The Traditional Track (1st Master’s Degree)
The Traditional Track (1st Master’s Degree) is designed for individuals seeking their first master’s degree. It is 45 credit hours that require 30 hours in the major (8 content courses and 2 research courses), 3 elective hours, and 12 hours in a field-based full-time or part-time internship and seminar. The yearlong field-based internship must be completed during the fall and spring semesters. Candidates who enroll in full-time study (9 credit hours during each semester) are eligible for the DPI stipend. This stipend offers candidates a paid stipend during the internship.
The Principal Fellows Track
The Principal Fellows Track is 45 credit hours, which requires 30 hours in the major (8 content courses and 2 research courses), 3 elective hours, and 12 hours in a field-based, full-time internship and seminar that is completed in 24 months. The yearlong field-based internship must be completed during the fall and spring semesters.
Participation as a North Carolina Principal Fellow enables the individual to obtain an MSA degree after completing a one-year full-time academic program on campus and a full-time internship at a public school in North Carolina. Fellows receive a scholarship loan which provides $30,000 the first year and 60% of a first year assistant principal’s salary for the second year plus $4,100 for tuition and fees. Fellows also receive an internship stipend based on 40% of the state salary schedule of a first year assistant principal. The total amount varies according to the state salary schedule and the amount for the internship determined by the General Assembly. This year’s second year Fellows will receive a total amount of $42,380, which includes $22,968 as a scholarship loan, $4,100 for tuition and fees and $15,312 for the internship.
Fellows are expected to complete the MSA degree in two years and agree to meet the standards set by the Principal Fellows Commission. They agree to practice as a full-time administrator for four years within six years following completion of the master’s degree. Individuals who do not complete the program or serve in an eligible position for four years must repay the debt in cash at an interest rate of 10%. (Specific requirements for details are included in the SEAA website at ncseaa.edu under rules and regulations.)
North Carolina Principal Fellows Program applicants need to be able to demonstrate in their application strong evidence of leadership roles and responsibilities at the school, school system, statewide and in the community. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree, at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours of study, and be unconditionally admitted to a school administration program. Additionally, applicants shall have completed no more than two courses toward the MSA degree, and have had a minimum of four (4) years of successful teaching experience, or other relevant experience. The application deadline is in January of each year for the following fall.
The 2nd Degree Traditional Track
The 2nd Degree Traditional Track is designed for individuals who currently hold a master’s degree. It is a 33 credit hour track that requires 24 hours in the major (6 content courses and 2 research courses), and 9 hours in a field-based, full-time or part-time internship and seminar. The yearlong field-based internship must be completed during the fall and spring semesters.
The School Administration Licensure-Only Track
The School Administration Licensure-Only Track is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in an education related field (Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology, etc.), have 3 years of teaching (or other professional education experience), or have been employed by a school district as an assistant principal. It is a 24 credit hour track that requires 15 hours in the major (5 courses) and 9 hours in a field-based, full time or part-time internship and seminar. The yearlong internship must be taken during the fall and spring semesters.