School Administration

OVERVIEW

The Master of School Administration (MSA) Program at NCCU is designed to develop culturally responsive school leaders who promote social justice and who dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of marginalized communities. The course of study for the MSA degree prepares leaders academically and professionally to advance the consciousness of social responsibility in a diverse and global society. Coursework emphasizes core functions of high-achieving schools and the importance of challenging assumptions that are socio-culturally, cognitively, ethically, economically, and politically adverse to students. MSA candidates are able to rebuild those assumptions into positive educational experiences and outcomes for students. The program provides the contextual experiences needed to bridge the gap between research, theory, development, and practice. The MSA Program is aligned with the mission of NCCU, the UNC Strategic Plan - Our Time, Our Future, North Carolina Standards for School Executives, the Education Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) - all of which serve as the template for the program’s design. 

The 42 semester-hour MSA program involves 30 hours in the major (8 content courses and 2 research courses), and 12 hours in a field-based, full-time or part-time internship and seminar. The yearlong internship must be completed during the spring and the fall semesters. Candidates who enroll in full-time study (9 credit hours each semester enrolled) are eligible for a stipend from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI).