Program Chair: Jennifer Watson, Ph.D
The Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership will prepare candidates to work as elementary and/or secondary school principals. The program curriculum is designed to align to standards set by National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP), and includes relevant coursework in leadership theory and practice. An administrative internship and a practicum are essential parts of the program and are designed to provide real-world, field-based experience in various aspects of school administration and supervision
Mission: The mission of the Masters of Education Program in Educational Administration and Leadership is to prepare confident, courageous, competent and committed 21st century school leaders were have the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to thrive in their roles as school administrators. With a keen awareness and understanding of concepts, information and procedures, graduates will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to improve the success and enhance the well-being of every student and adult in the school.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- The EDAD candidate will design a vision for learning through the school mission and process for continuous improvement that reflects a professional and ethical core set of values and priorities (PADEPP 1, 6; NELP 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
- The EDAD candidate will develop and implement a culture for learning including coherent systems of curriculum, supports and assessment within a culturally responsive and inclusive school culture. (PADEPP 2 and 4; NELP 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4)
- The EDAD candidate will develop a community for learning to engage families and community, and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning and support school improvement. (PADEPP 5; NELP 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3)
- The EDAD candidate will develop management for learning to apply the knowledge, skills and commitments necessary to improve school-level governance, and improve data-informed planning reflecting current policies, and regulations. (PADEPP 3; NELP 6.1, 6.2, 6.3)
The online Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership is designed to be completed in one calendar year, and is completely online. Program participants complete six sessions, each containing 2 courses, are completed in one calendar year, following seven week terms. Our program uses Canvas to promote interaction and collaboration with 24/7 support. Courses are designed to be comprehensive and relevant to the needs of today’s effective administrator outlined in the NELP standards. The program utilizes best practices in online instructional techniques and strategies including discussion boards, case studies, simulations, readings and research. Graduate students in the program must hold a valid and current South Carolina Teaching Certificate.
Policy on Writing Standards
Columbia College takes seriously its commitments to academic integrity and to academic excellence. The Graduate School is especially mindful of the need for its students to demonstrate high standards of scholarship and to possess accurate, articulate communication skills. To this end, the Educational Administration and Leadership faculty closely monitor each student’s writing skills during the first semester while the student is enrolled and continues to monitor those skills throughout the program. Any deficiencies that arise are addressed with individual students.
Program Exit Criteria:
Graduate students must successfully complete the following assessment requirements to earn the M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Leadership
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Complete 36 semester hours of graduate work
• Successfully complete a comprehensive portfolio based on clinical experiences and coursework aligning with PADEPP standards, due in the last module of the program.
SC SDE Recommendation for Certification Process
Graduate students who successfully complete and exit the program that intend to complete the add-on certification in Educational Administration must present passing scores on the Praxis II examination identified by the state:
• Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (5412)
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