SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

[1] Master of Science Program (MS) in School Leadership, Management, and Administration

Offered through the Department of Leadership Studies, graduate programs in school leadership are designed for individuals seeking Arkansas licensure as building administrators, curriculum administrators, or program administrators for special education or gifted talented education.  These programs are aligned with both state and national standards. The program is part of UCA's National Council for Accredation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredation and is approved by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council.  The program is designed to provide school-based leaders who are (1) strong educators with a focus on student's needs and learning, (2) moral agents and social advocates for the children and communities they serve, (3) effective communicators with students, colleagues, and members of the community, (4) effective managers of change, and (5) effective integrators of technology into the educational environment. 

The professional degree, Master of Science (MS) is designed to meet the needs of professional educators for preparation as building level leaders and administrators as principals, vice principals, or assitant principals. This 34 hour degree program requires completion of a sequential program that includes internship and portfolio defense. State approved programs of study are available for individuals who hold appropriate master's degrees who desire to pursue licensure for leadership roles as building administrators, curriculum administrators, or program administrators. Contact the Department of Leadership Studies for details on these programs of study. These programs of study vary in length based upon individual applicant backgrounds. All programs require an internship and portfolio defense.

[2] Board of Education Requirements

The Arkansas State Board of Education requires a minimum of four years experience, three of which must be in a classroom. The other year(s) of experience may be as a school administrator or counselor. In addition, the candidate must pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) for Building Administrators to receive licensure.

[3] Admission Requirements

Admission to this degree program is competitive and selective. In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Graduate School, all applicants must present satisfactory test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and satisfactorily fulfill the following requirements:

1. Submit a valid teaching certificate appropriate to the level at which the applicant will be seeking building-level licensure (P-8 or 7-12).
2. Present letters from appropriate individuals that verify at least three years of full-time successful teaching experience.
3. Submit a letter of nomination/support from an administrator in the applicant's district.
4. Submit two additional recommendations from professionals who are familiar with the applicant's professional and academic performance.
5. Submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
6. Provide a written letter from current supervisor acknowledging permission for participating in field experiences up to five days per term.
7. Submit a paper addressing a current educational issue from a list provided by the admission committee.
8. Participate in a scheduled interview with the program's admissions committee and receive satisfactory scores from interviewers.

[4] Degree Requirements

Candidates for the MS degree in School Leadership, Management, and Administration will successfully complete all academic requirements; will demonstrate development of knowledge areas, skills, and dispositions as outlined in program assessment rubrics; will develop and complete a professional portfolio; and will pass the School Leaders Licensure Exam (SLLA) for building-level administrators.

[4.1] Recommended courses by term

1st Term

SLMA 6310 Foundations of School Leadership

ASTL 6380 Research Design

2nd Term

SLMA 6312 School-Based Organizational Leadership

SLMA 6320 School Law

SLMA 6120 Internship I

3rd Term

SLMA 6430 Curriculum and Program Leadership for Schools

SLMA 6130 Internship II

4th Term

SLMA 6440 Principal as Instructional Leader

SLMA 6140 Internship III

5th Term

SLMA 6450 Principal as Manager

SLMA 6150 Internship IV

6th Term

SLMA 6460 Collaborative School Leadership

SLMA 6160 Internship V

SLMA 6170 Portfolio

[4.2] Programs of Study for Administrator Licensure

The Department of Leadership Studies is working with the Arkansas Department of Education to develop programs of study in the following areas for individuals with appropriate master's degrees: building administrator, curriculum administrator, and program administrator (gifted/talented educators and special educators). Contact the Department of Leadership Studies for details.

[5] Courses in School Leadership, Management, and Administration (SLMA)

Follow this link for SLMA course descriptions: course link.

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