The Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) meets state standards for North Carolina Level I administrator licensure principal). The degree requires 42 semester hours. Students engage the content of leadership preparation through graduate classroom engagement and assignments, observing schools and school leaders in their practice, and performing tasks under the supervision of a school-based and university mentor during the internship.
Program Distinctions
- Graduates serve as principals and assistant principals throughout North Carolina.
- Program meets requirements of NC state legislation for School Principal licensure.
- The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.
The Student Experience
- Our MSA program is a two-year, cohort-based program offered fully online.
- Students are prepared as leaders through engaging in coursework, observing schools and school leaders in their practice, and performing internship activities under the supervision of school-based and university mentors.
- Students take 10 academic courses (30 credits) and complete a yearlong internship in school administration (12 credits), as per the MSA Program Requirements.
- To be eligible to receive NC state licensure as a Principal, students will complete and submit a Licensure Portfolio that includes material drawn from the student’s coursework and internship.
After Graduation
- Students who graduate from the MSA can seek school leadership positions such as Assistant Principal and Principal.
- In 2020, the median annual wage of elementary, middle, and high school principals was $98,490, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ONLINE DEGREE Required State Authorization Language
Live outside North Carolina?
Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.
UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.
Application Information
The UNC Greensboro School of Education’s and Graduate School’s formal admission requirements specify the following for the M.S.A. program:
- Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
The ELC department’s formal admission requirements and documents for admission to the MSA program are the following:
- Bachelor’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
- Minimum 4 years of experience as a licensed professional educator
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from your principal or education supervisor
- Transcripts from all universities attended
- A resume
- Copy of North Carolina continuing professional license
- A written statement that clearly articulates the applicant’s interest in and potential for school leadership; and addresses the following:
- Page 1: Briefly detail your professional goals and why you chose ELC.
- Pages 2-4: Respond to 2 of the 3 prompts listed here (Note – Please title each topic accordingly):
- The most critical issue in education today is…
- The leadership of a school makes all the difference because…
- North Carolina schools could improve by…
Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. All evidence about a prospective student will be considered in making admissions decisions. Faculty members engage in a collaborative review of applicants.
The M.S.A. application deadline is May 15. The program starts Fall semester (mid-August).
To apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ link on this page.
If you have questions about the program or applying, contact Dr. Brian Clarida (bjclarid@uncg.edu), ELC M.S.A. Graduate Program Director.