Degree Offered: Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

**Currently, WCU is not admitting students to the Ed.S. program. Those interested in superintendent licensure may wish to consider the Ed.D. Program.

Program Description: The program meets the state requirements for licensure as a district level administrator. It requires 39-42 semester hours of course work beyond the master's degree and focuses on the unique leadership challenges and opportunities in the P-12 schools in rural settings. Students are required to present a professional portfolio in their final semester and to perform satisfactorily on an oral comprehensive examination based on that portfolio. To be licensed in the state of North Carolina, students must also pass a licensure examination adopted by the state Standards Board for School Administrators.

Admission Requirements:

• Graduate School Admission Requirements
• Program Admission Requirements
  • GRE General Exam
  • Three letters of recommendation from former instructors and/or administrative superiors who are in a position to judge the applicant's aptitude for graduate study.
  • Detailed resume
  • Personal statement addressing professional goals
  • Admissions decisions are made after an interview with program faculty.

Application Deadline: None

Prerequisites: Applicants for the Ed.S. in Educational leadership must hold the master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and are expected to hold a graduate licensure at the fifth-year level in school administration or supervision.  Applicants who hold graduate licensure at the fifth-year level in a teaching field may be admitted with the provision that all requirements for the fifth-year level in school administration or supervision become an integral component of the Ed.S program.

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Number of Graduate Faculty: 12

Number of Students: 30

Location of Course Offerings: Cullowhee and Asheville

Contact Information:
Department of Human Services
91 Killian Building Lane, Room 233
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723

Phone: 828-227-7310
 

Departmental Website: Educational Leadership - Ed.S.