Program Overview

Master of Science in Education Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Administration and Supervision (K-12 Licensure) (MSEd)

The purpose of graduate programs in educational leadership is to prepare individuals to assume leadership responsibilities in education, training, and other human service organizations. Educational leadership offers the MSEd and the EdS degrees for candidates seeking PK-12 administration and supervision licensure. The programs prepare leaders who are visionary, who have depth of knowledge, and who can be effective and responsive organizational leaders.

Overview

The concentration area in educational administration and supervision is approved by the state of Virginia and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students complete 30 semester hours of coursework to lead to licensure as an administrator. The program is offered online only.

Admission

To gain admission, applicants must:

• meet all University admissions requirements;
• have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.80 overall and 3.00 in the major;
• provide two letters of recommendation, including one from a school administrator;
• write a one-page essay that explains the applicant's professional experiences and personal goals, specific ways the applicant hopes to improve public education as an educational leader, and how this degree will help the applicant address her/his professional goals;
• write a one-page, single-spaced statement about a contemporary and critical issue facing educational leaders.

Curriculum Requirements

Program Requirements

For the Master of Science in Education with a concentration in administration and supervision, a student must have completed an approved 30-hour minimum graduate program including two internships and a culminating written comprehensive examination. Approved internship experiences are required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Administration and Supervision (K-12 Licensure) Concentration

Requirements for this concentration area are as follows:

• ELS 700: Strategic Leadership and Management for School Improvement (3 credits)
• ELS 701: Accountability and Organizational Improvement (3 credits)
• ELS 702: Educational Politics and Policymaking (3 credits)
• ELS 710: Strategic Communication and External Relations (3 credits)
• ELS 727: Learning Theories and Professional Development (3 credits)
• ELS 728: Instructional Leadership and Supervision (3 credits)
• ELS 753: Educational Finance and Budgeting (3 credits)
• ELS 757: Educational Law and Ethics (3 credits)
• ELS 668: Internship in Educational Leadership (3 credits)
• ELS 669: Instructional Internship (3 credits)

Additional Requirements

Continuance

Students must meet all department, college, and university policy requirements for continuation in their academic program. Students who do not maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in their ELS program will be placed on probation. Students placed on probation have one semester to bring their overall GPA back to a minimum of 3.0.

Exit

Students must successfully complete:

1. the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA);
2. the required course of study;
3. three self-assessments, one at the start of the program, one after the first internship, and one upon completion of all coursework;
4. two internships of 320 hours and 5 placements per VDOE administrative licensure regulations; and,
5. have a minimum 3.00 grade point average in order to graduate.