2019-20 Academic Catalog

Department of Educational Leadership

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Department Head: Dr. Eric Moyen
Office: 245 Allen Hall

The department offers ten graduate programs: M.S. in Educational Leadership with concentrations in (1) School Administration, (2) Teacher Leadership, and (3) Student Affairs and Higher Education; M.S. in (4) Workforce Education Leadership; (5) M.A.T. in Community College Education; Educational Specialist in Education with concentrations in (6) School Administration and (7) Teacher Leadership; Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with concentrations in (8) P-12 Leadership and (9) Higher Education Leadership; and (10) Ph.D. in Community College Leadership.

The goals of the Department of Educational Leadership are to:

  1. Provide graduate programs of study in which students pursue advanced degrees in P-12 educational leadership, student affairs and higher education leadership, and community college teaching and leadership;
  2. Immerse graduate students in coursework which provides the theoretical foundation, practical skils, and research knowledge required to be effective leaders in educational settings.;
  3. Provide rigorous, relevant, and empirically supported instruction which engages students in acquiring knowledge and in solving problems critically, analytically, and ethically;
  4. Conduct research that is significant, driven by theory, and methodologically rigorous, in order that students and faculty participate as active consumers and producers of knowledge; and
  5. Provide service to our community, our state, and the global community, as well as our department, college, university, and profession.

Community College Leadership Courses

CCL 7000 Directed Individual Study in Community College Leadership: 1-9 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

CCL 8113 Community College History/Philosophy: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Objectives of the community college, philosophical/historical bases, changing roles, issues in higher education/workforce devlopment/economic industry

CCL 8123 Community College Finance: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Analyzes tools, methods, problems in community college financial management, revenue sources, budget preparation, risk management, purchasing, employee compensation

CCL 8133 Leadership Theory and Practice in the Community College: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. In-depth analysis of leadership theory and practice in the community college environment, including an overview of leadership, approaches, theories, and ethics

CCL 8143 Program Planning and Development: 3 hours.

In-depth analysis of workforce education including the mission, the knowledge base, planning and developing programs, and delivering programs

CCL 8153 Human Resources Administration: 3 hours.

Examines the role of the human resources administrator on workforce education leadership; key administrative functions, workforce development, benefits and compensation, and employee relations are analyzed

CCL 8173 Community College Teaching and Learning: 3 hours.

Comprehensive preparation for teaching at the community college: teaching strategies centered on outcomes and experiential learning, assessment of learning, and job related responsibilities

CCL 8193 Issues in Community College and Workforce Leadership: 3 hours.

A study of the current issues in community college leadership and workforce education. Designed for students in the community college leadership program

CCL 8213 Internship in Community College Leadership: 3 hours.

Provides experience in community college leadership and is conducted at a local community college under supervision of an administrator serving as the student's mentor

CCL 8223 Internship in Workforce Education Leadership: 3 hours.

Provides experience in workforce education leadership and is conducted at a local community college under supervision of an administrator serving as the student's mentor

CCL 8233 Community College Legal Issues: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. In-depth analysis of the legal/policy issues pertaining to students, faculty, and administrators of community colleges

CCL 8243 Internship in Community College Teaching: 3 hours.

Provides experience in workforce education leadership and is conducted at a local community college under supervision of an administrator serving as the student's mentor

CCL 8283 Leadership in Community College Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Nature and types of leadership and foundation theories. Uses of theory in administrative problem solving by applying models to community college mission, organization, and academe

CCL 8313 Community College Instructional Assessment: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. In-depth analysis of community college setting, students, courses planning, and assessment of instruction, including techniques associated with effective teaching and assessment in the community college arena

CCL 8333 Community College Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. In-depth analysis of community college governance, structure, functions, and its relationship with external groups, state government

CCL 8343 Community Development and Resources: 3 hours.

In-depth analysis of community environment in which community colleges serve, including strategic planning, asset mapping, project development, resources and grant writing, and project evaluation

CCL 8353 Applications of Organizational Theory and Behavior in Community College Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Nature and types of community college leadership and foundation theories for understanding and managing modern organizations in relation to community college mission, organization, and academe

CCL 8363 Community College Activities Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Nature and types of community college activities, understanding and managing today’s students, legal aspects, and relation to the community college mission, organization, and academe

CCL 8373 Community College Curriculum Improvement: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Comprehensive overview of community college curriculum improvement; theory and perspectives, contemporary curriculum, curriculum design and assessment, and curricular innovation

CCL 8383 Ethical Decision Making in Community College Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Ancient, modern, and postmodern ethical theory. Case studies used to analyze ethical decisions. Multiple decision models and ethical concepts applied to problems and moral dilemmas

CCL 8990 Special Topics in Community College Leadership: 1-9 hours.

