Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science and Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership

The Master of Science and/or Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration at MSU-Meridian is designed to prepare educators for various functions that school administrators must perform. The program encompasses robust topics such as school leadership, school legal and ethical decision-making, and leading school curriculum.

Program Highlights

Participants in the program are provided with extensive opportunities to make connections between research and practice and to experience interactive teaching and learning. The coursework teaches students to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, promote change, establish a positive school culture, understand budgets, and manage resources.

Accreditation

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.

Career Opportunities

This degree is suitable for those interested in school administration in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary schools who wish to advance their 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

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the master's 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:
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor's degree
  • Letter of endorsement from a current school administrator and two other letters of reference
  • Statement of purpose
  • Copy of a valid teacher's license
  • Evidence of three years of licensed teaching experience
  • Current résumé
  • Interview

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are encouraged to follow specific guidance when preparing their Statement of Purpose, which should include:

• Description of interest and purpose for applying to the program, including short- and long-term career goals
• Description of experience in P-12 education, including variation of experience and why it prepares the applicant for a leadership role
• Description of demonstrated competencies in increasing student achievement, citing specific data examples
• Description of instructional expertise leading to increases in student achievement
• Description of demonstrated competency in creating a classroom culture of high expectations
• Description of vision for leadership, including skills and behaviors believed to contribute to productive and effective educational leadership

Program of Study

Master of Science in Educational Leadership School Administration Concentration

The program requires the following courses:

• EDL 8413: School Legal and Ethical Perspectives (3 hours)
• EDL 8423: School Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 8433: Using Data for School Improvement (3 hours)
• EDL 8513: School Leadership Internship I (3 hours)
• EDL 8523: Educating Diverse Learners (3 hours)
• EDL 8613: School Leadership Internship II (3 hours)
• EDL 8623: Leading Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (3 hours)
• EDL 8633: Human Resources Leadership for Schools (3 hours)
• EDL 8713: School Business & Facilities (3 hours)
• EDL 8723: Leadership for Positive School Culture (3 hours) Total Hours: 30 *A comprehensive exam is required.

Educational Specialist in Education with a Concentration in School Administration

For individuals holding a Master's degree in School Administration and an Administrator License:

• EPY 6214: Educational and Psychological Statistics (4 hours)
• EDL 7000: Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership (6 hours)
• Electives: Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 hours at the 8000-level or above (20 hours) Total: 30 *A comprehensive exam is required.

For individuals without an Administrator License:

• EDL 8413: School Legal and Ethical Perspectives (3 hours)
• EDL 8423: School Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 8433: Using Data for School Improvement (3 hours)
• EDL 8513: School Leadership Internship I (3 hours)
• EDL 8523: Educating Diverse Learners (3 hours)
• EDL 8613: School Leadership Internship II (3 hours)
• EDL 8623: Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 hours)
• EDL 8633: Human Resources Leadership for Schools (3 hours)
• EDL 8713: School Business and Facilities (3 hours)
• EDL 8723: Leadership for Positive School Culture (3 hours)
• EPY 6214: Educational and Psychological Statistics (4 hours)
• EDL 7000: Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership (3 hours) Total: 37 *A comprehensive exam is required. **Students will be required to complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and submit their SLLA results to the program for completion.