Educational Leadership
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 Educational Leadership 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
- Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration
A student applying for admission to a degree program in the Department of Educational Leadership 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.
| Spring | October 1 |
| Summer | March 1 |
| Fall | March 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:
- grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree,
- GRE score results,
- three letters of reference, and
- 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 post-secondary 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:
- grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree,
- GRE score results,
- three letters of reference, and
- 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, have at least three years of work experience in a community college, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:
- grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale for all graduate-level credit hours completed;
- GRE score results;
- writing sample;
- three letters of reference,
- structured interview; and
- 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:
- grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree;
- GRE score results;
- three letters of reference;
- statement of purpose;
- copy of valid teacher’s license;
- evidence of three years of teaching experience,
- current résumé;
- letter of endorsement from current school administrator;
- portfolio; and
- 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:
- grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale on the master’s degree;
- GRE score results;
- three letters of reference;
- statement of purpose;
- copy of valid teacher’s license;
- evidence of three years of teaching experience;
- résumé;
- letter of recommendation from a school administrator;
- portfolio; and
- 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:
- grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale on previous graduate degree(s);
- GRE score results;
- three letters of reference;
- statement of purpose;
- evidence of three years of teaching experience,
- résumé; and
- interview.
Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education
| Core Courses | ||
| CCL 8113 | Community College History/Philosophy | 3 |
| CCL 8313 | Community College Instructional Assessment | 3 |
| CCL 8173 | Community College Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDF 8363 | Function and Methods of Research in Education | 3 |
| Teaching Specialty/Content Area | ||
| Select 18 hours of courses with the same prefix. | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership
| Core Courses | 24 | |
| 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 Hours | 30 | |
Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership
| Core Courses | 24 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Community College History/Philosophy | ||
or CCL 8373 | 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 Courses | 18 | |
| Rural Government Administration I: Theoretical and Environmental Aspects | ||
| Rural Government Administration II: Implementation Aspects | ||
| Introduction to Regional Economic Development | ||
| Applied Region Econ Dev | ||
| Rural Community and Economic Development | ||
| Public Program Evaluation | ||
| Research Courses | 14 | |
| Educational and Psychological Statistics | ||
| Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics | ||
| Educational Research Design | ||
| Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education | ||
| Dissertation | 20 | |
| Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership (hours and credits to be arranged; minimum of 20 hours required) | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| CCL 8213 | Internship in Community College Leadership 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 79 | |
| 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:
- submit a research paper to a peer reviewed journal, or
- 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 8413 | School Legal and Ethical Perspectives | 3 |
| EDL 8423 | School Leadership | 3 |
| EDL 8433 | Using Data for School Improvement | 3 |
| EDF 8443 | Evaluation of School Programs | 3 |
| Fall | ||
| EDL 8513 | School Leadership Internship I | 3 |
| EDL 8523 | Educating Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| EDL 8613 | School Leadership Internship II | 3 |
| EDL 8623 | Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
| EDL 8633 | Human Resources Leadership for Schools | 3 |
| Second Summer | ||
| EDL 8713 | School Business and Facilities | 3 |
| EDL 8723 | Leadership for Positive School Culture | 3 |
| A culminating assessment is also held during the second summer term | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Education Specialist, School Administration Concentration
Individuals Holding a Master’s degree in School Administration and Administrator License
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| EDL 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership | 6 |
| Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 hours at the 8000-level | 20 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
A comprehensive examination is required.
Education Specialist, School Administration Concentration
Individuals without Administrator License
| EPY 6214 | Educational and Psychological Statistics | 4 |
| EDL 7000 | Directed Individual Study in Educational Leadership | 6 |
| Graduate-level coursework with at least 15 hours at the 8000-level | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
A comprehensive examination is required.
Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration
| Leading and Managing in Educational Environments | ||
| EDA 8163 | Public School Finance 1 | 3 |
| EDA 8190 | Workshop in Educational Administration and Supervision | 1-3 |
| EDA 8223 | Seminar in Administration 1 | 3 |
| EDA 8273 | Educational Administration and Supervision 1 | 3 |
| EDA 8283 | Educational Leadership 1 | 3 |
| EDA 8293 | Professional Development of Educational Personnel | 3 |
| EDA 8353 | Applications of Theory to Educational Administration 1 | 3 |
| EDA 8383 | Ethical Decision Making in Educational Administration 1 | 3 |
| 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 9000 | Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Educational Leadership (hours and credits to be arranged; minimum of 20 hours required) 2 | 20 |
| Additional courses | ||
| EDA 8210 | Internship in Supervision and Administration 3 | 3 |
| EDA 8323 | Educational Facilities Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 77-79 | |
| 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.)