CCL 9000 Dissertation Research/ Dissertation in Community College Leadership: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

CCL 9913 Dissertation Seminar: 3 hours.

Optional or elective course for specialized study in developing dissertation research. May be repeated once for credit

Educational Leadership (EDA) Courses

EDA 6990 Special Topics in Educational Leadership: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

EDA 7000 Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

EDA 8163 Public School Finance: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Legal and other factors governing financial policies and practices in public schools; sources of revenue; budgeting; disbursement of funds; school plant; records; insurance

EDA 8190 Workshop in Educational Administration and Supervision: 1-3 hours.

This course is for practicing school administrators who need courses of varying length, format, and focus in areas not covered by the regular curriculum

EDA 8210 Internship in Supervision and Administration: 1-3 hours.

Opportunity under direct supervision of regular university staff for practical experience in the major area of interest. May be repeated for credit

EDA 8223 Seminar in Administration: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Administrative experience or graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Specialized study of selected problems in educational leadership. (Same as HED 8223)

EDA 8273 Educational Administration and Supervision: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Advanced graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Fundamental of leading and managing at the central office executive level, e.g., assistant superintendent. Emphasis of policy development, curriculum and instruction, planning, operations, and public relations

EDA 8283 Educational Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Nature of educational leadership. The roles of leadership in staff and program development, diffusion of innovations, and the uses of power in making educational decisions. (Same as HED 8283)

EDA 8293 Professional Development of Educational Personnel: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite :EDL 8143). Three hours lecture. Collaborative approaches to processes of individual and group professional development for instructional and non-instructional personnel; ensuring, supporting, enhancing best practices for teaching, learning, school improvement

EDA 8323 Educational Facilities Design: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Studies design issues in learning environments/facilities, examines contemporary design models, their impact on learning, and uses this information in the design process

EDA 8353 Applications of Theory to Educational Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The nature of theory; types of educational administrative theories; uses of organizational and administrative theory in administrative problem solving; applications of general systems theories in education. (Same as HED 8353)

EDA 8383 Ethical Decision Making in Educational Administration: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: EDA 8283). Three hours lecture. Case studies are used to analyze educational decisions. Multiple decision models and ethical concepts are applied to problems and moral dilemmas. (Same as HED 8383)

EDA 8990 Special Topics in Educational Leadership: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

EDA 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

EDA 9913 Dissertation Seminar: 3 hours.

Optional or elective course for specialized study in developing dissertation research. May be repeated once for credit

Educational Leadership (EDL) Courses

EDL 7000 Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership: 1-6 hours.

The purpose of this course is to allow the student to investigate areas of interest and report the results of investigation in a scholarly manner

EDL 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Educational Leadership: 1-13 hours.

This course is designed to allow the Master's level student to undertake original research under the supervision of his/ her major professor and a committee

EDL 8113 Contexts of Educational Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Exploration of the educational leader's responses to historical, philosophical, sociocultural, democratic and educational contexts affecting leadership; school culture and climate; change processes for school improvement

EDL 8123 Principles of Educational Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Applying democratic processes to school governance and leadership; decision making; consensus building; empowerment; vision; mission; and school improvement

EDL 8143 Educational Leaders as Instructional Supervisors: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Applying interpersonal and clinical skills, techniques and approaches in the observation, supervision, and empowerment of teachers and in the facilitation of teaching and learning environments

EDL 8163 Educational Budgeting and Resource Allocation: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Administrative leadership for organization, management, allocation of resources to enhance and support teaching and learning; four modules: budgeting, facilities, personnel, student and family services

EDL 8173 Legal and Ethical Perspectives of Leadership in Schools: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Examination of legal and ethical issues in educational leadership. Analysis of impact of laws and legal decisions on policy formation and decision implementation in education

