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Master of Arts in School Administration


Department Of Educational Administration And Counseling (CP) (EA) (EM) (GC) (GR)

Dr. I. Sue Shepard, Chairperson, (573) 651-2427

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Robert Buchanan

(573) 651-2424, E-mail: rburchanan@semo.edu

Program Objectives

The program of study within the Master of Arts Degree in School Administration develops the knowledge base, management skills and personal attributes that allow individuals to advance professionally, and provide executive leadership to, public schools. While able to accommodate students recently completing undergraduates studies in education, the program is especially organized to meet the professional goals of individuals desiring administrative positions in public schools.

This program also is specifically designed for those individuals desiring exposure to public school administrative thought and practice that will contribute to their continued effectiveness and professional advancement. This program of study is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skill, and attitudes that will enhance their efforts in successfully meeting the state and national assessments requirements.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for degrees in school administration are required to meet admission standards that go beyond the basic requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Applicants who qualify for full admission to a graduate program must present the following credentials:

  1. The applicant must have taken the verbal and analytic components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Full admission will be contingent upon the applicant having achieved scores at the 50th percentile or above on these components of the GRE. The norms for comparison will be the scores for persons with an undergraduate major in education.
  2. Undergraduate grade point average of 2.75.
  3. Teacher certification at the level for which applicant intends to pursue a degree in administration.
  4. Three letters of recommendation from university faculty, school administrators, or primary employers attesting to applicant's competence.
    1. The credentials for each applicant for admission will be reviewed by an admissions committee composed of faculty from the program area in which a degree is to be sought. After having reviewed the applicant's credentials, the admissions committee may recommend full admission, denial of admission or probationary admission.
    2. An applicant having the prerequisite g.p.a. of 2.75, may be given Graduate School admission prior to completion of all steps in the admissions process. Under these circumstances the applicant may take up to 6 hours of credit while completing all the steps in the admissions process as indicated previously. Admission to a program must be achieved during the interval in which the applicant is completing these 6 hours.
  5. The program admission process must be completed within one calendar year. Failure to do so will result in reclassification as a non-degree student. Reinstatement to degree-seeking status will require a new application for admission. Courses taken prior to full admission will not necessarily be accepted toward meeting degree requirements.

Probationary Admission

Probationary admission will be considered by an admissions committee in a program area under the following conditions:

Appeals Process

Applicants who are denied admission have the option to appeal to the College of Education Graduate Appeals Committee, which is composed of one representative from each program area offering a graduate program.

Graduation Requirement

The student must attain an overall g.p.a. of 3.25 in order to graduate from the program.

The program in school administration consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours, 28 of which must be in courses focused upon school administration or supervision. Options are provided within the program for the elementary school principal, the elementary/middle school principal, the secondary school principal, the secondary/middle school principal, the special education administrator, and the vocational school director.

Course Requirements

(28 credit hours plus dual certification)
Course Number
Course Title
Hours
EA625
Foundations of Educational Administration On-Line only (must be taken during first enrollment period)
3
GR691
Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs
3
EL606 or
SE637
Curriculum Construction (Elementary) or
Curriculum Construction (Secondary)
3
EA630 or
EA635
Elementary School Administration or
Secondary School Administration
3
EA634
School Supervision
3
EA651
School Law
3
EA655
School Business/Facilities Management/Public Relations
3
EA660
Administration & Supervision of Special Education
3
EA646 or
EA647
Internship: Elementary or
Internship: Secondary
3
EA688
ISLLC Problems - Principalship
1
EX390
Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child
3 or 0
Total

28 or 31

Extra Requirements For Additional Certifications


Course Number
Course Title
Hours
EA661
Internship: Special Education Administration1
3
EX670
Foundations of Special Education1
3
EA648
Internship in Vocational School Administration2
3
SE603
Curriculum Development at the Middle Level3
3
EL262
Foundations of Reading Techniques (or equivalent)4
3
EA353
Techniques of Teaching Elementary Mathematics (or equivalent)4
2
EL355
Reading Study Strategies and Skills (or equivalent)4
2
1
Required for Special Education Director
2
Required for Vocational Director Endorsement
3
Required for Middle School Principal
4
Required for Secondary Principal with Middle School Endorsement

Electives (8 or 9 credit hours)

Students wishing to pursue the thesis option (3 or 6 credit hours) should enroll for EA694 Thesis. If this option is chosen, it may be substituted for an elective from one or both of two areas listed previously (B. and C.) unless dual certification is an intent. Introductory Behavioral Statistics (PY571) or equivalent may become a prerequisite for the thesis.

