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 91女神,
participate in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
91女神鈥檚 Master of School Administration (MSA) and Post Master鈥檚
Certificate (PMC) programs offer a comprehensive pathway for educators who aspire
to lead schools and school systems. Designed for full-time educators, the program
emphasizes 1) developing formal school leaders to create more successful outcomes
for all students and, 2) teaching scholar practitioners to analyze the root causes
of problems and lead teams to address problems in schools.
What You'll Learn
WCU鈥檚 NC School Executive Leadership Program (NCSELP) includes the Masters in School
Administration (MSA), the Post Masters Certificate (PMC), and NC Principal Fellows
Program (PFP), all leading toward NC Principal Licensure.
The MSA is a 36-credit hour program. The PMC is a 24-credit hour program. All classes
are online 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 to support students as they complete requirements for the NC Principal Portfolio
Assessment.
*NC Principal Fellows are MSA students with additional requirements. See info specific
to NCPFPs.
Where You'll Go
The MSA and PMC programs, along with successful scores on the NC Principal Portfolio
Assessment, lead to recommendation for NC principal licensure. Graduates serve in
a variety of formal leadership positions such as assistant principals, principals,
and directors.
Our cohort model builds a supportive network as we prepare P-12 school leaders 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.
Financial aid is not available for certificate/Add-On license programs. PMCs are not
eligible for financial aid, therefore, many students choose to earn a second Masters
Degree with their MSA.
Degree Requirements
24-credit hours (8 courses x 3 credits), including a 2-semester, school-based internship.
Successful submission of NC Principal Portfolio Assessment
Admissions
See Admission Requirements below
More 91女神 Our M.S.A. in School Administration Program
Designated a Distance/Online Program, WCU鈥檚 MSA/PMC is among the most affordable pathways
to NC principal licensure. Our relationships with our partnering school districts
are priorities as we collaborate to tap and grow aspiring leaders.
We align the 3 Tasks for the NC Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA) with courses
to best support aspiring school leaders with NC principal licensure requirements.
With our cohort-based model, students form relationships with peers that carry into
their careers in school administration. WCU MSA/PMC students are all full-time educators
who bring their own diverse perspectives and experiences to the learning environment.
Admission to the 36-credit hour MSA program is designed for licensed, experienced
educators who are ready to advance into P-12 formal leadership roles. Applicants must
meet academic eligibility, demonstrate leadership potential, and show readiness for
the responsibilities of school administration.
Admission to the 24-credit hour PMC program is designed for licensed, experienced
educators who are ready to advance into P-12 formal leadership roles. PMC applicants
have completed a master鈥檚 degree in an education-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or
higher in their master鈥檚 program and undergraduate program.
The NC Principal Fellows Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship loan program
funded by the NC General Assembly. The PF grant is in the form of a forgivable loan.
The loan must be repaid through service within 7 years of program completion. PFs
can serve two years as an assistant principal or principal in a high needs school
or four years in a non-high needs school; or cash payment must be complete within
10 years of program completion.
WCU鈥檚 MSA/PMC programs follow a cohort-based sequence. Classes are fully online with
synchronous classes Monday evenings (6:00-8:00pm). We align the 3 Tasks for the NC
Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA) with courses to best support aspiring school
leaders with NC principal licensure requirements.
Students complete a year-long (2 semesters), school-based internship under the supervision
of a licensed principal. MSAs have the option to complete internships while remaining
in their current role of employment or participate in a fully paid, full-time, 10-month
Asst. Principal internship. PMCs complete their internships while remaining in their
current role of employment.
Our faculty are experienced educators who bring practical leadership knowledge into
the classroom to help students connect theory with real-world practice. They foster
a supportive and engaging learning environment where future school leaders can build
confidence, sharpen their skills, and prepare for meaning roles in education.
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