MSA at a Glance

Degree

Master of School Administration

Program Benefits
  • Complete the program in just 2.5 years, with a schedule designed for practicing educators attending most classes online or in person
  • Build expertise in instructional leadership, cultural responsiveness, and management
  • Gain hands-on experience in a yearlong internship, serving as an assistant principal with a state-funded stipend (full-time interns only)
  • 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
  • Join accomplished alumni serving as principals or in key roles in educational development, research, and policy
Program Length

2.5 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 practicing educators across the state.

Estimated Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for graduate programs at UNC–Chapel Hill are determined by the University and can be calculated on the University Cashier website.

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 UNC School of Education is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The MSA program is approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

Best For

Experienced educators who are called 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

Portrait of Martinette Horner
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…

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Alumnus Daniel Watson named principal of Carolina Community Academy

"'No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.' I’ve heard that a million times, and it's been attributed to a ton of people.  "But it's true. If we don't build every relationship — with students, families, teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers — where people know that you genuinely care…

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…