EDL 8193 Educational Environments: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: EDL 8201 & EDL 8202). Three hours lecture. Capstone course of Master's/Specialist AA Certification program. Theories, roles, functions of leadership in educational environments; organizational structures; community and board relationships; policy; strategic planning

EDL 8213 Internship I: Observation and Field Applications: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: EDL 8113, EDL 8123, EPY 8223). Interns experience designated observation, authentic application, and mentorship activities at educational sites under joint supervision of university and school-based leaders

EDL 8223 Internship II: Administrative Applications: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: EDL 8163, EDL 8173, EPY 9263, EDL 8213). Interns observe and apply techniques of administrative leadership in authentic educational situations under joint supervision of university and school-based staff at school sites

EDL 8233 Internship III: Instructional Applications: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: EPY 8223, EDL 8143, EDL 8193, EDL 8213, EDL 8223 or approval of instructor). Focus on instructional leadership experiences; designated culminating internship activities at school sites; joint supervision by university staff and school-and/or district-based leadership

EDL 8313 Assessing Content Knowledge for Teacher Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course addresses the assessment of content knowledge necessary to be an effective teacher leader. It involves developing an understanding of the relationship between content knowledge, pedagogy, and assessment. Students learn strategies for these key elements of the teaching profession

EDL 8323 Differentiation of Instruction for Teacher Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course will address the importance of differentiated instruction in effective teacher leadership. It will involve developing teacher-leaders’ abilities to evaluate students’ learning styles, plan and implement differentiated instruction, and analyze instructional strategies and materials based on ongoing assessment

EDL 8333 Teaching Practice and Learning Environment for Teacher Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course will address the knowledge of teaching practices and learning environments necessary to be an effective teacher leader. This will include content in instructional planning, pedagogical strategies, student engagement, development of motivational, safe learning environments, and assessment of these best practices

EDL 8343 Effective and Reflective Practitioner for Teacher Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course involves developing teacher-leaders’ abilities in applying knowledge of students as well as collaborating with all educational stakeholders to develop learning communities. Ultimately, this course enhances the teacher leader’s commitment to advancing student learning and achievement in the K-12 setting

EDL 8353 Teacher Leadership Internship: 3 hours.

Three hours clinical instruction. A field-based component is required. This course requires students to take the theory, pedagogy, and leadership knowledge they have learned in the required coursework and apply teacher-leadership practices in a school setting

EDL 8413 School Legal and Ethical Perspectives: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Focus of the course is on an introduction to school law, policy development, and ethical leadership

EDL 8423 School Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The focus of the course is on effectively leading and managing the school within the political and social context of high stakes accountability for student learning

EDL 8433 Using Data for School Improvement: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The course focuses on using data as a tool to enhance the decision-making processes for comprehensive school reform and improvement

EDL 8513 School Leadership Internship I: 3 hours.

Clinical Instruction. The course requires students to apply leadership practices to the real-world setting of a P-12 school

EDL 8523 Educating Diverse Learners: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course focuses on leading schools that address the needs of all learners in academically, socially, and emotionally responsive classrooms

EDL 8613 School Leadership Internship II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: EDL 8513 and consent of instructor). Clinical Instruction. This course is a culminating internship that requires students to apply leadership practices to the real-world setting of a P-12 school

EDL 8623 Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The course covers educational leaders’ responsibilities relative to national and state curricula standards, effective instructional practices, and the use of assessments to support student achievement

EDL 8633 Human Resources Leadership for Schools: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course addresses leadership of various human resources functions that impact the effectiveness of P-12 schools

EDL 8713 School Business and Facilities: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Focus of the course is on providing effective leadership for school operations such as managing the budget, campus safety and security, and buildings and grounds

EDL 8723 Leadership for Positive School Culture: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The course focuses on the role of the school leader to shape a productive academic learning culture in his/her school

EDL 8990 Special Topics in Educational Leadership: 1-9 hours.

Titles to be arranged. These courses are used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to 2 offerings under one title within two academic years.)

EDL 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership (EDL): 1-13 hours.

Higher Education (HED) Courses

HED 4990 Special Topic In HED: 1-9 hours.

HED 6990 Special Topic In HED: 1-9 hours.

HED 7000 Directed Individual Study in Higher Education: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

HED 8010 Practicum: 3-6 hours.

