M.A. in Educational Leadership
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program is a 39-credit, cohort-based program that is completed over two years. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for successful employment in school leadership positions. Students completing the program will be prepared to provide leadership in the spirit of service to others, demonstrate ethical values, and offer dedicated service to all students and teachers in their care.
Upon successful completion of the program and a passing score on the SLLA Praxis, students will be eligible for a standard certificate as a supervisor and a certificate of eligibility as an assistant principal, director, and principal. Candidates for the principal's certification also must document at least three years of certificated teaching experience, as well as provide evidence that a fourth and fifth year will be completed during the course of studies.
Program Philosophy
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program offered by the College of Saint Elizabeth prepares education professionals to assume leadership roles in meeting the challenges in educational settings. The program is designed to prepare school leaders who have great vision, act in an ethical and moral manner, communicate effectively with all stakeholders in school settings and contribute effectively in promoting increased learning for all members of the educational community.
At its essence, this program will produce leaders who will offer dedicated service to all students, teachers and parents in their care. Graduates are expected to emerge as empowered leaders who act with responsibility and accountability; this enhancement of their professional role should result in increased commitment and extraordinary practice. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA in order to continue in the program.
Program Goals
The goals of the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree are to:
- Provide opportunities for candidates to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for growth and development as school leaders based upon the NSPSSL/ISLLC standards.
- Provide future school leaders with the opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a vision of purpose, use information to frame a problem, and exercise leadership processes to achieve common goals.
- Prepare candidates to function as ethically and socially responsible school leaders within a caring community of learning dedicated to teaching and learning excellence.
- Prepare school leaders who are humane, confident, and professionally involved.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit evidence indicating:
- Possession of a standard teaching certificate
- Evidence of three years of exemplary certified teaching experience
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation from school(s) of employment
- Evidence of academic accomplishment
- Successfully complete a personal interview.
Program Description
The M.A. in Educational Leadership program consists of 39 credits of required coursework that is aligned to national standards for educational leaders (ISLLC). The work includes an administrative internship experience and an action research project. Courses are specifically sequenced to maximize effective learning. The program follows a cohort model where students stay together and complete the entire program in two years. This program is offered off-site in schools in or partner districts.
Course Sequence (39 credits)
YEAR ONE
Fall
| EDAS601 | Leadership & Learning Communities | 3 |
| EDAS603 | Curriculum Theory & Practice | 3 |
Spring
| EDAS681 | Supervision of Instruction | 3 |
| PSY637 | Group Dynamics & Interpersonal Comm | 3 |
Summer 1
Summer 3
| EDAS688 | Leadership Development Institute | 3 |
YEAR TWO
Fall
| EDAS609 | Managing the School Community I | 3 |
| EDAS612 | Leadership for Curriculum Change | 3 |
| EDAS687 | Field Internship II | 3 |
Spring
| EDAS610 | Managing the School Community II | 3 |
| EDAS611 | Action Research:Final Project | 3 |
| EDAS689 | Field Internship III | 3 |