Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision
While designed primarily for K-12 leaders, our fully online Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision is beneficial for leaders from other fields, including teacher leadership, higher education, and nonprofit leadership. The program emphasizes applied theories of educational leadership, mastery of practical skills required for effective leadership and administration, and competence in research methods necessary for understanding and assessing learning organizations. Qualified candidates can earn the Tennessee Instructional Leadership License-Beginning (ILL-B) with the master's degree. Students must pass the Praxis II School Leaders Licensure Assessment administered by ETS to earn the ILL-B.
This program, which lasts nearly 24 months, is organized into five semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring and features a blended-learning format, combining online and weekend courses. The 30-semester hour graduate program is designed around the Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards. Upon successful completion, students will earn either a Master of Science (MS) degree or an Education Specialist (EdS) degree if they already hold a master’s degree and will also receive a Tennessee Instructional Leader license.
Required Courses
Upon admission to program students should apply for the ILL-A licensure. Towards the end of the final semester of coursework, students must take the SLLA Praxis for ILL-B licensure. Evidence of successful SLLA Praxis completion must be submitted to TNCompass as well as the Office of Teacher Education in the College of Education. Taking and passing the SLLA Praxis for ILL-B licensure serves as the comprehensive examination for both the School Administration and Supervision masters program as well as the K-12 Educational Leadership graduate certificate. Taking and passing the SLLA Praxis must be done in order to graduate and receive the master's degree or graduate certificate.
Program Coordinator
Dr. Charisse Gulosino
Professor of Leadership & Policy Studies
Email | 901.678.5217
Office: 123G Ball Hall
Application Process
NO GRE SCORES REQUIRED. Priority application deadline is April 1 for Summer/Fall admission. Priority application is November 1 for Spring admission.
Each applicant must submit a completed application packet to the Graduate School that includes:
- A completed admissions application
- Graduate School Application (Click Apply Now below)
- Official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate courses
In addition, each applicant must submit the following as part of your graduate application:
- One to two-page letter of intent that thoroughly explains your professional goals and how obtaining the degree/certificate will help you accomplish those goals.
- Professional resume
- Three letters of professional recommendation on letterhead (1 LETTER MUST COME FROM ACTIVE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR)
- Evidence of active teacher license and 3 years of classroom teaching experience (Upload a copy of teacher license)
- The admission decision will be based on a holistic profile that includes, but is not limited to, information contained in the completed application packet described above.
For International Applicants
We welcome international students to apply to our programs; however, students must note that this degree is offered exclusively online and does not meet the requirements to qualify for an F-1 student visa. International students who are interested in these programs should be admitted as U of M Global students and will take courses fully online from their home country. Additionally, the Department of Leadership does not offer residency sponsorship or assistantships.