Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration
Program Overview
Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in School Administration
The online Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration prepares educators for a variety of functions school administrators must perform. The online coursework encompasses robust topics such as school leadership, school legal and ethical decision making, and leading school curriculum. The program is designed to complement the professional lives of educators and can be completed in 14 months.
Program Highlights
- Participants are provided extensive opportunities to make connections between research and practice and to experience interactive teaching and learning.
- Coursework for this degree will teach you to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, promote change, establish a positive school culture, understand budgets, and manage resources.
- The college is nationally accredited by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council and approved for administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education.
- It is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition per credit hour: $581.00
- Instructional Support Fee per credit hour: $25.00 Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply.
Who Should Pursue This Degree?
This degree is for those interested in school administration in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary schools who want to advance their careers.
Potential Careers
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including:
- Principals
- Assistant principals
- Headmasters
- Deans
- Athletic directors
- Lead teachers
- Chairs of academic departments
Program Structure
Required Courses
| Course Number | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDL 8413 | School Legal and Ethical Perspectives | 3 |
| EDL 8423 | School Leadership | 3 |
| EDL 8433 | Using Data for School Improvement | 3 |
| EDL 8513 | School Leadership Internship I | 3 |
| EDL 8523 | Educating Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDL 8613 | School Leadership Internship II | 3 |
| EDL 8623 | Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
| EDL 8633 | Human Resources Leadership for Schools | 3 |
| EDL 8713 | School Business and Facilities | 3 |
| EDL 8723 | Leadership for Positive School Culture | 3 |
Total Hours: 30 A comprehensive examination is also held during their final semester. Students will be required to complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). Students must also submit their SLLA results to the program for completion.
Admissions Process
To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University
- Demonstrate interest in the mission of P-12 schools
- Demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:
- Grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor's degree
- Recommendation letter
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of valid teacher's license
- Evidence of three years of teaching experience
- Current resume
- Letter of endorsement from current school administrator
- Interview
Domestic/International Classified Admissions
- Submit online application
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
- One official transcript showing bachelor's degree or progress toward degree
- One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor's degree
- Payment of application processing fee
Domestic Unclassified Admissions
Only nine hours of coursework taken as an "Unclassified Student" can be applied toward a degree program. All Unclassified students should submit a classified application once they have reached the maximum of nine hours.
Provisional Admissions
A student who has not fully met the requirements stipulated by the University and the department for admission to graduate study may be granted admission as a degree-seeking graduate student with provisional status.
Readmission
Once enrolled in graduate study, a student who fails to meet the continuous enrollment requirement must complete an Application for Readmission to register for classes.
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer up to twelve hours of graduate-level credits from regionally accredited institutions. The decision to grant transfer credit is made by the advisor and the student's graduate committee.
Attention International Students
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of either the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
English Language Test Score Requirements
| TOEFL Essentials | TOEFL iBT | IELTS | Admission Eligibility | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 79 and above | 6.5 and above | Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship | Considered proficient in English |
| 8.0-8.5 | 69-78 | 6.0-6.4 | Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship | Scores indicate a need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills |
| 7.0-7.5 | 61-68 | 5.5-5.9 | Eligible for admission for the Fall & Spring terms only | Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course |
| 6.0-6.5 | 54-60 | 4.6-5.4 | Eligible for admission for the Fall term only | Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5110, an intensive English course |
| 5.5 and below | 53 and below | 4.5 and below | Not eligible for admission to the Graduate School | Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis |