MSA at a Glance

Degree

Master of School Administration

Program Benefits
  • Balance work and study through flexible hyflex learning built for working educators
  • Build expertise in instructional leadership, cultural responsiveness, and management
  • Apply leadership skills in a full-time assistant principal internship
  • Learn within a collaborative, service–minded cohort committed to advancing opportunity
  • Receive personalized mentorship from renowned faculty
  • Graduate prepared to lead with licensure as a K–12 principal in North Carolina
Program Length

2 Years

Credit Hours

39-45

Hyflex Learning

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 across the state.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Financial Aid

Licensure

The School Administration program prepares graduates for the North Carolina School Administrator Principal License, which qualifies candidates to serve as K–12 principals across the state.

Accreditation

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).

Best For

Experienced educators who want to take the next step in their careers by becoming principals committed to advancing opportunity, strengthening school communities, and shaping environments where all students and staff can succeed.

Academic Programs

School Administration (MSA)

About the Program
Curriculum & Courses
Internship
Licensure
Career Preparation
Tuition & Financial Aid
Program Faculty & Staff
How to Apply & Deadlines
Contact Us

The UNC School of Education is one of both grit and grace. The programs are challenging, and require much of their students in study, diligence, and pursuit of field experience. However, the school also extends much in grace – understanding that everyone’s journey does and will look different, and allowing room for students to explore what success looks like for their specific journey.

Brittanie Howard, M.S.A. Graduate
Brittanie Howard is leaning against a railing. She is wearing red pants and a white shirt.

Preparing Highly Effective School Leaders

Martinette Horner directory image
Preparing school leaders for every N.C. district

In 2021, the UNC School of Education launched its Master of School Administration program with in-person and virtual class options, enabling aspiring school leaders from any North Carolina district to access classes and expert faculty members in Chapel Hill. Martinette Horner, Ed.D., MSA program director, reflects on the shift to HyFlex learning. Our Master of…

Elena Ashburn
Alumna Elena Ashburn named N.C. Principal of the Year

Elena Ashburn (’12 M.S.A., ’18 Ed.D.) has been named the 2021 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Ashburn, who received the award during a ceremony on Friday (May 21) at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, serves as principal of Broughton Magnet High School, a position she has held since 2017. Ashburn started her…

Jaimi West
MSA Student Profiles: Examples of New Educational Leaders

Carolina's Master of School Administration program has a long record of preparing educators for leadership roles in schools and communities. The MSA program's course of study is aligned with state and national association standards. Completion of the program leads to eligibility for licensure as a K-12 principal in North Carolina and qualifies one for principal…