Central Michigan University

MA in School Principalship

A Master of Arts degree in School Principalship prepares students to function effectively in the multiple roles of principals at the elementary, middle, or secondary levels and to provide leadership for those institutions.

What is a Cohort?

A cohort is a group of approximately 25 adult learners who begin their program together and take classes together over five semesters. Classes are planned in a logical and careful manner to build upon knowledge gained in the program. The classes are delivered entirely on site. Students do not need to take any classes on the main campus.

Classes meet on weekends, normally Friday night and all day Saturday. Each class meets over three weekends with a week or two between classes. Students take two classes (six credit hours) per semester in the fall and spring; there are no summer classes. Students take a set 33-hour program that will result in a Master of Arts degree in School Principalship from Central Michigan University.

Full support is offered to students through field offices across the state of Michigan. Academic advising is provided by the cohort program director, an on-campus faculty member in Educational Leadership. Registration, payments, and other processes are handled on-line. A full off-campus library system (OCLS) is available through Off-Campus Programs to assist students.

Admission Requirements

1. Obtain admission to the College of Graduate Studies
2. Have an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or above
3. Provide a copy of a Michigan teaching certificate or equivalent
4. Complete the portfolio-based admissions process.

Portfolio

It is the responsibility of the applicant to prepare and submit the admission’s portfolio to the department. The following items are to be included in the contents of the portfolio.

1. Educational Leadership department application form.
2. Current resume identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments.
3. Minimum of two letters of reference from individuals who can address the applicant’s potential as an administrator and attest to the applicant’s potential to succeed in the program.
4. One-page statement addressing the applicant’s beliefs about administration.
5. One-page statement of professional goals and actions the applicant intends to take to achieve them.
6. Identification of at least two significant activities that indicate experiences, abilities, and potential for administration. For each activity identified, the applicant should indicate the nature of the activity, type and number of persons involved, roles and responsibilities of the applicant, budget (if applicable), and a reflective statement addressing what learning occurred for the applicant.

• Apply

** PLEASE MAKE A COPY OF THE ADMISSION’S PORTFOLIO FOR YOUR RECORDS. **

Note

An applicant whose portfolio has not been received at the time the Department of Educational Leadership acts upon the admission’s application, may receive conditional admission. However, no more than nine credits taken during conditional admission status will be counted towards a degree. It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the admission’s portfolio as early as possible.

All correspondence with students will be made through the student’s Global ID. Students will need to set up a CMU e-mail account. For assistance in setting up an account, call 989-774-3662.

Program Requirements

1. Courses in Educational Administration (27 hours)
• EDL 600 (3) Research in Administration
• EDL 615 (3) Educational Technology for Administrators
• EDL 620 (3) Administration Within Diverse Populations
• EDL 656 (3) Public School Law
• EDL 660 (3) Principles of Educational Administration
• EDL 661 (3) School and Community Relations
• EDL 662 (3) School Business Administration and Facilities Management
• EDL 663 (3) Personnel Administration
• EDL 677/SPE 640 (3) Administration of Special Education
• EDL 699 (3) Administrative Internship
• EDL 773 (3) Instructional Supervision for Administrators
Notes:
• Select one of EDL 620 or EDL 661 or EDL 675/SPE 640, not all.
• Must complete 3 hours of EDL 699
2. Emphasis Area (6 hours)
Select one of the following:
• EDL 670 (3) Administration of Elementary Schools
• EDL 671 (3) Administration of Middle Schools
• EDL 672 (3) Administration of Secondary Schools

And

Select one of the following:
• EDL 690 (3) Administration of Elementary School Curriculum
• EDL 691 (3) Administration of Middle School Curriculum
• EDL 692 (3) Administration of Secondary School Curriculum
3. Professional Portfolio

Total: 33 semester hours