Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte empowers licensed K-12 teachers to transform into innovative, collaborative, and effective leaders. This program is designed for passionate educators ready to make a significant impact on their school community.

Program Highlights

• Develop essential leadership skills: Master curriculum development, educational law, instructional strategies, research methods, and technology integration.
• Champion equity and excellence: Foster inclusive learning environments that empower all students to thrive in the 21st century.
• Learn from experienced professionals: Benefit from a blended format with on-site and online learning led by renowned educators and practitioners.
• Gain valuable field experience: Complete a year-long internship under the guidance of a principal-mentor and university supervisor.
• Flexible and accessible: Pursue your degree part-time at convenient off-campus locations in surrounding counties.

Program Details

Delivery

The program is delivered in a blended format, combining offsite cohort models with online courses.

Credits

The program consists of 36 credit hours.

Admits

Admissions are available for Summer (Principal Fellows) and Fall.

Cohorts

The Cato College of Education offers a blended Master of School Administration consisting of site-based, online, and hybrid courses at several locations:

• Cabarrus County: A.L. Brown High School, Kannapolis, NC
• Cabarrus County: Jay M Robinson High School, Concord, NC
• Gaston County: Gaston College, Dallas, NC
• Iredell County: Unity Center, Statesville, NC
• Mecklenburg County: Mallard Creek High School, Charlotte, NC (Principal Fellows Cohort)
• Rowan County: Jesse C. Carson High School, China Grove, NC
• Union County: Porter Ridge High School, Indian Trail, NC

Courses

The Master of School Administration is offered in a cohort delivery for a total of 36 credit hours, including:

• ADMN 6100: Fundamentals of Educational Leadership (3 credits)
• RSCH 6101: Educational Research Methods (3 credits)
• ADMN 6105: Legal Aspects of Schooling (3 credits)
• ELDT 5100: Technology Integration in Education (3 credits)
• ADMN 6161: The Principalship (3 credits)
• ADMN 6120: Instructional Leadership (3 credits)
• ADMN 6490: Internship and Seminar: Administration (3 credits)
• ADMN 6491: Internship and Seminar: Supervision (3 credits)
• ADMN 6410: Internship & Seminar Part I (3 credits)
• ADMN 6130: Supervision of Instruction (3 credits)
• ADMN 6420: Internship/Seminar Part II (3 credits)
• ADMN 6110: School Leadership and Management (3 credits)

Internship

The internship challenges students to demonstrate a thorough and well-integrated understanding of the principles, research findings, and theories addressed in their coursework and to apply these to educational practice and leadership situations.

Admissions & Requirements

• Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
• A bachelors degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor.
• A North Carolina Initial Professional License in any content area or its equivalent from another state or other relevant experience with official documentation.
• Have completed a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience or other professional education experience.
• All previous work beyond high school documenting an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale).
• Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
• Three recommendations from school administrators (must include principal) who can attest to your potential success as a school principal.
• A 1-2 page statement of purpose that addresses professional experiences, future goals, and an understanding that school administrators must possess a comprehensive conceptual, pedagogical, and reflective knowledge base.
• A complete resume showing evidence of leadership.

Application Deadline

June 15 (summer)

Career Opportunities

UNC Charlotte MSA graduates go on to work in roles such as:

• Principals and Assistant Principals
• District-Level Administrators
• Education Policymakers
• State Education Leaders

Salary Expectations

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, sampled graduates of the MSA program and found the average annual estimated wage to be approximately $90,800.

Why Choose UNC Charlottes M.S.A. program?

• Nationally recognized program: Our program boasts a strong reputation for preparing exceptional school leaders.
• Affordable tuition: Invest in your future with competitive tuition rates and financial aid options.
• Supportive network: Connect with fellow educators and build a lasting professional network.
• Advance your career: Graduates enjoy increased leadership opportunities and salary potential.

Tuition

• NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
• Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour