North Carolina School Executive Leadership Program
Program Overview
Location: Asheville & Online Hybrid
App Deadline: May 1
Pre-Requisites: GRE Not Required
Time to Complete: 36 Hours, 24 Months
Principal Licensure Or Leadership Prep
Master's in School Administration
WCU's Master of School Administration (MSA) is a hybrid program in partnership with WRESA (Western Region Education Service Alliance) and prepares working teachers for work in leadership roles. It provides a pathway to principal licensure to students who do not yet hold a master's degree.
Virtual Open House
Wednesday, June 15 2022: 5-6pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline: May 1
- Official transcript with Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Three years of successful full-time teaching
- Hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Class A teaching license or a comparable license from another state
- Currently teaching in a NC school
- Three online recommendations including one from your current administrator
- Completed district verification form noting years of school level experience
- Current resume highlighting leadership experience
- Short- and long-term leadership goals (in application system)
- Candidate Evaluation Rubric to be completed by applicant's principal or district leader
- The Graduate School has waived application fees for Fall 2022 applicants.
About the Program
This degree is earned through the completion of a four-semester graduate program with students taking twelve, three-credit courses, for a total of 36 credit-hours. Our cohort model is designed to build a strong network of professionals. The application deadline is May 1 for students being admitted each fall.
This hybrid program courses are primarily online with the exception of four face-to-face Saturdays per semester at WCU's Biltmore Park Instructional Site in Asheville. The remaining eight courses will be provided fully online. The schedule of classes will accommodate working students, including those who work full-time. See the table below for the program schedule.
All students are required to complete a competency-based internship over the course of two semesters providing authentic leadership experiences.
Program Schedule
MSA Schedule (Starting Fall 2022)
Full-time Principal Fellows and full-time released internship in year 2
Students must be enrolled a minimum of 9 credit hours in each semester of the academic
year)
4 semesters, 36 credit hours total. All courses are 3 credits.
* Indicates that this is a hybrid course, requiring face-to-face attendance for 4,
6-hour, Saturday sessions (9:00-4:00)
Fall 2022 Face-to-Face dates: August 27, October 1, October 29, December 3
Spring 2023 Face-to-Face dates: January 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 22
| Fall 2022 | Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EDL 602*: Shaping School Culture EDL 601: Ethical School Leadership EDRS 709: Assessment for the Advancement of Student Learning
|
EDL 642*: Leadership for Social Justice EDL 617: History, Sociology and Philosophy of Education EDRS 602: Research Methods |
EDL 721*: Current Topics in Public School Law EDL 603: Instructional Leadership EDL 686: Internship I |
EDL 612*: Curriculum Leadership/ Special Topics EDL 621: Leading Adult Learning EDL 687: Internship II |
MSA Schedule (Starting Fall 2021)
Full-time Principal Fellows and full-time released internship in year 2
Students must be enrolled a minimum of 9 credit hours in each semester of the academic
year)
4 semesters, 36 credit hours total. All courses are 3 credits. Summer courses may
be available.
* Indicates that this is a hybrid course, requiring face-to-face attendance for 4,
6-hour, Saturday sessions (9:00-4:00)
Fall 2021 Face-to-Face dates: August 28, September 25, October 30, December 4
| Fall 2021 | Spring 2022 | Summer 2022 | Fall 2022 | Spring 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EDL 602* Shaping School Culture EDL 601: Ethical School Leadership EDRS 709: Assessment for the Advancement of Student Learning |
EDL 793*: Leadership for Social Justice EDL 617: History, Sociology & Philosophy of Education EDRS 602: Research Methods |
EDL 721*: Current Topics in Public School Law EDL 603: Instructional Leadership EDL 686: Internship I |
EDL 612*: Curriculum Leadership /Special Topics EDL 621: Leading Adult Learning EDL 687: Internship II |
MSA Schedule (Starting Fall 2020)
Full-time Principal Fellows and full-time released internship in year 2
Students must be enrolled a minimum of 9 credit hours in each semester of the academic
year)
4 semesters, 36 credit hours total. All courses are 3 credits. Summer courses may
be available.
* Indicates that this is a hybrid course, requiring face-to-face attendance for 4,
6-hour, Saturday sessions (9:00-4:00)
Fall 2020 Face-to-Face dates: August 22, September 26, October 24, November 14
| Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 | Summer 2021 | Fall 2021 | Spring 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDL 602*: Shaping School Culture | EDL 793*: Leadership for Social Justice | EDL 721*: Current Topics in Public School Law | EDL 612*: Curriculum Leadership /Special Topics | |
| EDL 601: Ethical School Leadership | EDL 617: History, Sociology & Philosophy of Education (also offered Summer 2021) | EDL 603: Instructional Leadership | EDL 621: Leading Adult Learning (also offered Summer 2021) | |
| EDRS 709: Assessment for the Advancement of Student Learning | EDRS 602: Research Methods | EDL 686: Internship I | EDL 687: Internship II |
Contact Us
Heidi Von Dohlen, Program Director
28 Schenck Parkway, Room 340
Biltmore Park
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 828.227.7310
Email: hbvondohlen@wcu.edu
Denise Royer
Student Services Specialist
Email: droyer@wcu.edu
Office: 828.227.3325