School Administration

Are you looking to move into a school leadership role? Do you want to empower others and lead in the P-12 school environment?

The Master of Science and/or Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration at MSU-Meridian prepares educators for a variety of functions school administrators must perform. The coursework encompasses robust topics such as school leadership, school legal and ethical decision making and leading school curriculum. 

This hybrid program is designed to complement the professional lives of educators and can be completed in 14 months. Classes are a blend of face to face, synchronous, and asynchronous. 

A new cohort begins each Summer. The deadline to apply for Summer is May 15. 

Program Highlights

• Participants are provided extensive opportunities to make connections between research and practice and to experience interactive teaching and learning.
• Coursework for this degree will teach you to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, promote change, establish a positive school culture, understand budgets and manage resources.
• The college is nationally accredited by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council and approved for administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education.
• It is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the master’s 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. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree
2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two other letters of reference
3. Statement of purpose*
4. Copy of valid teacher’s license
5. Evidence of three years of licensed teaching experience
6. Current résumé
7. Interview

*We encourage applicants to follow the guidance below when preparing a Statement of Purpose. In no more than two pages, please respond to the following items:

• Describe your interest and purpose for applying to the program, including your short- and long-term career goals.
• Describe your experience in P-12 education, including the variation of your experience and why you believe the experience prepares you for a leadership role.
• Describe your demonstrated competencies in increasing student achievement citing specific data examples. Provide explanation of instructional expertise leading to increases.
• Describe your demonstrated competency in creating a classroom culture of high expectations. Provide explanation of evidence-based strategies to establish such a culture and at least one specific example.
• Describe your vision for leadership including the skills and behaviors you believe contribute to productive and effective educational leadership.

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Science - Education Leadership with a concentration in School Administration (EDLD) or  Educational Specialist in Education with a concentration in School Administration as your Program of Study and MERIDIAN as your campus.
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Three letters of recommendation
   • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
   • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
   • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
     Mississippi State University
     The Office of the Graduate School
     P.O. Box G
     Mississippi State, MS 39762
   • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
     Mississippi State University
     The Office of the Graduate School
     175 President Circle
     116 Allen Hall
     Mississippi State, MS 39762
7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
   Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.

Program of Study