Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program prepares aspiring school leaders for entry-level roles in K-12 education. Emphasizing research-based practices and aligning with national standards, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills to enhance school leadership, promote individual growth, and drive positive change in educational settings. Through a cohort-based structure and field-based learning experiences, students develop a comprehensive understanding of educational leadership principles and practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program:
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership
• Objectives:
• Enhance excellence in school leadership
• Encourage individual growth
• Apply research-based practices consistent with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) and Professional Standards for Educational Leadership (PSEL) standards
• Description:
• Emphasizes consensus in educational research that effective schools are characterized by professional educators working together to improve their professional practice and achieve personal and shared organizational goals
• Vision: To develop educational leaders who can change professional practices to better serve school and community stakeholders
• Prepares school leaders for entry-level roles in K-12 leadership, typically assistant principals, instructional support leadership roles, or special program administrators
• Research and standards-based curriculum is framed around Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Standards for Clinical Experiences for the preparation of school leadership
• Familiarizes students with Mississippi curriculum standards and state laws, in addition to four MDE Common Assessments developed by faculty in leadership programs across the state

Outline:

• Program Content:
Covers all NELP and PSEL standards
• Structure:
• Cohort setting
• Ten sequenced courses
• Course Schedule:
• Term One (Fall):
• EDLD 610: Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• EDLD 613: Instructional Leadership
• Term Two (Spring):
• EDLD 615: Human Resources Leadership
• EDLD 616: Data-Informed Leadership
• Term Three (Summer):
• EDLD 611: Ethics and Professional Norms for Educational Leaders
• EDLD 617: School Law and Leadership
• Term Four (Fall):
• EDLD 612: Human Resources Leadership
• EDLD 618: Operations and Management Leadership
• Term Five (Spring):
• EDLD 614: Community and External Leadership
• EDLD 619: School Turnaround

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Coursework
• Field-based learning experiences
• Electronic educational leadership portfolio
• Comprehensive examination
• Assessment Criteria:
• Performance on coursework assignments
• Observation and evaluation of field-based experiences
• Quality and completeness of educational leadership portfolio
• Results of comprehensive examination
• Faculty:
• Faculty with experience in educational leadership
• Unique Approaches:
• None specified in the context

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Assistant principal
• Instructional support leadership roles
• Special program administrator
• Opportunities:
• Leadership positions in K-12 schools
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are prepared to lead and manage schools effectively