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.
Virtual Open House
Wednesday June 10, 2021: 5-7pm
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.
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. For
Fall 2020, the face-to-face dates are Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, and Nov. 14. 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 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
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
MSA Schedule (Starting Fall 2019)
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; no summers) 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 2019
Spring 2020
Summer 2020
Fall 2020
Spring 2021
EDL 602*: Shaping School Culture
EDL 793*: Leading Social Justice
EDL 721*: School Law
EDL 612*: Curriculum Leadership
EDL 601: Ethical School Leadership
EDL 617: History, Sociology & Philosophy of Education
EDL 603: Instructional Leadership
EDL 621: Leading Adult Learning
EDRS 709: Assessment for the Advancement of Student Learning
