This 36-credit program includes extensive preparation for school administration and a sequence of courses and activities planned to guide the candidates in developing the knowledge and skills required of principals and supervisors. A year-long, 6-credit internship with monthly seminars provides candidates with opportunities to apply their knowledge and continue to improve their abilities to function as effective, caring school leaders.
Course Requirements (36 Credits)
Students seeking a Master of Arts in this concentration area must have a valid South Carolina teaching certificate (Professional Level, K-6, 7-8, and 9-12) and a minimum of two years’ teaching experience, including at least one year at the level of the certificate for which the individual is applying. (Elementary grades: K-6; Middle Grades: 7-8; Secondary grades: 9-12).
Students certified to teach at the elementary level should enroll in the elementary school leadership program, and students certified in a subject taught in high school should enroll in the secondary school leadership program. Persons wishing to become certified in administration at a level different from their teaching certification area will need to add the appropriate teaching credential and consult the graduate advisor for the course(s) needed in school leadership. Persons holding valid teaching credentials in both elementary and secondary may select either elementary or secondary school leadership.
- EDSL-719 Leadership in Educational Organizations
- EDSL-727 Strategic Planning and Thinking in Education
- EDSL-730 Designing and Implementing Curriculum
- EDSL-823 School Finance
- EDSL-825 Schools and the Law
- EDSL-840 Supervision and Instructional Leadership *Must be taken prior to or concurrently with the internship
- EDSL-849 The Principalship *Pre-requisite EDSL-719
All courses in the School Leadership concentration sequence must be completed prior to the end of the internship, which is a year-long experience. Passing score on PRAXIS area exam is required to be recommended for both the degree and certification.
Additionally, in order to gain SC certification in school administration, candidates must have a valid SC teacher’s professional level certificate; show evidence of a passing score on the PRAXIS Education Leadership: Administration and Supervision subtest; and have a minimum of three years teaching experience, including at least one year at the level of the certificate for which the individual is applying.
About Vernon Prosser
Vernon Prosser serves as the Program Coordinator for School Leadership and Educational Leadership. With more than 35 years in education, Prosser has served as a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and most recently as superintendent for the York school district before joining the faculty at Furman. He is also a father of three. Former staff members say Prosser has always put students first and valued education.
“I’ve had a lot of different hats over the time I’ve spent in education and I have enjoyed every minute of it!” -Prosser
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