Educational leadership degree programs in Mississippi prepare aspiring educational leaders for a broad range of careers including positions as superintendents, principals and assistant principals, program coordinators, and student or faculty deans. Whether prospective students are looking to earn a master’s degree, specialty degree, or doctorate degree in educational leadership, they will find that there are many accredited schools in Mississippi that offer the training they need. Six of these schools along with the programs they offer are described briefly below.
Delta State University
College of Education and Human Sciences
Delta State University’s College of Education and Human Sciences oversees four unique divisions: Family and Consumer Sciences; Counselor Education and Psychology; Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, and Research; and Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Within the Division of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, and Research, there are nearly a dozen programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels. Current areas of study include special education, elementary education, teaching, professional studies, and educational administration and supervision.
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision
The Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision program offered by Delta State University is designed to prepare students for such occupations as school principals, superintendents, and district level administrators. This is a 39 credit hour program that students can complete in about 13 months. In addition to required fieldwork, students enrolled in this program will need to complete such courses as Psychology of Learning, Historical Foundations of Educational Leadership, Applications of Practice, and Organizational and School Issues.
EdS in Educational Administration and Supervision
Delta State University’s Education Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision program is conducted solely online to accommodate working professionals. This 33 credit hour program consists of 11 courses that examine such topics as educational philosophy, leadership roles and functions, foundations of instructional leadership, and research for educational practitioners. Students who wish to complete this program will also need to fulfill a school leadership internship, maintain a minimum of a 3.25 GPA, and receive a passing score on the comprehensive exam.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
1003 West Sunflower Road
Cleveland, Mississippi 38733
(662)846-4412
ptharp@deltastate.edu
Jackson State University
College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development at Jackson State University has been training aspiring teachers, counselors, and educational leaders since 1877. It is comprised of nine different departments that provide top-rated programs in such fields as social and cultural studies, early childhood education, special education, physical education and recreation, health, and educational leadership. The Department of Educational Leadership currently offers three doctoral, two specialist, and one master’s degree program in educational administration and supervision.
Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision
Students who are enrolled in the Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision program offered by Jackson State University will need to complete 39 credit hours of coursework as well as an internship, an English competency exam, and a graduate comprehensive exam. Examples of some of the courses found in this program include Legal Issues for School Leaders, Cross-Cultural Education for School Leaders, Leading Change to Support School Improvement, Leading and Managing Human Resources, and Instructional Leadership for Student Achievement.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
1400 John Lynch St.
Jackson, Mississippi 39217
(601)979-2351
Mississippi College
School of Education
There are three departments housed within the School of Education at Mississippi College, and they are the Department of Psychology and Counseling, the Department of Kinesiology, and the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership. The Department of Teacher Education and Leadership has been producing exceptional teachers and educational leaders since the year 1960. It is currently offering both graduate and undergraduate degree programs in such fields of interest as special education, elementary and secondary education, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program offered by Mississippi College’s School of Education requires 36 credit hours of program-related coursework and a career-focused internship. All courses required for completion of the program are conducted online for the convenience of working students. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a current teaching license. They will also need to submit a professional resume and a portfolio prior to admission.
Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership
Mississippi College’s Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership offers two unique tracks that students can choose from: administration or curriculum and instruction. Both tracks require 40 credit hours of coursework and are designed for existing educational professionals desiring higher levels of licensure in educational administration. Samples of some of the courses that are identical to both tracks include Teaching and Learning, Basics of Effective Leadership, Leadership Dilemmas, Data-Driven Decision Making, and School and Community Effectiveness.
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
The Doctorate in Educational Leadership program provided by Mississippi College is a rigorous training program designed for practicing educational leaders who would like to enhance their personal portfolios. Students who wish to enroll in this program must have a master’s degree in a relevant field and must complete a specialist program in educational leadership prior to beginning doctoral level coursework. A dissertation is required for this program as well as completion of such courses as Advanced Educational Research Applications, Leadership Models and Applications, Central Office Structures, and Curriculum Planning and School Improvement.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- The Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
- The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
200 Capitol Street
Clinton, Mississippi 39056
(601)925-3226
lmilling@mc.edu
https://www.mc.edu/academics/departments/education/graduate-programs/doctor-of-education
Mississippi State University
College of Education
The College of Education at Mississippi State University dates back to 1903 when it was known as the Department of Industrial Education. The name was changed to the College of Education in 1963, and today it is comprised of six unique departments: Counseling and Educational Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Systems and Workforce Development, Music, Kinesiology, and Educational Leadership. Within the Department of Educational Leadership, students will find graduate programs in school administration, community college leadership, and higher education leadership.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Mississippi State University’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree program prepares students for top positions as educational administrators. During this 33 credit hour program, students will learn how to evaluate instructional methods, make strategic decisions, improve student performance, promote change, solve problems creatively, and manage available resources. Examples of some of the courses required for the program include Using Data for School Improvement, Evaluation of School Programs, School Legal and Ethical Perspectives, and Educating Diverse Learners.
