Principal Preparation
This program is intended primarily for the educator with the following criteria:
- A minimum of three years of teaching experience
- Commitment to becoming a school principal or supervisor
- Leadership potential
- Academic potential
- Educational values and professional commitment
- Written and oral communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Commitment to the program
- A favorable recommendation from the applicant's principal
Degrees Available
A Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies may be earned. For those having a master's degree in Education, the coursework will qualify the student for an Educational Specialist [Ed.S.] Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Admission Requirements and Process
To be admitted to a master's degree program in education, a student must:
- Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and present evidence of potential to succeed in graduate school.
- Have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of undergraduate study for regular admission to the master's program.
- Interview with an admissions selection committee.
The following components are required as part of the application process to be admitted to the program:
- Completion of a graduate school application and payment of an application fee.
- Official transcripts from all college level degree programs.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant's principal.
Curriculum
The curriculum in educational leadership and related fields will be delivered over 24 months. Direct instruction will be provided in leadership, research in education, foundations of education, students and learning, curriculum and instruction, law and ethics, finance and budgeting, policy and politics, special education, and supervision. Internship experiences are a required component of the program
This program of studies leads to Provisional Certification in Educational Administration and K-12 Supervision. Full certification is granted after the student passes the School Leaders Licensure Assessment exam required by the Virginia Department of Education and successful completion of one year as an assistant principal.
Organization
The program will be a cohort approach. Students will be expected to begin together and proceed through graduation together.
Program Timetable
The next cohort program is scheduled to begin in August of 2010, and run through May of 2012. This cohort will be selected in conjunction with the Fairfax County Public Schools and will be open only to employees of that division. The next cohort that will be open to people form any school division is scheduled to be offered in August 2012. Students will follow a program of studies that requires coursework and internships year round.
Admission Timetable
Application Due: March 2010
Interviews: April 2010
Notification: By May 2010
Program Begins: mid-August 2010
Additional Information:
The Graduate Students Services Office (GSSO) is the Graduate School’s office in Northern Virginia. The GSSO’s website includes links to information on tuition and fees and the timetable of classes. Please visit the GSSO’s website for additional information about graduate study in the National Capital Region.
For further information on the program contact:
Joanna Kelly
Graduate Academic Program Assistant
e
-mail: edustaff@nvc.vt.edu
phone: (703) 538-8481
Dr. John Eller
e-mail: jeller@vt.edu
phone: (703) 538-8496