The program leading to the Master of School Administration degree requires the completion of 42 semester hours. The curriculum is divided into four areas as follows:
Professional knowledge and Skills core, 12 hours: EDCI 612, 615, EDL 620 and PSY 621.
School-site management core, 9-12 hours: EDL 611, 660, EDSU 630 and the option of one elective course (recommendations include COUN 600, EDL 650 and 732, and EDEL 566/666). Students who take 9 hours in this core will take 15 in the Instructional Leadership Core.
Instructional Leadership core, 12-15 hours: EDL 612, EDCI 609, EDSU 605, and up to 2 electives (recommendations include EDCI 613, SPED 502 and SPED 620. Students who take 15 hours in this core will take 9 hours in the School-site Management Core.
Internship, 6 hours: part-time students, EDL 685, 686 (2 s.h. option), and 687; full-time students, EDL 686 (3 semester hour option) and 687.
The faculty recommends that students complete EDCI 612 within the first nine semester hours of the program. Students may not register for internship courses without the permission of their adviser.
Students will maintain a portfolio throughout their experience in the program. Prior to graduation, portfolios will be evaluated to validate attainment of program goals.
Successful completion of the program and requirements related to licensure will qualify students to apply for an Administrator I license in the state of North Carolina. Conditions for licensure are determined by the North Carolina State Board of Education.
Degree requirements for the Master of School Administration degree program
Applicants must hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Class A teaching license or a comparable license from another state. They must have an average grade of B or higher during the last sixty semester hours of undergraduate study and submit satisfactory scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examinations. Applicants must have three years of successful teaching or equivalent experience and must present a portfolio that includes professional achievements, a vision for improved schools in the next century, and a self-assessment of readiness for a career in school administration. Applicants will be interviewed by program faculty and local school administrators. An impromptu writing activity will also be required.
Three letters of recommendation from employers or former instructors who are in a position to judge the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and potential as a school administrator are required. One recommendation must be from the current immediate supervisor.
This page is maintained by Nancy Carden in the
Office of the Provost.
Last updated: 6/30/2005.
Copyright 2005 by Western Carolina University .