Note: Missouri certification is also based on the possession of knowledge and/or competency in several areas. The student should work closely with his/her internship supervisors (University and School District) to determine the experiences which will be most beneficial for the acquisition of these requirements. The selection of appropriate electives can aid the process significantly.

Athletic Administration Option

(36 credit hours)

Department Of Health, Human Performance & Recreation

Dr. Mark Langenfeld, Chairperson

(573) 651-2461, E-mail: mlangenfeld@semo.edu

The Department of Department Of Health, Human Performance & Recreation offers the following options:

The Master of Arts in School Administration with an option in Athletic Administration is designed for teachers and/or coaches who eventually may aspire to a principalship but view athletic administration as a desirable intermediate step.

For additional information contact:

Dr. Robert Buchanan, Department of Educational Administration & Counseling

(573) 651-2424, E-mail: rbuchanan@semo.edu

Athletic Director/Secondary Administration

Course Requirements

Course Number
Course Title
Hours
EA625
Foundations of Educational Administration
3
GR691
Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs
3
EL606 or
SE637
Curriculum Construction: Elementary or
Curriculum Construction: Secondary
3
EA630 or
EA635
Elementary School Administration or
Secondary School Administration
3
EA634
School Supervision
3
EA660
Administration and Supervision of Special Education
3
EA646 or
EA647
Internship: Elementary or
Internship: Secondary
3
EA688
ISLLC Problems - Principalship
1
SM540
Legal Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity
3
SM570
Management and Leadership in Sport Organizations
3
SM612
Current Topics, Issues, and Trends in Sport
3
SM655
Design and Operation of Sport Related Facilities
3
Electives
EF691 or EF692 or EF696 or EF690 or EF694
3
Total

36

Thesis

If a student in the Athletic Administration Option chooses to write a thesis, the thesis hours will be additional credit hours.

Certification Regulations

Please refer to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher Certification Website for current requirements, http://www.dese.state.mo.us/divurbteached/teachcert.

Course Descriptions

EA625: Foundations of Educational Administration

Introductory course for those preparing to enter one of the various jobs in school administration, especially a principalship or superintendency. Areas of concentration will include development of administration; theory of administration; organization and control of American schools; local, state and federal roles in education; call for change in public schools; and social and ethical issues in the school administrator's context. This course is taught online and prepares school leaders to use technology to lead to school improvement. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and valid teaching certificate OR permission of instructor. Knowledge of technology, including: navigating a Web page, Internet skills, use of conferencing board, online and research skills. (3 credit hours)

EA630: Elementary School Administration

Course is intended primarily for the elementary school principal or those preparing for a principalship. Includes administrative leadership; school organization, operation, and control; aims and objectives of the elementary school; faculty and staff personnel; selection, development, and evaluation of faculty and staff; pupil personnel; curriculum; federal, state and local laws as well as regulations affecting school operations; school improvement processes; and ancillary services. Students are prepared for the questioning style of the ISLLC Problems-Principalship exam for principalship certification. Prerequisite(s): EA625 OR permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

EA634: School Supervision

Provides the knowledge and skills necessary for personnel supervision in schools. Uses adult growth and development as the context for supervisory behavior appropriate to any supervisor-supervisee relationship. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (3 credit hours)

EA635: Secondary School Administration

Designed to provide the secondary school administrator or supervisor with an understanding of the realities of modern opportunity to explore the aspects of research, theory, and practice in relation to the function of the secondary school principal. Prerequisite(s): EA625 OR permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

