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Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Administration

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Flexible Learning & Course Delivery

Earn your degree on your terms

Whether you're working to complete your Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Administration degree as quickly as possible or trying to fit it into your busy schedule, we will help you meet your career goals.

Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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Our Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Administration positions graduates as collaborative leaders in a P-12 learning organization. This part-time program offers convenience for working professionals and meets the requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Education for state certification as a public school administrator. It also includes the courses required for Supervisor Certification and Principal Certification.

Students who successfully complete the program will be recommended by Rowan University to the State of NJ for both certifications, provided that the additional requirements for Principal Certification are met.

Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the M.A. in School Administration Online program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.

Curriculum
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The M.A. in School Administration is a part-time accelerated program that requires the completion of 36 graduate semester hours or 12 courses. The coursework is offered entirely online and only four face-to-face meetings are required throughout the possible seven consecutive semesters it takes to complete the program. There are also three benchmark meetings required for completion of the program.

The M.A. in School Administration also includes the required courses for following two NJ Department of Education Certification programs: Supervisor Certification (four courses) and Principal Certification (seven-eight courses). Matriculated students in the M.A. in School Administration program are automatically matriculated into the Supervisor Certification program as well. Students who successfully complete the Rowan University M.A. in School Administration program will be recommended by the university to the State of NJ for the Supervisor Certification while those who successfully complete the program and meet the following additional requirements may be recommended to the State of NJ for the Principal Certification:

  • Evidence confirming at least five years of satisfactory, full-time educational experience (demonstrated by a letter from the applicant's school superintendent) in any New Jersey Department of Education-certified position
  • Evidence of a score of 163 or better on the School Leader Licensure Assessment Test (www.ets.org/sls)
  • 12 Courses / 36 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 36 S.H.
EDSU 28510 Curriculum Design & Development for Instructional Leaders 3
EDAM 27521 Introduction To The Principalship 3
EDSU 28546 Educational Organizations & Leadership 3
EDAM 27559 Law And Ethics For School Leadership 3
EDSU 28522 Instructional Leadership And Supervision 3
CURR 29590 Curriculum Evaluation 3
EDST 24504 Action Research In Education 3
EDSU 28523 Building Organizational Capacity Through Leadership And Supervision 3
EDAM 27535 School Finance And Records 3
EDAM 27510 Change For School Improvement 3
EDAM 27600 Practicum/Seminar In Administration/Supervision I 3
EDAM 27601 Practicum/Seminar In Administration/Supervision II 3

EDAM 27601 course includes an additional $200 field placement fee.

The following courses have pre-requisites:

  • Practicum/Seminar I in Administration & Supervision (Pre-req: All courses in program)
  • Practicum/Seminar II in Administration & Supervision (Pre-req: All courses in program including EDAM 27600)

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives (must include reasons for pursuing the School Administration program)
  • Typewritten statement of leadership experience (must include examples of previous leadership experience and abilities within specific positions/projects)
  • Certificate Program Acknowledgement
  • Two letters of recommendation

    • Letters should be from a professional administrator - supervisor, principal, superintendent - and include information which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
  • Recommended minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Copy of current NJ (or other state) teaching or educational services certificate (only Standard is acceptable)
  • Letter confirming at least 3 years of satisfactory teaching or educational service
  • Optional interview (If selected for an interview, the applicant will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
 
 
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A Top Education School

An Exceptional Learning Environment

Our highly-regarded, award-winning academic programs are taught in small classes, by faculty who are engaged with their students, connected in their fields and invested in student achievement. We're proud to share that Rowan University's College of Education earned recognition on the "Best Online Education Programs" list by U.S. News & World Report.

M.A. in School Administration Professionals

Career Outlook

Our program prepares you for positions such as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, principal, assistant principal, and director. Graduates in this field are well-quipped for the future:  employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028, while the employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow seven percent from 2018 to 2028.

Admissions Information

Deadlines, Tuition & Financial Aid

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