Application Deadline
Principal Fellows: March 4, 2026
Application Process
The application process for the MSA program is administered through the School of Education (not the Graduate School) via an online admission application through which all application materials are submitted.
You are responsible for monitoring your application status and ensuring that your application — including the application fee, letters of recommendation, and uploaded unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended — is complete by the application deadline.
A transcript is considered unofficial when you:
- Print and upload a transcript from an online platform like blackboard or module
- Request a transcript from a school to be sent to you and you break the seal
Required materials for MSA applicants:
- School of Education online application
- Application fee (non-refundable $90)
- Bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0
- New legislation mandates 4 years of experience as a licensed professional educator (which could include teaching, school counselor, etc.)
- Uploaded unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your immediate supervisor (principal or director)
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages), which must address:
- As described in its Conceptual Framework, the School of Education is committed to the preparation of candidates who can assume leadership roles in the field of education. Please describe the experiences, interests, goals, skills, competencies, and dispositions that you bring to your journey as an educational leader.
- An explanation as to how your current or past work materially relates to the various standards to which administrator preparation programs are held in North Carolina.
- An NC Advanced or Continuing license/certificate (out-of-state candidates must obtain an NC license/certificate)
- Resume/CV
- Official TOEFL/IELTS (International students only, must be valid within last 2 years)
MSA applicants must also participate in an interview as part of the application process.
Admissions Review Process
Your application will be reviewed after the complete application is submitted and the application fee is received. By applying to UNC-Chapel Hill, consent is granted to university staff to obtain any additional or missing information as needed, including campus safety information.
Each offer of admission is specific for the term stated in the admission letter. If you do not register for classes, you must apply again in a subsequent semester. Contact the admissions office for questions about deferrals of admission offers.
If You Are Offered Admission
If you are offered admission into the MSA program, you will be required to submit official transcripts from all attended colleges and Universities to the School of Education. You can have them sent electronically to SOE.Transcripts@unc.edu or mailed to:
School of Education
attn: Student Affairs
Peabody Hall
Campus Box 3500
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
All Official transcripts must come directly to the School of Education from the University or College unopened.