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Master's Degrees | School Administration

School Administration

Entrance Exam: Not Required
College of Education

The Master of School Administration prepares K-12 school leaders dedicated to excellence and equity. Enrollment in this program is limited to personnel working in selected North Carolina counties and is offered onsite at selected schools in those counties.

The Master of School Administration program is offered to North Carolina educators who aspire to be school administrators, especially school principals. Graduates will have learned how to use dynamic, interactive and culturally diverse leadership strategies to improve student performance. Students complete eight courses plus a year-long, full-time internship. Visit the program website for current admission requirements and curriculum information.

This program may lead to Professional Licensure.

Eligibility

Applicants must submit:

  • Four years of successful teaching experience (fourth year can be during the first year in MSA program)
  • Continuing NC Teaching License
  • Current employment in a K-12 environment
  • Undergraduate degree
  • Three letters of reference
  • Resume
  • Purpose or Biographical Statement
  • Teaching Philosophical Statement or Educational Platform
  • For non-native English speakers, Test of English as a Second Language

Plan of Study

Students complete a total of eight 3-credit courses (24 credit hours) plus a year-long, full-time building-level internship (18 credit hours). Students employed full-time may not enroll for more than 12 credit hours in any one semester.

Career Prospects

Strong school leadership translates into successful student populations and happy teachers. Facilitate a positive, supportive educational environment that honors the needs of students, parents, educators and staff. Use your strengths to impact more than one classroom as you advance your career as an assistant principal or a principal.

The Master of School Administration leads to principalship licensure in North Carolina. Applicants should be aware that licensure is controlled by the state. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with the state’s requirements.