Mission of the M.Ed. Program
The Educational Leadership and Policies program prepares equity-focused and transformative leaders for a variety of formal and informal leadership positions at the school level. These roles include, but are not limited to: teacher leadership, instructional leadership, and principal leadership. You will learn to lead PK-12 schools by engaging in critical educational praxis. This program leads to principal certification for those who already hold a Professional Teaching Certificate.
Goals of the M.Ed. Program
The goal of the Education Administration, M.Ed. program is to develop equity-focused, transformative leaders who:
- Engage in critical self-reflection
- Embody an ethic of community
- Engage in critical educational praxis
- Promote deep and equitable change
What will I study?
This 100% online degree program is designed for teachers in South Carolina and other states who aspire to leadership positions to make an even greater difference for their students, schools and communities.
- 21 core hours concentrate on building a foundation of understanding in areas important to school leadership. Focusing on the goals of the program, these courses provide an overview and introduction to school leadership, history, supervision, personnel management, school law, finance and principalship.
- 6 credit hours of practicum. The two courses provide the opportunity to develop your unique identity as an educational leader by working independently and directly on projects in local schools. You will be supported by ongoing site and university supervision. The real-world experiences you will have in your practicum courses will prepare you for the daily challenges that principals face.
- 9 credit hours of related courses. These three courses will introduce you to essential concepts such as research, special education and curriculum development. You will learn the key ideas and practices in these disciplines as you come to understand the context of educational leadership.
What kinds of work will I be able to do?
Completing this degree program can help you meet the academic licensure requirements for educational administration in many states, including South Carolina. The current curriculum meets national accreditation standards (and South Carolina program standards) for the certification of school leaders. After you graduate, a wide range of professional positions become available to you, such as school principal, assistant principal, instructional supervisor, and other teacher leadership positions.
Program Highlights
The eight-week course format utilizes 100% online courses. This program uses Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, which promotes interaction and collaboration similar to a traditional, face-to-face learning environment. Nationally- and state-recognized administrators from South Carolina are regular guest speakers throughout the program.
This is a highly interactive program. Our instructors employ the best in online instructional techniques and strategies including discussion boards, case studies, simulations, PowerPoint presentations, readings, and research projects. Additionally, instructors offer synchronous weekly virtual class meetings for opportunities to lecture, collaborate, discuss, and network. For detailed information on specific courses and requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate.
Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident
tuition rate:
| South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants | |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Tuition including Fees | $20,338* | $22,399 |
* This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours per semester. Fall I and II together is considered one semester, Spring I and II together is considered one semester, and all summer sessions are considered one semester.
These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective as of July 1, 2019 for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
Typical Course Work
Core Courses (21 semester hours)
Your core courses are designed to help you to build a foundation of understanding
in areas important to school leadership. These courses provide an overview and introduction
to school leadership, history, supervision, personnel management, school law, finance
and principalship.
Practicum Courses (6 semester hours)
These two courses provide the opportunity for you to further develop your unique identity
as an educational leader by working independently and directly on projects in local
schools. You will be supported by ongoing site and university supervision. The real-world
experiences you will have in your practicum courses will prepare you for the daily
challenges that principals face.
Related Courses (9 semester hours)
These three courses will introduce you to essential concepts such as research, special
education and curriculum development. You will learn the key ideas and practices in
these disciplines as you come to understand the context of educational leadership.
For more information about curriculum or program requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.