School Administration

The Master of Science and/or Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, with a specialized concentration in School Administration, is designed to equip educators with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for thriving careers as school administrators. Throughout this program, candidates engage in comprehensive learning experiences aimed at cultivating proficiency in various critical areas.

Candidates are adeptly trained to analyze educational data, assess instructional methodologies, and implement targeted strategies to enhance student achievement. With a keen focus on strategic decision-making and innovative problem-solving techniques, participants emerge poised to address the multifaceted challenges inherent in educational leadership roles. Moreover, the program underscores the pivotal role of fostering robust family engagement to augment student learning outcomes.

Grounded in principles of empowerment and collaboration, candidates develop competencies in staff supervision, change management, and the establishment of a positive school culture conducive to academic excellence and holistic student development. Additionally, the curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of budgetary processes and resource management, ensuring graduates are well-versed in optimizing organizational resources to drive educational success.

The program is nationally accredited by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and approved for administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). Graduates of this program emerge equipped for a diverse array of professional positions in the educational landscape, including roles as principals, assistant principals, coordinators, and directors.

Curriculum

This program is designed to complement the professional lives of P-12 educators and can be completed in 14 months. MSU Meridian utilizes a variety of course delivery methods, including hybrid, face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous online formats.

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, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

1. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree
2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two other letters of reference
3. Statement of purpose*
4. Copy of valid teacher’s license
5. Evidence of three years of licensed teaching experience
6. Current résumé
7. Interview

*We encourage applicants to follow the guidance below when preparing a Statement of Purpose. In no more than two pages, please respond to the following items:

• Describe your interest and purpose for applying to the program, including your short- and long-term career goals.
• Describe your experience in P-12 education, including the variation of your experience and why you believe the experience prepares you for a leadership role.
• Describe your demonstrated competencies in increasing student achievement citing specific data examples. Provide explanation of instructional expertise leading to increases.
• Describe your demonstrated competency in creating a classroom culture of equity and high expectations. Provide explanation of evidence-based strategies to establish such a culture and at least one specific example.
• Describe your vision for leadership including the skills and behaviors you believe contribute to productive and effective educational leadership.

Program of Study

Required Courses

*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.

Advisor

Kaleb Smith, Ed.D

• Assistant Teaching Professor, Educational Policy and Organizational Design

kas119@msstate.edu 601-484-0224