Overview

Designed for full-time educators, the School Administration program at Western Carolina University emphasizes developing formal school leaders to create more successful outcomes for all students and teaching scholar practitioners to analyze the root causes of problems and lead teams to address problems in schools.

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.

More About Our M.S.A. in School Administration Program

Designated a Distance/Online Program, WCU’s 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.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Methods
Shaping School Culture
History, Sociology & Philosophy of Education
Instructional Leadership
Continuous School Improvement
Assessment for Advancement of Student Learning
Current Topics in Public School Law
Leading Adult Learning
Ethical School Leadership
Managing Educational Organizations

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Cullowhee, United States

Disciplines

Education View 1313 other Masters in Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission is based on demonstrated leadership potential, professional experience, and alignment with ethical and collaborative school administration standards.
Submit official transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Have at least three years of successful full‑time teaching or certified experience in a school‑related role.
Hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Class A teaching license or a comparable out‑of‑state license.
Be currently licensed and employed in a North Carolina school or district in a certified position.
Submit a current resume highlighting leadership experience.
Provide three online recommendations, including one from the current administrator.
Submit a completed district verification form confirming years of school‑level experience.
State short‑ and long‑term leadership goals within the application system.
Submit a Candidate Evaluation Rubric completed by a principal or district leader.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15282 USD / year

≈ 15282 USD / year
Out-of-State

15282 USD / year

≈ 15282 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4554 USD / year

≈ 4554 USD / year

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for School Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Where You'll Go

More About Our M.S.A. in School Administration Program

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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