Master's in School Administration

FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

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The Master’s in School Administration at UNC Greensboro combines the flexibility of a fully online program with immersive leadership preparation. Through a cohort-based model, yearlong internship, and close mentorship, students gain the skills and experience needed to lead today’s schools. Graduates leave prepared for North Carolina principal licensure and ready to make a meaningful impact as instructional leaders, school administrators, and advocates for student success.

Master’s in School Administration Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

Unlike some school administration programs that require regular campus attendance, UNCG offers the M.S.A. in a fully online cohort model. Students progress through the program alongside a group of peers, creating opportunities for professional networking and collaborative learning. This program meets the requirements of the North Carolina state legislation for School Principal Licensure.

The Experience For M.S.A. Students

The degree requires 42 semester hours and 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.

A major differentiator of this Master’s in School Administration is the yearlong administrative internship. Students work under both a school-based mentor and a university mentor, allowing them to apply leadership concepts directly in real school settings. This sustained field experience goes beyond a shorter practicum models offered by some programs.

UNCG delivers its M.S.A. program fully online through a two-year, cohort-based format. Students take eight (8) required academic courses (24 credits) and complete a yearlong internship in school administration (12 credits). Students will work with their advisors to choose two (2) electives (6 hours)— either in the department or outside it—that match the student’s interests and provide both content and activities that are necessary to complete the student’s preparation. Advisors will encourage students to choose electives that create interdisciplinary and interprofessional connections in the student’s preparation. To be eligible to receive North Carolina state licensure as a principal, students must successfully pass the North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA). A fee is required to register for and complete each NCPPA task.

After Graduating with your Master’s in School Administration

The program meets North Carolina requirements for Level I School Administrator (Principal) licensure, allowing graduates to pursue positions as assistant principals and principals throughout the state.

Graduates of the M.S.A. program are prepared to:

• Lead schools as assistant principals or principals
• Supervise and evaluate instructional programs
• Support teacher development and retention
• Foster equitable and inclusive school cultures
• Manage school operations and organizational change

additional information About Applying to The M.S.A. Program at UNCG

The M.S.A. application deadline is May 15. The program begins in the fall semester (mid-August).

The Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations‘ formal admission requirements and documents for admission to the M.S.A. program include: 

• Holding a 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. Admissions reviewers evaluate each prospective student using all available application materials. Faculty members engage in a collaborative review of applicants. 

If you have specific questions about the program or applying, contact Dr. Brian Clarida, bjclarid@uncg.edu, ELC M.S.A. Graduate Program Director.