North Carolina School Executive Leadership Program

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 and specialists in other education-related fields for work in leadership roles. It provides a pathway to principal licensure to students who do not yet hold a master's degree.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadline: May 15

• Official transcript with Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three years of successful full-time teaching (or in a related, certified position within a school)
• Hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Class A teaching license or a comparable license from another state
• 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

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 15 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