EA641: Middle School Organization and Leadership

A survey of the middle school, including the important problems of organization, administration, curriculum, and characteristics and needs of the middle school student. (3 credit hours)

EA646: Internship in Elementary School Administration

The intent of this course is to provide students majoring in elementary school administration with supervised and relevant experiences centering on the daily administrative and supervisory duties of the elementary school principal. In addition, the course complies with the most recent certification standards adopted by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Credit/non-credit only. Prerequisite(s): Students must have been admitted to the program. (3 credit hours)

EA647: Internship in Secondary School Administration

The intent of this course is to provide students majoring in secondary school administration with supervised and relevant experiences centering on the daily administrative and supervisory duties of the secondary school principal. In addition, the course complies with the most recent certification standards adopted by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Credit/non-credit only. Prerequisite(s): Students must have been admitted to the program. (3 credit hours)

EA648: Internship in Vocational School Administration

The intent of this course is to provide students seeking a position as a director of a vocational school with supervised and relevant experiences focusing on the central administrative and supervisory duties of the vocational school director. This course is offered as an elective. Credit/non-credit only. Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed an internship in Secondary School Administration and secure permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

EA649: Seminar in Current Practical Problems

Explores current educational problems which school administrators must face in their task of administering school. Study is to include areas of curriculum, food service, special education, transportation, building needs. etc. (2 credit hours)

EA651: School Law

Provides an in-depth study of Missouri school laws and federal statutes regulating the operation of the public school and a survey of the state and federal court decisions that affect the operation of the public schools. Designed primarily for practicing school administrators and those seeking permanent certification in school administration. Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of graduate level course in elementary or secondary administration (or equivalent) or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)

EA655: School Business/Facilities Management/Public Relations

Designed to prepare the aspiring and practicing school administrator for the responsibilities at the building level in financial management, facilities management, and public relations. Prerequisite(s): Admittance to the graduate program. (3 credit hours)

EA660: Administration and Supervision of Special Education

Designed for persons seeking special education administration certification and for administrators responsible for supervising directors of special education. Detailed investigation of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-476), The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), RSMo. Section 162.670-162.999 (H.B. 474), and other pertinent special education issues. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing. (3 credit hours)

EA688: ISLLC Problems-Principalship

Practical application of knowledge, competencies and management skills that research has identified as crucial to effective school administration. Credit/non-credit only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of administration core courses, EA625, Foundations of Educational Administration; GR691, Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs; EA630/635, Elementary/Secondary School Administration; EA634 School Supervision; EA651, School Law; EA655, School Business and Facilities Management/Public Relations; EA660, Administration and Supervision of Special Education; EA646/647, Internship: Elementary/Secondary School Administration; EL606/SE637, Curriculum Construction, Elementary/Secondary; admission to graduate studies, major in school administration. Permission of instructor. (1 credit hour)

EA694: Thesis

A written report based upon investigation of some subject or the completion of a creative project. See Thesis Plan for additional information. (3 credit hours)

EA695: Thesis. Second semester. (3 credit hours)

EA696: Thesis. Second semester. (2 credit hours)

EA697: Thesis. Second semester. (1 credit hour)

EA698: Independent Study in School Administration

This course is designed to permit the graduate student to pursue independent study in a topic of interest relating to Educational Leadership. It is expected that the student will secure approval of his/her major advisor and will be assigned a professor who will work closely with the student in structuring and directing the study. (1 credit hour)

EA699: Independent Study in School Administration

This course is designed to permit the graduate student to pursue independent study in a topic of interest relating to Educational Leadership. It is expected that the student will secure approval of his/her major advisor and will be assigned a professor who will work closely with the student in structuring and directing the study. (2 credit hours)

EF690: Foundations of Curriculum Development

An exploration of the school curriculum; consideration will be given to the foundations, principals and issues, and the leadership needed to guide curriculum planning through curricular evaluation. (3 credit hours)

EF691: History of American Education

An examination of education in America from the colonial period to the present, focusing on educational ideas and practices in the context of American social and intellectual history. (3 credit hours)

