This 36-semester-hour program focuses on the knowledge and skills required for persons who are interested in educational leadership, administration, and management in educational settings. The program should be of particular interest to those preparing to work as supervisors, department chairs, assistant principals, principals, and associate/assistant superintendents and may also be used by students seeking careers in higher education, private institutions, or governmental agencies.
Majors in educational administration may earn the M.S.Ed. degree with or without the principal endorsement to the Type 75 Illinois Administrative License. Those electing to earn the endorsement normally complete the non-thesis option. Those seeking the master’s degree without the endorsement may pursue either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
The faculty in educational administration select the most qualified applicants. Preference is given to educators who hold a master’s degree in an area other than educational administration, who are experienced educators, and who have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.50. Faculty decisions are based on the total profile of each applicant. Any applicant who is denied admission may submit an appeal to be reviewed by the admissions committee and the faculty. Appeals must be in writing, explain the basis for the appeal, and include information not previously submitted.
Requirements
Students seeking the M.S.Ed. with or without the general administrative endorsement are required to complete the following requirements.
Non-Thesis Option
Foundations course approved by adviser (3)
Course work in educational administration approved by adviser (15-24)
Electives and/or research course work approved by adviser (0-9)
A two-semester internship (fall-spring or spring-fall) with a portfolio as the culminating activity (4).
The comprehensive examination for students pursuing the non-thesis option is conducted in conjunction with the defense of the portfolio.
Thesis Option
Same requirements as the non-thesis option, except that 6 semester hours must be taken in LEEA 699A, Master’s Thesis. Students pursuing the thesis option fulfill the comprehensive examination requirement in conjunction with the thesis defense.