The Master of Arts in School Principalship program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead schools and meet the needs of 21st Century learners. The purpose of this degree is to provide an academic foundation for school leadership and develop the skills and abilities of educational leaders through performance-based learning. Applicants selecting this program are educators who would like to broaden their career options to include school administration. Students completing this program can apply to the Michigan Department of Education and receive initial administrative certification. This certification is a state requirement for school principals.

The Master of Arts in School Principalship is a nationally accredited program by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards

1. Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies.
2. Regular admission in the program requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
3. Applicants must provide evidence of promise as an administrator by preparing and submitting an admission portfolio directly to the Department of Educational Leadership. The following items must be included in the contents of the portfolio:
1. a department application form (Click Here);
2. a current resume identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments;
3. a minimum of two letters of reference (dated and submitted on organizational letterhead) from individuals who can appropriately address the applicant's potential as an administrator and attest to the applicant's potential for success in the program;
4. a two page statement incorporating how the applicant’s program goals and beliefs about leadership connect to the Educational Leadership program and these principles:
• Vision for student success and achievement
• Involvement of all stakeholders
• Leadership for a diverse and complex society, and
• Demonstration of ethical behavior
5. identification of at least two significant activities which indicate experiences, abilities, and potential for educational leadership. For each activity identified, applicants should clearly describe the activity and the role and responsibilities they assumed, include the number of people involved or impacted by the activity, describe the budget (if applicable) or resources used, and summarize with a self-reflective statement addressing the insight and learning that occurred.
4. Regular admission will be granted only after the admission portfolio has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by a committee of Educational Leadership faculty. Acceptability will be judged on the appropriateness of the contents of the admission portfolio relative to the degree program to which application is being made. The applicant's statements about beliefs, professional goals, and activities must show evidence of thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and congruence with the degree program to which the application is directed.

Additional Admission Requirements

Must have either a valid teaching certificate and three years of experience or three years of other qualifying experience.

It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the admission portfolio as early as possible. Applicants must submit a complete admission packet and it must be approved before a student is granted regular admission.

Required Courses I (21 hours)

EDL 600 - Research for Educational Leadership 3(3-0)
EDL 615 - Educational Technology for Administrators 3(3-0)
EDL 656 - Public School Law 3(3-0)
EDL 660 - Principles of Educational Administration 3(3-0)
EDL 662 - School Business Administration & Facilities Management 3(3-0)
EDL 663 - Human Resources Administration 3(3-0)
EDL 699 - Leadership Internship 1-15(Spec)
Note: 3 hours of EDL 699.

Required Courses II (3 hours)

Select one of the following:
EDL 620 - Administration Within Diverse Populations 3(3-0)
EDL 661 - School and Community Relations 3(3-0)
EDL 675/SPE 640 - Administration of Special Education 3(3-0)

Emphasis Area (9 hours)
Select one of the following emphasis areas:

Emphasis Area I - Site-Based Leadership
EDL 670 - School-Site Administration 3(3-0)
EDL 690 - Administration of School Curriculum 3(3-0)
EDL 773 - Instructional Supervision for Educational Leaders 3(3-0)

Emphasis Area II - Charter School Leadership
EDL 645 - Charter School Leadership 3(3-0)
EDL 651 - Program Review and Evaluation 3(3-0)
EDL 698 - Master's Colloquium 3(3-0)

Professional Portfolio
Plan B requirements are met with a Professional Portfolio that consists of additional evidence of significant scholarship and ability relating to competence in administration and leadership. Portfolios are reviewed and assessed during an exit interview.
Total: 33 semester hours