For teachers who wish to move into educational leadership and policy, and/or to prepare for a doctoral program in the field.

Location:

Shippensburg, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Education Leadership & Administration

Program Overview

Program Description:

The skills necessary for effective administration of a school are learned, not intuitive. Each year a number of teachers take the first step to secure certification as a school administrator. A knowledge base for administrators for 21st century school leaders includes data analysis, instructional leadership, organizational management, and providing equity for diverse learners.

At Shippensburg University, we prepare students to successfully serve as school administrators. Faculty with real-world experience and insights provide a well-rounded educational leadership master’s program for our students. Faculty help prepare graduate students for diverse administrative responsibilities upon completion of our PA master’s program.

The College of Education and Human Services offers a Master’s of Education in School Administration that includes certification as a principal and/or supervisor for teachers who wish to move into educational leadership and policy, and/or who wish to prepare for a doctoral program in educational leadership and policy. Post-master's programs are also available for certification of K-12 principals and the superintendent's letter of eligibility. Post-master's degree programs for the supervisory certificate in 12 fields of specialization are as follows: Communication/English, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Environmental Education, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Pupil Services, Reading, Science, Social Studies/Citizenship, Special Education.

A strength of the program is the required 360-hour field-based internship during which prospective administrators experience the relationship of theory to practice and attempt to answer this question: What are the things a school administrator does that contribute meaningfully to student learning?  Over the years, Shippensburg University has built and maintains excellent relationships with the schools and school districts of Central Pennsylvania. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students determine which school, school leader, and school district will provide the best hands-on practical experience in school leadership. Through this practicum, students are directly involved in administrative experiences. Typically, the practicum experiences are spread across two semesters, with the specific goal of participating in school leadership across the entire scholastic calendar. Students who are interested in pursuing a PA educational leadership master's degree will develop individual experiences during their practicum placement that can help mold their future career. 

Pennsylvania Department of Education requires a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment for K-12 principal and superintendent’s letter of eligibility applicants. The test is typically taken during the final semester of study. Applicants for single-subject supervisory certification must receive a passing score on the Supervisory Praxis Exam.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Shippensburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACSB International, ABET Inc., Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), American Chemical Society, Council on Social Work Education, Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, International Association of Counseling Services, Council for Exceptional Children and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

MEd in School Administration: Educational Leadership - Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, Present an official transcript showing at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA for your undergraduate studies, Have certification as a teacher and have completed at least two years of successful teaching experience in elementary, middle, or secondary schools (or have had other acceptable professional experience in education), Present two letters of recommendation on forms provided by the department (one from the chief school administrator in the school where you are currently teaching or recently have taught, and one from another school administrator).

International Requirements:

The recommended score for the TOEFL is 68 for the internet-based test or 500 for the paper-based test. (Shippensburg University's test code for the TOEFL is 2657). The recommended score for IELTS is 6.0. International applicants from a country where English is the native/official language may be exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement, however the GRE or GMAT is required.