2014-15 Academic Catalog

Leadership and Foundations

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Interim Department Head: Dr. Ed Davis, Interim
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Ed Davis

245 Allen Hall
Box 6037
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-0969
E-mail: jed11@colled.msstate.edu

The Department of Leadership and Foundations offers the following degrees:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education;
  • Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership;
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership;
  • Master of Science in School Administration;
  • Educational Specialist in Education with a concentration in School Administration; and
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration.

A student applying for admission to a degree program in the Department of Leadership and Foundations must submit a complete admission packet to the Graduate School and adhere to the following deadlines. 

M.S. and Ed.S. programs in School Administration will admit students for the summer term of each calendar year.  The M.S. application deadline is May 1; the Ed.S. deadline is March 1.  

All other programs will admit students twice a year.  No applications are accepted after these deadlines for the respective admission semesters.

SpringOctober 1
SummerMarch 1
FallMarch 1

A complete admission packet includes:

  • application to the graduate degree program;
  • statement of purpose;
  • three letters of recommendation;
  • GRE scores; and
  • official transcripts from each college or university attended. 

In order for applications to be evaluated for admission, the department may require additional information for each program area.

A student admitted to a program must maintain continuous enrollment.  A student who is not enrolled for one semester is required to submit a readmission application and a new statement of purpose.  The readmission must be approved by the graduate coordinator.  If a student has not been enrolled for one calendar year, the applicant must submit a new application and statement of purpose and be considered for readmission into his/her degree program.

General Admission Requirements

Degree Programs in Community College

Minimum Grade Point Average

Master’s degrees – 2.75 on last half of bachelor’s degree;

Doctoral degree – 3.40 on previous graduate degree(s)

Additional admission requirements

Doctoral degree – demonstrated interest in the mission of community colleges, résumé, writing sample, and interview;

Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education – Indication of teaching specialty (e.g., history) in purpose statement

Degree Programs in School Leadership

Minimum Grade Point Average

Master’s degree – 2.75 on last half of bachelor’s degree;

Educational Specialist degree – 3.20 on Master’s degree;

Doctoral degree – 3.40 on previous graduate degree(s)

Additional admission requirements

Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees – copy of valid teacher’s license, evidence of a minimum of three years teaching experience, résumé, portfolio, and interview;

Doctoral degree – résumé and interview

Community College Programs

Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education (M.A.T.)

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education is an interdisciplinary, distance learning degree program designed to prepare professionals for teaching in a community college setting.  The degree prepares educators for service in rural community colleges and requires a minimum of 18 hours in the student’s teaching field.  The professional education sequence of 15 hours includes an internship experience.  The education courses introduce students to the philosophy and culture of the community college and prepare them to teach non-traditional and first-generation students.  Sensitivity to diversity and adult learning theory is also included in the curriculum.  The program is offered through  the Center for Distance Education.

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 community colleges, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree,
  2. GRE score results,
  3. three letters of reference, and
  4. indication of teaching specialty (e.g., history) in the purpose statement.

Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership

The Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership is a distance learning program designed to prepare professionals for employment in workforce education in postsecondary educational institutions and social services entities, advancing the knowledge base of workforce preparation, workforce development education, and professional development.  The program is offered through the Center for Distance Education.

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 community college and/or workforce issues, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree,
  2. GRE score results,
  3. three letters of reference, and
  4. purpose statement.

Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership

The Ph.D. degree program in Community College Leadership is designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions in community colleges.  The degree program is designed to prepare the next generation of community college leaders.  The program consists of core courses of study in leading and managing in the community college, interdisciplinary courses in a rural context, and courses in research and statistics.  The program is offered through the Center for Distance Education.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, demonstrate interest in the mission of community colleges, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale for all graduate-level credit hours completed;
  2. GRE score results;
  3. writing  sample;
  4. three letters of reference,
  5. structured interview; and
  6. current résumé.

School Leadership Programs

Master of Science in School Administration

The program for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree 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.

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:

  1. grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree;
  2. GRE score results;
  3.  three letters of reference;
  4. statement of purpose;
  5. copy of valid teacher’s license;
  6. evidence of three years of teaching experience,
  7. current résumé;
  8. letter of endorsement from current school administrator;
  9. portfolio; and
  10. interview.

Educational Specialist in Education with a School Administration Concentration

The Educational Specialist degree with a major in Education and concentration in School Administration requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework above the Master’s degree including EPY 6214 and EDL 7000 and a comprehensive examination for individuals. The program is designed for individuals who hold a Master’s degree in School Administration and administrator license. Graduates are prepared for professional positions in education including school district level positions.

If the student does not hold administrator licensure, the program of study for the Educational Specialist degree with a major in Education and concentration in School Administration requires a minimum of 43 credit hours of coursework above the Master’s degree including EPY 6214 and EDL 7000. The program is designed to provide 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.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master’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. grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale on the master’s degree;
  2. GRE score results;
  3. three letters of reference;
  4. statement of purpose;
  5. copy of valid teacher’s license;
  6. evidence of three years of teaching experience;
  7. résumé;
  8. letter of recommendation from a school administrator;
  9. portfolio; and
  10. interview.

Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration

The program for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration is designed for experienced professional educators interested in leading and managing schools, school districts, educational associations, foundations, and state departments of education.  Program candidates learn state-of-the-art executive skills, applied theory, ethical decision making and problem solving, organizational structure and function, systems analysis, strategic planning, curriculum assessment and improvement, human resource management, school law, school finance, facility design, and public relations.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master'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. grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale on previous graduate degree(s);
  2. GRE score results;
  3. three letters of reference;
  4. statement of purpose;
  5. evidence of three years of teaching experience,
  6. résumé;  and
  7. interview.

Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education

Core Courses
CCL 8113Community College History/Philosophy3
CCL 8313Community College Instructional Assessment3
CCL 8173Community College Teaching and Learning3
EDF 8363Function and Methods of Research in Education3
Teaching Specialty/Content Area
Select 18 hours of courses with the same prefix.18
Total Hours30

Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership

Core Courses24
Community College History/Philosophy
Community Development and Resources
Leadership Theory and Practice in the Community College
Human Resources Administration
Program Planning and Development
Teaching Out-of-School Groups in Agricultural Information Science and Education
Function and Methods of Research in Education
Issues in Community College and Workforce Leadership
Any two TKT courses at the 6000 level or above.6
Total Hours30

Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership

Core Courses24
Select one of the following:
Community College History/Philosophy
Community College Curriculum Improvement
Community College Finance
Community College Legal Issues
Community College Administration
Leadership in Community College Administration
Applications of Organizational Theory and Behavior in Community College Leadership
Ethical Decision Making in Community College Administration
Educational Facilities Design
Interdisciplinary Courses18
Rural Government Administration I: Theoretical and Environmental Aspects
Rural Government Administration II: Implementation Aspects
AEC 6313
Introduction to Regional Economic Development
Applied Region Econ Dev
AEC 6333
Rural Community and Economic Development
Public Program Evaluation
Research Courses14
Educational and Psychological Statistics
Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics
Educational Research Design
Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
Dissertation20
Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership (hours and credits to be arranged; minimum of 20 hours required)
Additional Requirements
CCL 8213Internship in Community College Leadership 13
Total Hours79
1

 Required of students lacking community college work experience.

In addition to successfully completing at least four applied research courses, students are expected to demonstrate competency in research skills in one of two ways:

  1. submit a research paper to a peer reviewed journal, or
  2. present a research paper at an annual meeting of a regional or national association conference/meeting.

Master of Science in School Administration

Required Courses
First Summer
EDL 8413School Legal and Ethical Perspectives3
EDL 8423School Leadership3
EDL 8433Using Data for School Improvement3
EDF 8443Evaluation of School Programs3
Fall
EDL 8513School Leadership Internship I3
EDL 8523Educating Diverse Learners3
Spring
EDL 8613School Leadership Internship II3
EDL 8623Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment3
EDL 8633Human Resources Leadership for Schools3
Second Summer
EDL 8713School Business and Facilities3
EDL 8723Leadership for Positive School Culture3
A culminating assessment is also held during the second summer term
Total Hours33

Education Specialist, School Administration Concentration

Individuals Holding a Master’s degree in School Administration and Administrator License

EPY 6214Educational and Psychological Statistics4
EDL 7000Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership6
Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 hours at the 8000-level20
Total Hours30

A comprehensive examination is required.

Education Specialist, School Administration Concentration

Individuals without Administrator License

EPY 6214Educational and Psychological Statistics4
EDL 7000Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership6
Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 hours at the 8000-level30
Total Hours40

A comprehensive examination is required.

Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration

Leading and Managing in Educational Environments
EDA 8163Public School Finance 13
EDA 8190Workshop in Educational Administration and Supervision1-3
EDA 8223Seminar in Administration 13
EDA 8273Educational Administration and Supervision 13
EDA 8283Educational Leadership 13
EDA 8293Professional Development of Educational Personnel3
EDA 8353Applications of Theory to Educational Administration 13
EDA 8383Ethical Decision Making in Educational Administration 13
Applied Research
Select a minimum of five of the following:17
Educational and Psychological Statistics
Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics
Advanced Analysis in Educational Research
Applied Research Seminar
Educational Research Design
Qualitative Data Collection in Education
Qualitative Data Analysis and Presentation in Education
Educational Foundations
Select four of the following:12
Psychological Foundations of Education
Philosophy of Education
Comparative Education
Principles of Curriculum Development
Issues in Education
History of Education in the United States
Dissertation Research
EDA 9000Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership (hours and credits to be arranged; minimum of 20 hours required) 220
Additional courses
EDA 8210Internship in Supervision and Administration 33
EDA 8323Educational Facilities Design3
Total Hours77-79
1

These courses must be completed at MSU. Many of these courses require prerequisites. The specific number of courses in Educational Administration required for a particular student may vary depending on previous degrees and experience.

2

The student's dissertation research must address problems particular to elementary, middle, or secondary education administration.  In addition to successfully completing at least five applied research courses, students are expected to demonstrate competency in research skills in one of two ways: (a) submit a research paper to a peer-reviewed journal or (b) present a research paper at an annual meeting of a regional or national association conference/meeting.

3

 Required for students lacking school district-level work experience.

Additional Requirements

All graduate students submitting a thesis or dissertation must attend the thesis/dissertation workshop conducted by Mitchell Memorial Library prior to the application for the written comprehensive examination.  All students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree must satisfy research skills requirements before taking the written preliminary examination.  (Refer to the College of Educational Doctoral Student Handbook for options to meet these requirements.)