office will email you the class schedule and how to enroll.

  3. Are there some courses I can’t register myself for?
    Yes, towards you last set of classes, petitions will be handed out for courses that require department approval and enrollment. These courses are typically for field work and culminating experience.

  4. I’ve been admitted, but I can’t register?
    If you are a returning student, there may be a few things preventing you from enrolling:
    * Have you ACCEPTED admission (Intent to Enroll) via MySacState?
    *     Have you received a Registration Appointment yet?

  5. I’m a returning student, but I can’t register?
    If you are a returning student, there may be a few things preventing you from enrolling:
    * Did you contact the department office for the class schedule?
    * Did you previously apply to Graduate and did not change your date?
    * Are you trying to enroll in a course that needs department approval?
    * Have you received a Registration Appointment yet?

  6. Do I sign up for all three courses at the same time?
    Yes, while you are not taking all three courses at the same time, all three courses are per semester. When you register, you register for the semester.

  7. I need additional units to qualify for financial aid, what do I do?
    Please contact the EDLP department office by phone 916-278-5388 to explore your options.

Back to Top

My Sac State

    1. I forgot my user name and password, what do I do?
      Visit MySacState and underneath where you log in, click Username/Password Help or contact the Saclink Help desk at 916-278-7337.

    2. How do I update my contact information?
      Once logged in, look for the tab titled, Student Services. On the left column under Student Personal Information, click the item you wish to update.

    3. Where do I find my Student ID number?
      Once logged in, look for the tab titled, Student Services. On the left column under Student Personal Information, click Sac State ID. Your ID number is NOT your Social Security number.

    4. I just logged into My Sac State, how do I view my account?
      Once logged in, look for the column/box titled, Student Center. Click the words Student Center in the bold black font.

    5. Where and how do I register?
      Once in your Student Center, first verify that you have a Registration Appointment. This will be located on the lower right column. You can only enroll from that date on. If your registration appointment is active, on the middle left column under Academics --> Enrollment, click Registration.

    6. There are items on my To-Do List, what does this mean?
      These are requirements the university are stating that you haven't fulfilled yet. Click Details for more information.

    7. There are items listed under Holds, what does this mean?
      Typically these are just as listed, Holds. Some may be a registration holds, meaning you cannot register until this item is taken care of. Some may be financial aid holds, meaning, your funds won't be disbursed until this item is taken care of. Some may just be warnings on your account. Click Details for more information.

    8. When will they be posted? Where do I find my grades?
      Grades are posted anytime after the official last day of the semester and about a month later. Once grades are posted, while in your Student Center, on the middle left column under Academics --> Academic History, click Grades.

    Back toTop