Admission
Step 1 - Application to the University
The first application is to the University. In other words, you must apply and be accepted to California State University at Northridge. This gets you into the University itself and allows you to then become involved in a specific program. See the application checklist above.
Step 2: Application to the Department
Once accepted to the University you must apply to the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Initially the student will be enrolled into the system as a conditionally classified student. It is important to change your status to classified prior to the end of your first semester. To do this, provide the ELPS office with the following:
a. GRE/MAT results (may be waived if student has a master’s degree or an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, based on a semester system). Students must score at the 50th percentile in one of the three areas on the GRE or earn a raw score of 50 on the MAT. If the GRE is not passed, a Graduate Petition Form can be submitted to request consideration of a waiver.
b. Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) score. Must score 8 or above out of 12 points. Click here for test registration information.
c. Two letters of recommendation from school administrators describing your potential as an educational leader. Please use the required template.d. Evidence of “B” or better grades in the first 6 units of course work.
Step 3: Application for Credential Program
If you also desire the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, you must also apply to the Credential Office. To download a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential application, click here. You may call the ELPS department at (818) 677-2591 or the Credential Office at (818) 677-2586 for assistance.