For questions about the program, please contact edleadership@colled.msstate.edu.
Program Overview
The program for the Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration prepares educators for careers as school administrators. Program candidates learn to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, make strategic decisions, creatively solve problems, involve families in their children’s education, empower others, supervise staff, promote change, establish positive school culture, understand budgets, and manage resources. The program is nationally accredited by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and approved for administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including principal, assistant principal, coordinator, and director.
The program is designed to complement the professional lives of P-12 educators and can be completed in 14 months. The program can be completed on the Starkville or Meridian campuses, or online via the Center for Distance Education.
We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2021 thru May 1st.
Admission Criteria
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, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:
- grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree;
- letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two other letters of reference;
- statement of purpose;
- copy of valid teacher’s license;
- evidence of three years of teaching experience;
- current résumé; and
- interview.
Program of Study
Required Courses | ||
---|---|---|
First Summer | ||
EDL 8413 | School Legal and Ethical Perspectives | 3 |
EDL 8423 | School Leadership | 3 |
EDL 8433 | Using Data for School Improvement | 3 |
EDF 8443 | Evaluation of School Programs | 3 |
Fall | ||
EDL 8513 | School Leadership Internship I | 3 |
EDL 8523 | Educating Diverse Learners | 3 |
Spring | ||
EDL 8613 | School Leadership Internship II | 3 |
EDL 8623 | Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
Second Summer | ||
EDL 8713 | School Business and Facilities | 3 |
EDL 8723 | Leadership for Positive School Culture | 3 |
EDL 8633 | Human Resources Leadership for Schools | 3 |
A culminating assessment is also held during the second summer term | ||
Total Hours | 33 |