For immediate assistance or detailed information about this program, please contact
Dr. Heidi Van Dohlen at hbvondohlen@wcu.edu
Virtual Open House
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom!
You鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn more about 蘑菇短视频, participate
in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
蘑菇短视频鈥檚 Master of School Administration program offers a comprehensive
pathway for educators who aspire to lead schools and school systems. Designed for
professionals ready to expand their impact, the program emphasizes thoughtful leadership,
collaboration, and real-world application. Students engage in meaningful learning
experiences alongside a supportive cohort while preparing for advanced leadership
roles in education.
What You'll Learn
The Masters in School Administration is a 36-credit hour program. We are an online
program providing asynchronous work as well as synchronous class sessions on Mondays
(6:00-8:00pm). We bring students to Asheville one Saturday per semester for in-person
trainings and cohort bonding. Our cohort model builds a supportive network as graduates
move into formal school leadership positions. We prepare P-12 school leaders throughout
NC in alignment with NC Standards for School Executives and National Educational Leadership
Preparation Standards. We blend theory and practice - providing aspiring leaders with
a wide range of experiences to prepare them for the realities of school leadership.
Where You'll Go
The Masters in School Administration leads to recommendations for principal licensure
in NC. Graduates serve in a variety of formal leadership positions such as assistant
principals, principals, and directors.
WCU鈥檚 NC School Executive Leadership Program (NCSELP) includes the Masters in School
Administration. The application deadline is May 1 for students to be admitted each
fall. Two key pillars of our program are 1) developing formal school leaders with
a lens for equity and social justice and, 2) teaching scholar-practitioners to use
Improvement Science to analyze the root cause of problems and lead teams to address
problems in schools and school systems.
Designated a Distance/Online Program, WCU鈥檚 MSA is among the most affordable pathways
to principal licensure in NC. Students can expect all courses to be fully online beginning
Fall 2025, while still allowing students to grow and support one another within their
cohort. As students seek to become formal school leaders, the value of collaboration
and networking with peers working toward the same academic and career goals is incredibly
beneficial.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions
Location
Online
Length
36 semester credit hours (including a two-semester internship)
Costs
See 蘑菇短视频graduate financial aid; M.S.A. students may be eligible for institutional
awards and other graduate funding.
Degree Requirements
36 total credit hours (12 courses 脳 3 credits) including a two-semester (6 credit) school-based internship
Admissions
Admissions requirements include: minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, at least 3 years full-time teaching (or equivalent)
More About Our M.S.A. in School Administration Program
The Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) at 蘑菇短视频 prepares future school leaders to promote effective
teaching, support student learning, and create positive, equitable educational environments.
Grounded in state and national leadership standards, the program emphasizes ethical
leadership, data-informed decision making, collaborative school improvement, and advocacy
for all learners.
Students complete a year-long (two semesters) competency-based internship with the
option to complete internships while remaining in their current role of employment
or participate in fully paid, full-time, 10-month Asst. Principal internships.
Our relationships with our partnering school districts are priorities as we collaborate
to tap and grow aspiring leaders in our region and in NC. Successful completion of
the MSA or PMC, along with the NC Principal Portfolio Assessment, leads to recommendation
for principal licensure in North Carolina.
Admission to the Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) program is designed for
licensed, experienced educators who are ready to advance into K鈥�12 leadership roles.
Applicants must meet academic eligibility, demonstrate leadership potential, and show
readiness for the responsibilities of school administration.
Students in the Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) program have access to several
funding options designed to support working educators.
The NC Principal Fellows Program (PFP) is a competitive, merit鈥恇ased scholarship loan
program funded by the North Carolina General Assembly.
WCU鈥檚 School Administration programs follow a cohort-based sequence with evening and
summer courses. Students complete a two-semester, school-based internship while remaining
in their current roles.
At 蘑菇短视频, every gift 鈥� big or small 鈥� makes a difference. Your
support helps students thrive, fuels scholarships, and strengthens programs that prepare
the next generation of leaders.
The College of Education & Allied Professions (CEAP) at 蘑菇短视频prepares students for
meaningful careers in education, counseling, special education, and allied professions.
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