Master of Arts in Education & Principal Licensure Program
The Graduate Program at Western State Colorado University offers an innovative, flexible alternative to the typical online Master’s course of study. This low-residency program allows students to earn an initial Colorado Principal’s License in the first year of study, and up to four additional years to complete the MA in Administrator Leadership. Western’s Education Program offers a curriculum designed to offer practical, project-based learning that ensures an authentic educational experience. Students explore the latest research-based best practices with engaging instructors in a collaborative online experience that focuses on building and fostering leadership skills necessary for effective administrators.
In this program, the master’s candidate must earn and successfully complete a minimum of 44 semester hours of graduate course work, including a graduate capstone. This program is not for undergraduate students because they are not eligible for the graduate level course work. Once an applicant has been accepted to the program, a graduate advisor will be assigned to assist the applicant in developing a degree plan, which includes a comprehensive exam and capstone. In considering transfer credit for required education courses at the graduate level the course credit must have been earned within the past five years. Transfer credits must be approved by the major advisor on the degree plan. Copies of official transcripts, course descriptions, and/or course syllabi must be submitted to the Teacher Education Program for a determination of transfer credit. The candidate has a maximum of five years to complete the Master of Arts in Education degree.
The Western Difference
- Practical Curriculum taught by practicing administrators
- Work closely with school administrators in an internship model
- Low-residency program with unique, relevant online classes
- One-week summer course provides the opportunity to meet and work with WSCU faculty and your classmates
- Engage in the latest issues surrounding school and administrator leadership as they arise in your school
Admissions Checklist
- BA from an accredited College or University
- Minimum of three years teaching
- Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0
- Western State Colorado University Graduate School Application
- Master of Arts in Education Application
- Three Letters of Reference
- Official Transcripts from all Previous Institutions
In order to earn the MA degree, the candidate must successfully complete principal education course work and at least one concurrent year-long contractual or internship experience in administration. At the conclusion of the first year the candidate must become licensed as a principal. Already licensed teachers have the option of adding an endorsement. Successful completion of the second year will result in earning the MA degree.
First Year Principal Licensure Curriculum
- EDUC 670 Foundations of Leadership
- EDUC 671 Supervision of Student Conduct
- EDUC 672 Management, Evaluation and Personnel Supervision
- EDUC 673 School Site Safety and Maintenance
- EDUC 674 Parent and Community Involvement
- EDUC 675 Planning and Organization
- EDUC 676 Individualized Instruction
- EDUC 677 Resource Management
- EDUC 678 Administrator Internship
- EDUC 679 Administrator Capstone
Total: 28 credits
Additional course work consists of 16 credits, to complete the MA degree:
- EDUC 680 Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders 4 cr
- EDUC 681 Curricular Program Evaluation, 3 cr
- EDUC 682 Leadership in School Sites, 3 cr
- EDUC 683 School Law, 3 cr
- EDUC 693 Capstone, 3 cr
Three credits form the following:
- EDUC 690 School Law for Site Leaders Seminar, 1 cr
- EDUC 691 Fostering Collaborative School Sites, 1 cr
- EDUC 692 Issues and Trends in Leadership Seminar,1 cr
The MA degree is a total of 44 credits.
“I am grateful to be a part of such a relevant and applicable learning experience.” - Marcia
“I am so happy I enrolled in your program. Not only am I on top of my game with new and exciting challenges, but also, our school is going to get a huge benefit.” -Dave