EF692: Philosophy of Education

A study of the nature of philosophical inquiry in education. This course includes consideration of traditional and contemporary educational thought and the philosophical analysis of the problems of education. (3 credit hours)

EF694: Urban and Rural Education: Problems and Possibilities

An inquiry into the similarities and differences between rural and urban education; will consider history, curriculum, resources, public policies, and impact of socioeconomic factors. (3 credit hours)

EF696: Education in American Society

An examination of education in the social structure of America concentrating on the social forces that affect education in a pluralistic society and on the educational functions of schools and other social institutions. (3 credit hours)

EF697 :Independent Study in Foundations of Education

Independent work in an educational foundation area not covered by regular course offerings. (1, 2, or 3 credit hours)

EL262: Foundations of Reading Techniques

This field based course focuses on competencies for teaching and learning four components of the Language arts (reading, writing, speaking and listening). (2 credit hours)

EL355: Reading Study Strategies and Skills

Teaches competencies for reading instruction in the content areas coordinated with instruction in integrated field experience. (2 credit hours)

EL606: Curriculum Construction (Elementary)

A survey course designed to investigate the historical, philosophical, psychological and societal factors that have shaped the elementary school curriculum. Various organizational patterns, trends and issues are studied as they influence the curriculum. The contribution of each subject area to the total curriculum and new developments in each subject area are considered. (3 credit hours)

EX390: Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child

Characteristics and education of exceptional children, including mental retardation; learning disabilities; behavior disorders; visual, hearing, speech language, physical impairment; Gifted. (3 credit hours)

EX601: Educational Assessment Techniques

Develops skills in selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized tests used in special education. Appraisal process is reviewed and report writing is emphasized. (3 credit hours)

GR691: Methods of Research:  Qualitative and Quantitative Designs

Designed to prepare students to understand,  interpret, evaluate, and design qualitative and quantitative research as well as develop the ability to select and use appropriate research methods.   (3 credit hours)

IE595: Teaching Adults in Vocational Education

Definition, importance, concepts, problems, and movement with characteristics, interests, and abilities of adults. Techniques of overcoming problem areas, methods of conducting classes, and role of school system in an adult vocational education program. (3 credit hours)

IE596: Philosophy of Vocational Education

Introduction to the foundations of vocational and industrial education including history, philosophy, definitions, state plan, handbook, certification, recertification, occupational surveys, safety programs, career education, area vocational-technical schools, co-op education, CETA programs, apprenticeships, related instruction, state department evaluations, accountability, follow-up studies, advisory committees, facilities, funding and federal acts. (3 credit hours)

PY571: Introductory Behavioral Statistics

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics used in the reporting of educational and psychological research. (3 credit hours)

SE602: Effective Teaching at the Middle Level

This course is designed for teachers of middle level students. The course will focus on the determination of specific needs of middle level students and the teaching techniques/strategies most effective in meeting those needs. Prerequisite/Corequisite: SE601. (3 credit hours)

SE603: Curriculum Development at the Middle Level

The course is designed for teachers of middle level students or persons interested in the curricular structure of the middle school. Prerequisite: SE602. (3 credit hours)

SE637: Curriculum Construction (Secondary)

Designed to provide individuals with understanding of the theory and practice of curriculum development in middle and secondary schools. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (3 credit hours)

SM540: Legal Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

This course is designed to introduce the student to the various legal principles applicable to the sport industry. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

SM570: Management and Leadership in Sport Organizations

This course will provide students with the opportunity to understand and apply contemporary management concepts to the operations of sport organizations. (3 credit hours)

SM612: Topics, Issues and Trends in Sport

Directed study of special topics, issues and trends in sport through seminar. Prerequisite: Six hours of graduate credit in Athletic Administration or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

SM655: Design and Operations of Sport Related Facilities

Prepares the prospective and practicing athletic administrator in the design and operations of sport related facilities. Prerequisite: PE460 or permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)

See "Graduate Course Listings" for a complete list of graduate courses and descriptions.


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