This 100% Online program leads to principal certification for those who already have their professional teaching certificate. Choose the program format that works for you! Courses are available in synchronous format with live online class sessions and real-time discussions or asynchronous format allowing you to view sessions when your schedule allows.
The M.Ed. in Education Administration prepares transformative leaders for a variety of formal and informal leadership positions at the school level. These roles include, but are not limited to: teacher leadership, instructional leadership, and principal leadership. You will learn to lead PK-12 schools through innovative coursework and engaging in reflective practice.
Goals of the M.Ed. Program
The goal of the Education Administration, M.Ed. program is to develop equity-focused, transformative leaders who:
- Engage in critical self-reflection
- Embody an ethic of community
- Engage in critical educational praxis
- Promote deep and equitable change
Is this program for me?
Completing this degree program can help you meet the academic licensure requirements for educational administration in South Carolina. The current curriculum meets national accreditation standards (and South Carolina program standards) for the certification of school leaders. After you graduate, a wide range of professional positions become available to you, such as school principal, assistant principal, instructional supervisor, and other teacher leadership positions.
The M.Ed. in Education Administration is an online degree program designed to prepare candidates for school and district leadership positions in South Carolina. The College of Education makes no claims regarding a graduate's eligibility for certification as a school administrator or principal in any state other than South Carolina.
For this reason, admission to the M.Ed. in Education Administration is limited to applicants who meet one of the following criteria:
- Located in South Carolina at the time of enrollment.
- Located outside South Carolina and attests that they plan to seek SC school administration or principalship certification and employment in a school/district located in SC.
To obtain SC principal certification, upon completion of the M.Ed. program the candidate must achieve minimum qualifying scores on the appropriate required area examination, have a valid SC Educator’s Professional Certificate, and have at least three years of teaching experience, including at least one year at a grade level that corresponds with the desired administrative certification area. Other requirements may apply. For questions or further information regarding certification, contact the SC Department of Education.
Program Highlights
This 100% Online program utilizes a convenient eight-week course format and uses Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, which promotes interaction and collaboration similar to a traditional, face-to-face learning environment. Nationally- and state-recognized administrators from South Carolina are regular guest speakers throughout the program.
This is a highly interactive program. Our instructors employ the best in online instructional techniques and strategies including discussion boards, case studies, simulations, PowerPoint presentations, readings, and research projects. Additionally, instructors offer synchronous weekly virtual class meetings for opportunities to lecture, collaborate, discuss, and network. For detailed information on specific courses and requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.
Why this program?
Hear from current students and alumni as to why earning a Master’s degree in Education Administration at the University of South Carolina is so special.
Special Tuition Rates
South Carolina certified teachers pay a reduced tuition rate.
Out-of-state students admitted to this program pay regular South Carolina resident
tuition rate:
| Tuition Rates | South Carolina Certified Teachers | All Other Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Per Credit Hour | $515* | $572.25 |
| Estimated Total Program Tuition including Fees | $20,338* | $22,399 |
*This rate applies for SC resident certified teachers completing fewer than 12 hours
per semester. These fees and rates are subject to change and are effective for the 2024-2025 Academic
Year. See Specially Priced Online Degree Programs information on the fee schedule and the Graduate One Rate estimated cost to attend based on averages across all university programs.
Financial Aid
Most students in this program receive assistance through loans and other forms of aid. Complete your FAFSA to be considered for these aid programs.
Typical Coursework
36 credit hours are required to complete the program.
Courses are offered online in a convenient 8-week format.
- EDLP 700 – Introduction to Education Leadership: A survey of basic principles of school leadership, the conceptual and structural organization of public education, and an introduction to leading educational improvement.
- EDLP 701 – School Leadership: A study of interpersonal relations and communication within an educational organization and between the school and the community.
- EDLP 702 – School Personnel Administration: Personnel management in the public schools with attention to such issues as teacher supply, recruitment, selection, staff development, supervision, teacher welfare, legal rights/liabilities of school personnel.
- EDLP 703 – Supervision of Instruction: An introduction to the functioning of an educational supervisor. Emphasis on the improvement of instruction and instructional programs.
- EDLP 704 – School Finance and Business Management: Financial and business management functions of school administration. Local/state/national funding issues, economics and politics of school finance, budget preparation, accounting/auditing/plant operation/maintenance from school level.
- EDLP 705 - Legal Basis of Educational Organization and Administration: Emphasis on techniques of legal research, the legal relationships between the federal and state government as they relate to school district organization and administration, as well as legal case studies in all major areas of administrative concern.
- EDLP 706 – The Principalship: Principles, problems, competencies, and practices involved in the administration of schools.
- EDLP 707A/709A – School Principal in Practice I
- EDLP 707B/709B – School Principal in Practice II
- EDCS 725 – Principles of Curriculum Construction: Presentation of methods and procedures to design, develop, implement, and evaluate curricula.
- EDRM 700 – Introduction to Research in Education: Concepts and methods of conducting research in education.
- EDEX 710 or EDPY 705 – A course in exceptionalities or human growth and development.