The School Administration program spans two years and follows a cohort model beginning in July. Academic courses are offered in concentrated 6-week blocks on Wednesday evenings (online) and select Saturdays (online and in-person), designed to fit the schedules of working educators.
The curriculum is composed of:
- 21 credit hours of educational leadership courses
- 6 credit hours of instructional leadership courses
- 12 credit hours in a paid, field-based internship and associated internship seminar
Learn More About the Program
Hyflex Learning
The MSA program’s HyFlex design allows educators across North Carolina to pursue school leadership without stepping away from their current roles. Through a blend of synchronous online courses and periodic in-person sessions, students engage in rigorous coursework and build strong cohort connections — all while remaining rooted in their school communities. The program spans four semesters and two summer sessions, with each course delivered in focused six-week blocks. During the second year, students complete a yearlong administrative internship supported by a concurrent seminar and a required summer orientation. This flexible format makes it possible for professionals from across the state to advance their careers and grow as leaders — no matter where they live or work.
Internship
The fieldwork-based internship is a vital component of the School Administration program, offering immersive, real-world leadership experiences that bridge theory and practice while preparing you to lead with confidence as a principal.
Accreditation
Accreditation is quality assurance through external peer review to ensure a program meets the standards set by its academic community, professionals, and stakeholders. The MSA program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
The curriculum aligns with the UNC School of Education’s conceptual framework and meets rigorous standards set by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s Standards for School Executives, 21st Century Skills standards, Interstate Leaders Licensure Consortium, Educational Leadership Constituent Council, and the National Professional Board for Educational Administration.
Academic Courses
- EDUC 724: Parent and Community Engagement for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 727: The Social Context of Educational Leadership (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 740: Cultural Leadership for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 741: School-Based Inquiry and Reform for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 742: Law for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 731: Organizational Management for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 850: Change Leadership and Systems Management (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 725: Supervisory Practice for the School Executive (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 730: Curriculum Leadership for the School Executive (3 credit hours)