Educational Leadership, M.A.

I. Contact Information

Bill Thornton, Graduate Program Director
College of Education
thorbill@unr.edu
(775) 682-9096

II. Brief Introduction

The College of Education offers two graduate degree programs in Educational Leadership: Master of Arts (M.A.), and Master of Education (M.Ed). Courses leading to an M.A. or M.Ed. are taught by a core faculty with expertise in areas of organizational development, policy development, school administration, supervision and evaluation, curriculum development, school law, school finance, school planning, higher education, and educational foundations.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The Master’s graduate program in Educational Leadership aims to generate graduates who are well versed in content, theories, research methods, and the application of knowledge to practice. Graduate students specialize in PK-12 Leadership or Higher Educational Leadership. Graduate students complete a course of studies aligned with one of these two areas. The program of studies is designed to provide skills, knowledge, and understanding for entry level leadership positions.

IV. Admission Requirements

Upon receiving the application packet, the following should be completed and returned to the Graduate School:

1. Completed UNR Application for Admission and application fee ($60-first time; $40 UNR returning or UNR alumnus) must accompany the application.
   a)   If you have already been admitted as a Graduate Special, you must complete a new Graduate School Application for admission to a graduate program ($40 fee).
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. (If coursework was completed at UNR, Admissions and Records would already have your transcripts available for the Graduate School, and you need not send them.)
3. In addition to the application form required by the Graduate School, applicants must complete and EL application and submit it to the department. This includes:
   a)   Three letters which speak to the applicant’s potential for success both as a graduate student and as an educational administrator. It is recommended that one letter be from an immediate supervisor, one from a school district officer or university administrator, and one from a university professor. Appropriate variations are acceptable.
   b)   Applicants must submit a written sample of work; for example, a typed essay of approximately 1,000 words.
   c)   Although not required, applicants may submit additional information such as a vita that may provide relevant information for assessing professional promise.
   d)   A typed department application must be submitted. This form (available online) lists departmental requirements and a description of the required essay.

Admission Criteria - Full Admission Status

Most applicants to the M.A. and M.Ed. programs surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School  ” chapter in this catalog), concerning specific regulations on graduate standing). Full admission is based on the following criteria:

1. academic ability
2. research and writing skills
3. professional promise
4. the collective professional judgment of the EL faculty

Use of these criteria provides both our department and the applicant with an indication of probable success in the program.

V. Program Requirements

VI. Program Total Hours (37 units)

VII. Undergraduate Requirements

Most applicants to the M.A. and M.Ed. programs surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School  ” chapter in the catalog).