Ed.S. in Educational Administration

Leaders in Education

Today’s educational leaders need to confidently navigate complex educational issues, establish strategic direction to ensure student outcomes, communicate effectively with multiple audiences, and build and inspire teams that are committed to student success. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota will provide the knowledge on how to do so.

With classes taught by experienced administrators, the Saint Mary’s Education Specialist in Educational Administration degree will provide the educational foundation you need to successfully manage the demands of a contemporary school community as a K-12 principal, director of special education, or superintendent.

Administrative Licensure Preparation Pathways

Our practitioner-focused curriculum is taught by experienced administrators and experts in the field. In the administrative preparation segment of the program, you’ll master the competencies common to all areas of educational administrative licensure in Minnesota. Instruction focuses on combining organizational leadership theories with the practical skills that school administrators need to become effective leaders of learning organizations.

The program consists of 29 credits for initial K–12 principal or director of special education preparation (or 41 credits for both). Finish by obtaining your graduate certificate or choose to continue your education by completing six credits toward superintendency preparation, or complete the Ed.S. degree.

At-A-Glance

Credits:
29 for both principal and special education director
Additional 6 credits to obtain the Ed.S. Degree

Tuition: $505 per credit

Locations: Online

Start Dates: Fall and Spring

Course Catalog

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Ed.S. in Educational Administration Degree Completion

Those who complete their initial administrative license (minimum of 29 credits) may choose to complete the Ed.S. in Educational Administration degree. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of three additional courses, including an action research methods course, an action research seminar course in which students complete and document their action research project in a thesis, and a presentation of their research thesis during their exit assessment.

Superintendent (Graduate Certificate)

Courses in the Superintendent Certificate program are intended to provide an understanding of the 13 core competencies and those specific to the superintendency. These include core courses required for all administrative licensure preparation and those required for superintendent licensure: the field experience internship (a 320-hour field experience internship with a minimum of 40 hours at a second district or organization) and EDS 760: The Superintendency, a course covering the specific competencies of the superintendency.

Potential students must possess a master's degree in an education-related field, have completed principal or director of special education licensure (in most cases), and have experience in education leadership.

K–12 Principal (Graduate Certificate)

Courses in the K–12 Principal Certificate program provide an understanding of the 13 core administrative competencies. These include core courses required for all administrative licensure preparation and two courses that are specific to principal leadership: the field experience internship (a 320-hour field experience internship with a minimum of 40 hours at elementary, junior/middle, and high school levels) and EDS 750: Principal as Building Leader course.

Students compile an electronic portfolio documenting the development of their competencies throughout the courses and internship.

Director of Special Education (Graduate Certificate)

Courses in the Director of Special Education Certificate program are intended to provide an understanding of the 13 core administrative competencies and those specific to the director of special education license. These include core courses required for all administrative licensure preparation and four courses specific to special education director licensure: the field experience internship (a 320-hour field experience internship with a minimum of 40 hours at a second district or organization) and EDS 795: The Special Education Director course.

Students compile an electronic portfolio documenting the development of their competency throughout the courses and internship. An electronic portfolio is presented at their exit assessment meeting.

License and Teaching Requirements

In order to be eligible for Minnesota administrative licensure preparation, individuals must have three years of classroom teaching experience and a valid state teaching license OR three years of experience as a school psychologist, social worker, counselor, or speech/language pathologist and the commensurate licensure. Those who do not meet these requirements may choose to complete the Saint Mary’s Alternative Pathway program to administrative licensure, which can be completed simultaneously with program coursework.

The Educational Administration program and the Administrative Licenses are in compliance with all requirements in MR3512. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota affirms that the rules of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators governing the licensure programs for Principals, Superintendents, and Directors of Special Education are met and implemented within the program requirements. For complete information on licensures, visit https://www.smumn.edu/about/professional-licensure.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are state-identified competencies for an educational administration degree from Saint Mary's.

Leadership — Lead educational institutions and departments through collaborative, visionary planning and decision making.

Organizational Management — Manage and evaluate organizational operations including human, monetary, and physical resources for institutional improvement.

Diversity Leadership — Promote, create, and monitor appreciation and cultivation of diversity.

Policy and Law — Interpret, develop, and implement local, state, and federal policy and law.

Political Influence and Governance — Nurture a cooperative alliance of key stakeholders to influence the politics and governance of educational institutions.

Communication — Utilize communication skills essential to inform and facilitate effective organizational communication.

Community Relations — Establish and maintain positive and effective community relations relative to educational institutions.

Curriculum Planning and Development for the Success of All Learners — Facilitate the planning and development of curriculum, assessment, and instruction.

Instructional Management for the Success of All Learners — Design, implement, and support instruction, assessment strategies, and behavior management.

Use Research Effectively — Integrate current research appropriate for all learners.

Human Resource Management — Interpret, apply, and manage policies and procedures which foster positive and productive performance from faculty and staff.

Values and Ethics of Leadership — Practice ethical leadership, ensuring the best interest of all learners.

Judgment and Problem Analysis — Implement and facilitate problem-solving strategies integrating critical thinking, creativity, logic, and collaboration.

Safety and Security — Create safety and security plans to sustain an emotionally and physically safe educational environment for all.

From Start to Finish

You can earn your administrative certificate in as little as two years.
A highly blended online format and asynchronous learning model with optional weekly synchronous sessions provides the flexibility you need and desire. Fall and spring start dates are available each year.
Participate in a required four-day summer institute focused on rigor, relevancy, and relationships intended to complement the intellectual and empathetic foundation for leading an ethical life of service and leadership.
Concepts and content related to character education and virtue formation are embedded across courses.