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Master of Science in Education Leadership in Educational Administration courses
Leadership in Educational Administration coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 46
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 4 courses
- Specialization 3 courses
- Capstone 2 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
ED5504
Core Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps within the contexts of gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language difference. Learners also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement disparities. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5320
Specialization Course School Leadership and Management Practices
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of school leadership and management aligned with six fundamental National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program standards and their applications to the work of school leaders. Learners examine business and public administration models and explore theoretical constructs from various disciplines. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5322
Specialization Course School Leadership: Data, Decision-Making, and School Improvement
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate improving P-12 schools by emphasizing the use of data to inform ethical decisions about teaching and learning. Learners gain an understanding of instructional strategies to support a diverse student population, technology integration, and Professional Education Unit (PEU) dispositions. Learners also interact with practicing school administrators to gain direct insight into the field of school leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite ED5010, ED5320.
4 quarter credits
ED6822
Specialization Course The Funding of Educational Institutions
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the allocation of resources at all levels of government. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6823
Specialization Course Education and the Law
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze the laws and legal issues affecting P-12 school systems and their constituents and study the tools and methods used to prevent and resolve legal problems. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED7820. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6852
Specialization Course P-12 Principalship
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the responsibilities and issues associated with the role of the 21st-century P-12 principal. Topics include effective P-12 school leadership and management, curriculum and instruction planning and assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED7820 and ED7014. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
External Exam Praxis II Series Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (ELAS 5411 or 5412)
quarter credits
quarter credits
ED6857
Specialization Course Personnel Administration
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study school policy making, staffing assignment, salary negotiation, grievance procedures, records, supervision, and the evaluation of professional and non-professional employees. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5903
Capstone Principal Capstone Courseroom 1
3 quarter credits
This internship course is the first required capstone for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken at the end of the program. Learners demonstrate proficiency in integrating learning from their coursework at Capella through a clinical-based project aligned with the National Education Leadership Preparation (NELP) building level standards and begin work on their MS Leadership in Educational Administration ePortfolio. Learners reflect upon and assess their proficiency in Leadership in Educational Administration outcomes and external standards. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. ED5903 and ED5904 must be taken in sequence and during the learner¿s final two quarters. ED5903 must be taken concurrently with ED5905. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and the completion, submission, and approval of an internship application. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Prerequisite: ED5010; ED5146 or ED5501; ED5320; ED5322; ED6822; ED6823; ED6852; ED6857; RSCH7860 or ED5006
3 quarter credits
ED5905
Field Experience Principal Capstone Clinical Experience
0 quarter credits
This is the clinical experience course for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken with ED5903 and ED5904. In this course, learners complete an internship consisting of a minimum of 250 hours, with at least 30 of those hours completed at a different grade level. During the clinical experience they develop and fulfill a competency-based internship activity plan with their supervisory principal and internship instructor, including site-based responsibilities. Learners document their internship experiences using an internship log. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Learners must register for this course a minimum of two times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines.
0 quarter credits
ED5904
Capstone Principal Capstone Courseroom 2
3 quarter credits
This internship course is the second required capstone course for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken in the last quarter of the learner's program. In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in integrating learning from their coursework at Capella through a clinical-based project aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) building level standards and begin work on their MS Leadership in Educational Administration ePortfolio. Learners demonstrate and assess their proficiency in Leadership in Educational Administration outcomes, external standards, and professional dispositions. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. ED5903 and ED5904 must be taken in sequence and during the learner's final two quarters. ED5904 must be taken concurrently with ED5905. Prerequisite(s): ED5903. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
3 quarter credits
ED5905
Field Experience Principal Capstone Clinical Experience
0 quarter credits
This is the clinical experience course for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken with ED5903 and ED5904. In this course, learners complete an internship consisting of a minimum of 250 hours, with at least 30 of those hours completed at a different grade level. During the clinical experience they develop and fulfill a competency-based internship activity plan with their supervisory principal and internship instructor, including site-based responsibilities. Learners document their internship experiences using an internship log. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Learners must register for this course a minimum of two times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines.