Educational Specialist in Education with a Concentration in School Administration
Mississippi State University’s Educational Specialist in Education program is designed for current educational administrators who hold master’s degrees in educational leadership or administration. Students who do not hold current administrative licenses can be accepted into the program, but they must have at least three years of teaching experience and will need to complete additional coursework. Total credit hours required for the program are 30 for current administrators and 40 for students without an administrative license.
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Students who choose to enroll in Mississippi State University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership program can choose from three concentrations: P-12 school leadership, higher education leadership, or community college leadership. These programs are geared towards experienced educators who are interested in leadership positions. The program requires a dissertation and the completion of 73 credit hours of such courses as Public School Finance, Professional Development of Educational Personnel, Educational Research Design, and Issues in Education.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- The Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Contact
245 Allen Hall
Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
(662)325-7110
lmcmullan@colled.msstate.edu
Mississippi University for Women
Department of Graduate Studies
The Department of Graduate Studies at Mississippi University for Women offers programs in a broad range of fields including creative writing, business administration, public health, nursing, theater education, speech and language pathology, and education. Within the realm of education, there is a master’s degree program that offers three concentrations: reading and literacy, gifted education, and educational leadership. Students wishing to enroll in one of MUW’s graduate programs must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and submit three letters of recommendation.
Master of Education – Educational Leadership
The Master of Education program with a concentration in educational leadership offered by Mississippi University for Woman has been helping students expand their knowledge and skills in leadership since the mid 70s. To enter the program, applicants must have a 2.75 GPA or higher and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Program requirements include an internship and 33 credit hours of coursework that includes such classes as Leadership through Curriculum, Leadership through Action Research, Organizing a Supportive Learning Environment, and Supporting Diverse Learners.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- The Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
- The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
1100 College St.
Columbus, Mississippi 39701
(662)329-7177
mlhatton@muw.edu
https://www.muw.edu/case/ed/graduate/med/edleadership
The University of Mississippi
School of Education
The University of Mississippi’s School of Education provides exceptional training on both the undergraduate and graduate levels in many areas of study including counselor education, teacher education, educational research, higher learning, mathematics and science education, literacy instruction, early childhood education, and educational leadership. Within the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, students will find a master’s degree program, two doctoral programs, and a specialist program in educational leadership.
K-12 Leadership: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
The main admission requirements for the University of Mississippi’s K-12 Leadership: Educational Specialist program include the following criteria: a 3.0 GPA or higher, two professional letters of reference, at least three years of K-12 teaching experience, and a master’s degree in a relevant field. This is a 30 credit hour program that can typically be completed in about 14 months. In addition to a required administrative internship, students will need to complete a variety of program-related classes such as School Law and Leadership, Data-Informed Leadership, Equity and Cultural Leadership, and Community and External Leadership.
K-12 Educational Leadership: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
To qualify for the K-12 Educational Leadership: Doctor of Education program at the University of Mississippi, applicants must have a master’s or specialist degree in a relevant field, have at least three years experience working as an educational administrator, and have a 3.5 GPA or higher. This is a hybrid course, which means that many of the courses are offered online. A dissertation and 57 credit hours of coursework is required to complete the program, and most students are able to complete these requirements within about three years.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges
- The Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
- The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Contact
228 Guyton Hall
Oxford, Mississippi 38677
(662)915-4400
gradeducation@olemiss.edu
http://education.olemiss.edu/academics/programs/ed_leadership_edd.html
The University of Southern Mississippi
College of Education and Human Sciences
The College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi houses six schools: Child and Family Sciences, Social Work, Kinesiology and Nutrition, Psychology, Library and Information Science, and Education. The School of Education consists of two departments: Educational Research and Administration; and Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education. The Department of Educational Research and Administration currently provides training in higher education and student affairs, research evaluation statistics assessment, and educational administration.
Educational Administration (M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Ph.D.)
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Educational Research and Administration offers four graduate-level degrees in educational administration: a Master of Education in Educational Administration, a Specialist in Education in Educational Administration, a Doctorate in Education in Educational Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration. Persons wanting to enroll in one of these programs will need to submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a letter of interest describing their professional goals.
Accreditations
- The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
118 College Dr.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406
(601)266-5247
admissions@usm.edu
https://www.usm.edu/graduate-programs/educational-administration-supervision.php
Related Resource: 15 Cheapest Online Programs in Educational Leadership and Administration
Persons looking to begin educational leadership careers in Mississippi have many great training options to choose from. There are several schools in Mississippi that offer leadership degree programs, and the schools described above are among the best.
