PreK-12 Administration Master's Degree

Degree Overview

The Masters in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership is designed to:

  • Enable practicing teachers who have completed an undergraduate degree in teacher education to pursue a Master's degree through web-assisted coursework.
  • Prepare students to be eligible for the Missouri Initial Principal certification
  • Develop school leaders with knowledge and skills to enhance student learning in the elementary, middle and high schools.

Admission Requirements

Students may enroll in up to six credit hours (two courses) prior to applying for admission to the PK-12 Administration program as a post-baccalaureate student. At least one of the courses must be an ELPA focus course as listed below.

  • Baccalaureate degree or its equivalent
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education
  • GRE scores are not required
  • Completed University and ELPA applications

Course Work

The 30-hour Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree was designed for practicing teachers. Program coursework enhances students' understanding of learning theory, instructional practices, and assessment that inform the practice of school leaders. Completion of the degree leads to Missouri Initial Principal Certification at either the Elementary or Secondary Level.

For more information regarding courses for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program go to MU Direct Online.

Portfolio

MEd candidates seeking certification must complete an electronic portfolio. Students must be enrolled for at least 1-credit hour during the semester in which they intend to graduate.

All students in this degree program must enroll the Internship (8413) class during first semester after they have been admitted into the program. The responsibilities related to that course must be completed throughout the duration of the program of study. The final grade for 8413 course is given when the student completes the Master's program and the portfolio. The portfolio is required for administrator certification.

Application Deadlines

  • Rolling Admission

Notes: To receive full consideration for a departmental graduate assistantship in the following academic year, you should submit your application by February 1; e.g., submit by February 1, 2011, for an assistantship in 2011-12.

How to Apply

Submit the following documentation to:
      MU Graduate School
      University of Missouri-Columbia
      Columbia, MO 65202

University of Missouri-Columbia Graduate School Application

Submit the following documentation to:
      Director of Graduate Studies
      Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
      202 Hill Hall
      Columbia, MO 65211

  • Departmental application form: Pre K-12 Application
  • Current resume
  • Reference forms from three individuals: Reference form
  • Official copy of your transcripts
  • Official TOEFL score (if applicable)

Departmental Graduate Assistantship application form

Fees and Financial Aid

Find more information on related fees and financial aid opportunities.

Other Information

For more information about this program contact the ELPA Department by phone at 573-882-8221 or by e-mail at elpagrad@missouri.edu.