0 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 12 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
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ED6823
Specialization Course Education and the Law
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze the laws and legal issues affecting P-12 school systems and their constituents and study the tools and methods used to prevent and resolve legal problems. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED7820. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6857
Specialization Course Personnel Administration
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study school policy making, staffing assignment, salary negotiation, grievance procedures, records, supervision, and the evaluation of professional and non-professional employees. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5322
Specialization Course School Leadership: Data, Decision-Making, and School Improvement
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate improving P-12 schools by emphasizing the use of data to inform ethical decisions about teaching and learning. Learners gain an understanding of instructional strategies to support a diverse student population, technology integration, and Professional Education Unit (PEU) dispositions. Learners also interact with practicing school administrators to gain direct insight into the field of school leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite ED5010, ED5320.
4 quarter credits
ED6822
Specialization Course The Funding of Educational Institutions
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the allocation of resources at all levels of government. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5320
Specialization Course School Leadership and Management Practices
4 quarter credits
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of school leadership and management aligned with six fundamental National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program standards and their applications to the work of school leaders. Learners examine business and public administration models and explore theoretical constructs from various disciplines. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6852
Specialization Course P-12 Principalship
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the responsibilities and issues associated with the role of the 21st-century P-12 principal. Topics include effective P-12 school leadership and management, curriculum and instruction planning and assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED7820 and ED7014. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Capstone courses
In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 6 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
ED5904
Capstone Principal Capstone Courseroom 2
3 quarter credits
This internship course is the second required capstone course for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken in the last quarter of the learner's program. In this course, learners demonstrate proficiency in integrating learning from their coursework at Capella through a clinical-based project aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) building level standards and begin work on their MS Leadership in Educational Administration ePortfolio. Learners demonstrate and assess their proficiency in Leadership in Educational Administration outcomes, external standards, and professional dispositions. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. ED5903 and ED5904 must be taken in sequence and during the learner's final two quarters. ED5904 must be taken concurrently with ED5905. Prerequisite(s): ED5903. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
3 quarter credits
ED5903
Capstone Principal Capstone Courseroom 1
3 quarter credits
This internship course is the first required capstone for all learners in the MS Leadership in Educational Administration specialization and is taken at the end of the program. Learners demonstrate proficiency in integrating learning from their coursework at Capella through a clinical-based project aligned with the National Education Leadership Preparation (NELP) building level standards and begin work on their MS Leadership in Educational Administration ePortfolio. Learners reflect upon and assess their proficiency in Leadership in Educational Administration outcomes and external standards. For MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners only. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. ED5903 and ED5904 must be taken in sequence and during the learner¿s final two quarters. ED5903 must be taken concurrently with ED5905. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and the completion, submission, and approval of an internship application. Please refer to practicum and internship Campus resource pages for information regarding application due dates and site and supervisor guidelines. Prerequisite: ED5010; ED5146 or ED5501; ED5320; ED5322; ED6822; ED6823; ED6852; ED6857; RSCH7860 or ED5006
3 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
This specialization is not designed to lead to license, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. Contact your school district for a determination on qualifications for salary advancement.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Core course requirements
Choose 16 program points with a minimum of 2 program points from each category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
ED5010
Core Foundations of Master's Studies in Education
4 quarter credits
This course provides learners with opportunities to acquire and use graduate-level skills, including the ability to critically examine and apply relevant educational theory to professional practice. Learners develop expertise in scholarly writing as well as explore the importance of multicultural perspectives and diversity in professional contexts. Finally, learners articulate and examine their professional purpose and its alignment with their specialization and career aspirations. Must be taken alone during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Education program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED5146
Core Assessment and Evaluation in Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the background, context, and practice of assessment of student learning and evaluation of educational programs. They apply their knowledge to design an equitable and inclusive assessment plan that can be implemented in the classroom; and school or organizational level to promote improvement and accountability.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Learners read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, learners use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
ED5504
Core Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine the origins and complexities of student achievement gaps within the contexts of gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language difference. Learners also explore current student achievement research and best practices and identify instructional strategies most likely to eliminate achievement disparities. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 46 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.