Master's of Education: Educational Leadership
Overview
The WSU Master's Degree in Educational Leadership is a 30 hour, two-year program. Master's Degree instruction focuses on developing and practicing administrative knowledge, skills, dispositions and competencies in applied learning settings. In the fall and spring semesters, students enroll in Leadership Seminar classes and one Building Level Leadership Practicum class. Seminar and practicum classes meet in hybrid/remote formats on Monday evenings.
The seminar and practicum classes at the WSU campus prepare students for applied learning
in the field. Under the supervision of a mentor (usually your building principal)
and a WSU Faculty Advisor, students engage in active learning each semester through
completing practicum hours at their PK-12 school site. The combination of graduate
coursework and guided practical application provides WSU Educational Leadership students
with valuable opportunities to learn through experience what it is to demonstrate
excellence as a building level leader.
The program coursework prepares a student for the PRAXIS licensure exam required by the State of Kansas for application for Building Leadership endorsement. Completion of the PRAXIS licensure exam with a passing score is required by the State of Kansas for a candidate applying for Building Leadership endorsement.
Students who wish to pursue school leadership licensure in a state other than Kansas are encouraged to visit the following website: https://www.ecs.org/50-state-comparison-school-leader-certification-and-preparation-programs/ and to contact the licensure board in the state in which they intend to practice to determine specific state requirements that may vary from Kansas requirements.
Degree Requirements
WIchita State University Master's in Educational Leadership consists of 30 graduate hours. The courses and sequence for taking them include:
- *CLES 801 Introduction to Educational Research (3) (May be taken in the summer, online, anytime prior to the second year.)
First Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
- EL 833 School Law and Personnel Management (1st 8 weeks) (3)
- EL853 Leadership for Special Populations (2nd 8 weeks) (3)
- EL 825 Building Level Leadership Practicum II (3)
Second Year
Summer Semester
- *CLES 801 Introduction to Educational Research (3) (May be taken in the summer, online, anytime prior to the second year.)
Fall Semester
- EL 843 Curriculum and Learning Theory (3)
- EL 831 Leadership for Diversity and Social Justice (3)
- EL 835 Building Level Leadership Practicum III (3)
Spring Semester
- EL 823 Changing the Culture in an Environment of Collaboration and Partnership (3)
- EL 845 Building Level Leadership Practicum IV (3)
*CLES 801 can be taken any summer or online in any semester prior to Fall 2.
Comprehensive examination to be completed during last semester of enrollment.
Admission Requirements
When applying for admission to the Master's in Educational Leadership program, you must submit to the Graduate School:
- A completed graduate school application
- Official transcripts with 3.00 GPA for the last 60 hours
You must also submit the following items to the Department:
- Two Reference Report Forms: one from a supervisor and two professional peers that attests to the applicant's potential as a building administrator.
- Evidence of teacher licensure for a role in the public/private schools and at least three years of accredited experience.
- A resume or curriculum vita of educational and professional experience.
- A statement of professional goals related to completion of the master's degree and/or licensure as a public school administrator.
- A letter signed by a building principal indicating he or she is willing to serve as the student's mentor and will allow the student to fulfill the practicum requirements of the program.
Upon receipt of this information, the departmental screening committee will make recommendations concerning admission decisions for the master's program in educational leadership.
Note: Requirements for evidence of three years experience in a state-accredited school while holding a professional license and a letter signed by a building principal indicating his or her willingness to serve as the student's mentor normally preclude the admission of international students from this program because applicants are usually employed by a Kansas PK–12 public or private school district before being admitted.
Background Check Requirement
Upon admission and prior to their first semester, all students admitted to the Educational Leadership program must clear a criminal background check. Click here for instructions.