Program Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies is a fully online program that offers two distinct areas of emphasis, allowing students to tailor their education to their career aspirations. The two areas of emphasis are:

• Education Leadership: This concentration prepares students for roles as a school principal, supervisor, or superintendent, emphasizing the strategic, operational, and ethical dimensions of educational leadership.
• Leadership Specialist: This track is ideal for professionals aiming to lead in diverse organizational settings, focusing on broad leadership competencies, innovative problem-solving, and strategic management.

Program Highlights

• Emphasis Options: Students can choose from an emphasis in Leadership Specialist or an emphasis in Educational Leadership.
• Quality Faculty: All full and part-time faculty who teach in the program are certified in Quality Matters, a national review process that certifies the quality of online courses and online components.
• Administrative Licensure: Students completing the Educational Leadership area of emphasis program qualify for professional administrative licensure as a PreK-Adult school principal in West Virginia and Ohio.

Featured Courses

Some of the featured courses in the program include:

• LS 610 - Leadership for School Improvement: Leadership preparation for developing and implementing a shared vision and strategic plans focused on teaching and learning, implementing change, applying leadership theory, and acting with understanding of society's influences.
• LS 626 - Fundraising Management: This course provides students with an overview of the fundamentals of fundraising, including major campaigns, donor research, management practices, and ethical issues.
• LS 633 - Leadership in International Nonprofits: This course examines the structure, purpose, and history of international nonprofit organizations, including a study of public policy and the practice of philanthropy in countries other than the USA.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program at Marshall University are equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in sectors such as business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, including:

• Community outreach coordinator
• Corporate trainer
• Human resources manager
• Leadership coach
• Project manager
• Nonprofit director

Program Information

• Total Credit Hours: 30
• Years to Complete: 2-3 years (average)
• Cost Per Credit Hour: $534.75 The program provides students with the tools to become better members of their professional organizations and to impact their communities in the future.

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Outline:

• The program consists of 30 total credit hours.
• It can be completed in an average of 2-3 years.
• The cost per credit hour is $509.
• There are two concentrations available: Education Leadership (School Principal) and Leadership Specialist.
• The Education Leadership concentration includes coursework for principal administrative licensure.
• The program requires students to complete many field-based experiences.
• This program prepares graduates to apply for principal administrative licensure as a PreK-Adult school principal in West Virginia and many other states.
• Students from other states should check with their state licensing agency for licensure requirements.
• To obtain professional licensure as a school principal in West Virginia, students must pass the PRAXIS 5412 Educational Leadership Administration and Supervision test and complete the Evaluation Leadership Institute offered by the West Virginia Department of Education.
• The Leadership Specialist concentration is designed for working adults.
• Courses cover topics such as Human Resource Management, Grant Writing, and Community Planning.
• This degree can enhance a person's current position or prepare them for a career transition.
• All courses meet Marshall University's internal quality standards for online courses.
• All faculty who teach in the program are certified in Quality Matters, a national review process that certifies the quality of online courses and online components.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a combination of practical experience and academic content.
• It employs creative and best-practice approaches to online learning.
• All faculty are certified in Quality Matters.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the Education Leadership concentration are prepared for careers as PreK-Adult school principals.
• Graduates of the Leadership Specialist concentration can pursue careers in various fields, including human resources, grant writing, and community planning.

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Other:

• The program is offered fully online.
• The program website and contact information for the program director are provided.
• Information on financial aid and tuition is also available.
• There is a link to learn more about the College of Education and Professional Development.

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.