Lead Schools. Shape Futures. Inspire Change.
Prepare to become a transformational school leader with the skills, licensure, and real-world experience to impact today’s classrooms.
Program Overview
TThe Master of School Administration at Elizabeth City State University is designed to prepare effective, visionary educational leaders ready to serve in today’s evolving school systems.
This interdisciplinary program:
- Meets North Carolina Level I Administrator Licensure requirements
- Connects educational theory with real-world leadership practice
- Offers both full-time (accelerated) and part-time (flexible) pathways
- Is delivered in a 100% online format, ideal for working educators
Students gain hands-on leadership experience through field observations, internships, and mentorship from practicing administrators.
Leadership Focus Areas
The program prepares graduates to become:
Instructional Leaders who drive student success
Visionary Leaders who shape school culture and direction
Effective Communicators across school communities
Technology Leaders using digital tools to enhance learning
Program Timeline
- Flexible pathways: Accelerated (full-time) or part-time
- Designed for working educators
- Typical completion: 2–3 years
- Maximum completion window: 6 years
What You’ll Gain
- Leadership skills for school and district-level impact
- Experience in instructional, organizational, and strategic leadership
- Preparation for principal and assistant principal roles
- Hands-on internship experience in real school environments
- Licensure aligned with North Carolina school leadership standards
Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 36–42 |
| GPA Requirement | 3.0 (to remain in good standing) |
| Format | 100% Online |
| Schedule | Evenings + flexible summer options |
- Full-time enrollment: 9 credit hours/semester
- Maximum per semester: 12 credit hours
Curriculum Highlights
Coursework focuses on key areas of school leadership, including:
- The Principalship
- School Finance
- Curriculum & Instructional Leadership
- Educational Law & Ethics
- Organizational Leadership & Change
- School Improvement Planning
Students also complete internship labs and a capstone experience tied to leadership practice.
Internship & Field Experience
A core part of the program is hands-on leadership training:
- Work under a school-based and university mentor
- Complete multiple internship experiences
- Observe and engage with real school leadership environments
- Apply leadership strategies in real-time
These experiences ensure graduates are ready to lead on day one.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
– Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
– Minimum 2.5 GPA (or higher for last 60 credit hours)At least 3 years of teaching experience
– Valid teaching license (or equivalent)
– Official transcripts (all institutions)
– 3 professional recommendations
– One must be from a current or prospective principal
– Two-page essay on an educational topic
– Interview with program faculty
– Completed application + health form
– GRE or MAT recommended (not required)
Transfer Credits & Residency
- Up to 6 credit hours may transfer
- Minimum 30 hours must be completed at ECSU
Candidates in the Master of School Administration program must meet the Elizabeth City State University residency requirements. No more than six credit hours may be transferred from other institutions. Thirty semester hours must be earned at ECSU.
Progression & Retention
To advance in the program, students must:
- Earn no more than two grades of “C” in coursework
- Complete 12–15 credit hours with a 3.0 GPA (Advance to Candidacy)
Advisement & Support
Students are supported by:
- Faculty advisors
- A Graduate Advisement Committee
- School-based and university mentors
Support includes:
- Academic planning
- Leadership development
- Internship supervision
- Final project evaluation
Program Leadership
MSA Program Coordinator | Gilchrist Education & Psychology Complex
llbritt@ecsu.edu | 252-384-2307
Take the Next Step
Ready to pursue a career in science, medicine, or pharmaceutical research?
