(30 semester hours)
The program in School Leadership consists of 30 semester hours of low-residency graduate work and 24 clock hours of participation in the Principal Leadership Academy. The Academy provides an orientation to the Marywood campus, four on-campus Powerful Learning Experiences (PLEs) and a concluding networking experience. The courses are divided into three categories: nine semester hours in core courses, which are intended to give the student an understanding of research, organizational dynamics, and multicultural issues in schools; 18 semester hours in concentration courses, which provide an understanding of administration, current issues in education, curriculum planning, supervision and evaluation of instruction, law, finances, and an internship in a school setting, and three semester hours in elective courses.
The overall goal of the program is to develop school principals who are motivated to serve children, families, teachers, and communities by applying solid research and best practices of the discipline to their role as principal. Vital program components are the establishment and maintenance of long-term relationships among school districts, school leaders, and mentors, as well as a focus on the candidate’s personal growth using an ethical, authentic, and standards-based approach. Internships are individualized, based on needs and interests of school districts and candidates. The Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) building level standards support the courses and internship.
In addition to an initial interview with the chair of the School of Education or a designated faculty member and the successful completion of coursework, the degree candidate is required to complete a Professional Contribution under the guidance of a faculty mentor and give a public presentation of the Professional Contribution. To be eligible for Pennsylvania certification, the candidate must complete state testing requirements and provide a chief school administrator’s verification of the completion of three (3) years of relevant professional experience defined as “professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process.”
Professional Education and Core Courses (9 semester hours)
| EDUC 501 | Research Theory | 3 |
| COUN 532 | Multicultural Issues-Prof Counseling Pr?Professionals | 3 |
| EDUC 605 | Communication Theory and Organizational?Dynamics | 3 |
| EDUC 555 | Professional Contribution | 0 |
Concentration (18 semester hours)
Electives (3 semester hours)
This program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for awarding certification as a PK-12 principal.
EDUC 545, EDUC 547, EDUC 548, EDUC 549, EDUC 551 and EDUC 593: Certification Program in School Leadership — Persons seeking a PK-12 principal certificate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who do not wish to receive the Master of Science degree, may do so by taking only courses marked with an asterisk listed under the degree program. An initial interview is also required.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that certain criteria be met prior to acceptance into certification or degree programs. Upon completion of the program, to be eligible to apply for certification, candidates must pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment test (use Praxis SLS Bulletin to register) and have three years of certificated experience in a school setting.
NOTE: The Program requirements discussed in this section are subject to change based on guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.