Master of School Administration in Charlotte United States | University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Master of School Administration degree requires completing 36 credit-hours, featuring a 12 credit-hour year-long internship guided by both a principal-mentor and university supervisor. Those pursuing North Carolina's principal level I license must also develop an electronic portfolio showcasing artifacts that prove their competency across all seven school executive standards. Since 2010, North Carolina principal candidates no longer take the ETS-administered SLLA (School Leaders Licensure Assessment), as the E-Portfolio now serves as the licensure evaluation tool. This comprehensive 36 credit-hour program aligns with the North Carolina State Board of Education's Standards for School Executives while meeting all other regulatory requirements.
Why select UNC Charlotte's Master of School Administration
Our faculty members bring firsthand leadership experience as former principals, assistant principals, and district-level administrators, combining practical knowledge with current research to equip future school leaders.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical coursework applications. A five-week summer intensive includes a simulation course where students step into administrative roles, tackling real-world scenarios like conflict resolution, personnel matters, parent concerns, and financial planning.
Students fulfill a minimum 400-hour internship across two semesters, applying theoretical knowledge and research principles to actual leadership challenges in educational settings.
Throughout the program, each participant receives guidance from an accomplished principal mentor, ensuring exposure to diverse leadership domains including strategic planning, instructional leadership, operations management, political navigation, and human resources.