(Prerequisite: Approval of instructor). Three or six hours supervised field experience and seminar in Student Affairs/Higher Education administration. (Repeatable for up to 6 total credits)

HED 8113 Administrative Leadership in Student Affairs & Higher Education: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: 27 hours of completed coursework in Student Affairs & Higher Education program or approval of instructor). Three hours lecture. A leadership-focused capstone course applying theory to student affairs practice in the context of higher education organizations

HED 8123 Organization and Governance in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Conceptual and theoretical understandings of organization and governance, along with the context, structure, and operations associated with higher education institutions

HED 8133 Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of teaching methods and techniques, development of course content and instructional aids, and evaluation of student performance in the college and university setting

HED 8143 U/Cc Seminar: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. An in-depth analysis of current problems, strengths and issues confronting community college and university administrators and faculty

HED 8223 Seminar in Administration: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Administrative experience or graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Specialized study of selected problems in educational leadership. (Same as EDA 8223)

HED 8283 Educational Leadership: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Nature of educational leadership. The roles of leadership in staff and program development, diffusion of innovations, and the uses of power in making educational decisions. (Same as EDA 8283)

HED 8353 Applications of Theory to Educational Administration: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. The nature of theory; types of educational administrative theories; uses of organizational and administrative theory in problem solving; applications of general systems theory. (Same as EDA 8353)

HED 8383 Ethical Decision Making in Educational Administration: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: HED 8283). Three hours lecture. Case studies are used to analyze educational decisions. Multiple decision models and ethical concepts are applied to problems and moral dilemmas. (Same as EDA 8383)

HED 8523 Student Development Theory: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Overview of theories of student development in higher education

HED 8543 Legal Issues in Student Affairs: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Legal and ethical issues related to the student experience and the field of Student Affairs in American higher education

HED 8553 Student Affairs in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Overview of the student affairs profession in higher education. Emphasis on history, philosophical foundations, organization, and the role of functional areas within student affairs divisions

HED 8563 Assessment Strategy in Student Affairs & Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Introduces the methods and tools used in Student Affairs and higher education to design program assessment plans and strategies; provides opportunities to implement the use of these tools in specific Student Affairs settings

HED 8573 Applied Assessment in Student Affairs & Higher Education: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: HED 8563 or approval of instructor). Three hours lecture. Advanced methods for assessment in Student Affairs and Higher Education with a particular focus on basic statistical principles and implementing data collection, analysis, and reporting procedures

HED 8583 Administrative Competency in Stu Affairs & Higher Ed: Budgets & Supervision: 3 hours.

Three hour lecture. Examines the theory and application of budgeting and supervision practices in Student Affairs and Higher Education settings, with a particular focus on college students and college student organizations

HED 8593 Administrative Competency in Stu Affairs & Higher Ed: Technology, Communication, & Crisis: 3 hours.

Three hour lecture. Examines the theory and application of technology, communication, and crisis response practices in Student Affairs and Higher Education settings, with a particular focus on college students and college student environments

HED 8613 Academic Scholarship in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Introduces students to scholarly research, writing, and theoretical traditions in the academic fields of higher education through extensive reading and critique of literature

HED 8623 Diversity, Globalization and the College Student: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. History and theory of social identity within the context of higher education, and exploration of the student experience from the perspective of diverse identity groups, and the relationship of social identity to college student success

HED 8633 History of American Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of the evolution of higher education in the United States. Focus is on its origin and trends along with the social, political, cultural, and economic contexts of institutions and their distinctive features

HED 8643 Advanced Legal Principles in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of the law as it affects administrators, employees, faculty, and students in higher education

HED 8653 Finance and Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of financial policies, allocation, planning, and budgeting in higher education institutions with emphasis placed on financial analysis and management, patterns of expenditure, sources of revenue, expenditures, and grant writing

HED 8673 Planning and Institutional Research in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. An overview of planning models and approaches, effective reporting techniques, and common functions carried out by institutional research offices. Focus is on concepts, methodologies, research practices, and information systems that support institutional decision-making for improvements

HED 8683 Policy Issues in Higher Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A study of the major policies that shape and inform American higher education. The course explores the theories of policy and policy-making along with the benefits, challenges, and controversies associated with federal, state, system, and institutional policies

HED 8990 Special Topics in Higher Education: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

HED 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Higher Education: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged