Program Description

The Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology is dedicated to meeting your needs as an educational leader. The faculty has carefully incorporated a balance of practical experience, theory, and research into each program.

The Master of Education degree provides students pursuing administrative certificates (Program Administrator, Principal, Superintendent) the opportunity to complete a masterís degree in conjunction with administrative certification requirements. If you already have a masterís degree, you may choose to complete just the certificate requirements, but will still need to follow the appropriate application requirements. You may also choose to complete your Master's Degree by taking coursework with an emphasis in K-12 administration, but without completing the requirements for a particular administrative certificate. If you need advice on which program/certificate might best serve your needs, please contact the department office.

The Master of Education degree is a non-thesis program with a minimum requirement of 35 credits of approved graduate work. You must complete a minimum of 33 credits of graded work and pass a six-hour written exam. All students must complete EdPsy 502, Theoretical Foundations of Learning (three credits), EdPsy 505, Research Methods (three credits), EdAd 702, Masterís Exam (two credits), and a diversity elective (one to three credits). The administrative certification requirements listed below can be used to fulfill some of the 33 graded credits required for the Master of Education degree.

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Admission Requirements

You must have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program and must hold a valid, regular teaching certificate or educational staff associate certificate. You must obtain the support of your local school district to determine the districtís willingness to provide the released time and experience required. The Department's Professional Education Advisory Board (PEAB) reviews all application materials and determines admittance to the program. Many certification candidates in WSU's program are pursuing Master of Education (EdM) degrees simultaneously. If you are a candidate who has been admitted to both programs, the coursework applies to both programs.

Application Procedures

Step 1: Apply for Admission to the Graduate School. Submit application and $35.00 fee to:

Office of Admissions
WSU Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver WA 98686

You may request a Graduate School application from the Admissions office at 360/546-9779 or admissions@vancouver.wsu.edu.

Step 2: Submit Administrative Credentials Application Portfolio (in duplicate) to:

Jill Homme
WSU Vancouver Education Department
Administrative Credentials Program
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver WA 98686

Detailed instructions are provided in the application materials. You may request an application from the Education Department at 360/546-9075 or jhomme@vancouver.wsu.edu.

Step 3: Submit official transcripts to:

Graduate School
Washington State University
Pullman WA 99164-1030

Note: "Official" transcripts must be sent directly from the college or university you attended to the Graduate School in Pullman. Washington State University students do not need to submit transcripts to the Graduate School.

Program Administrator Program

The Program Administrator Certification Program is a field experience, performance-based program that allows you to start in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Courses are offered primarily in the evening with the exception of an internship experience that must occur during the regular public school day.

Required Courses

Course Number
Course Title
Credits

EdAd 580

School Organization and Administration

3

EdAd 584

Human Resource Management

3

EdAd 585

Financial Management in Education

3

EdAd 588

The Law and Education

3

EdAd 590

Internship

6

If you have a Master's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university, have successfully completed the program, and have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of principal, you will earn an Initial State of Washington Program Administrator's Certificate.

Principal Credentials Program

The Principal Certification Program is a field experience, performance-based program that allows you to start in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Courses are offered primarily in the evening with the exception of an internship experience that must occur during the regular public school day. Students must have 540 days of teaching experience (with no more than 60 substitute days).

Required Courses

Course Number
Course Title
Credits

EdAd 516

Instructional Leadership

3

EdAd 589

Leadership Development Seminar

3

EdAd 583

Community and Communications

3

EdAd 585

Financial Management in Education

3

EdAd 588

Law and Education

3

EdPsy 510

Assessment of Learning

3

EdAd 590

Internship *

6

* Internship requires elementary and secondary experience. Continuous enrollment in EdAd 590 is required until 720 hours of internship are completed.

If you have a Master's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university, have successfully completed the program, and have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of principal, you will earn an Initial State of Washington Principal Certificate.

Superintendent Credentials Program

Within the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology, there are two options for pursuing the superintendent credential. Through the first program, candidates take courses at the Vancouver branch and are able to move through the program at their own pace. Courses on school law and finance applicable to Washington state are a prerequisite of both superintendent certification programs.

Required Courses

Course Number
Course Title
Credits

Ed Ad 520

Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction

3

Ed Ad 580

School Organization and Administration

3

Ed Ad 582

Policy Formation

3

Ed Ad 584

Human Resource Management

3

Ed Ad 503

Values and Ethics in Leadership

3

Ed Ad 590

Internship*

6

Superintendent Cohort Program

The second program is a field-based cohort program where, for two years, candidates meet once a month on weekends at various locations throughout the state. Students in the field-based cohort program must enter in the Fall. This program consists of eight seminars each year, plus several regional meetings. Students must enroll in an internship for two years.

Required Courses

Course Number
Course Title

Credits

Ed Ad 582

Policy Formation

3

Ed Ad 580

School Organization and Administration

3

Ed Ad 584

Human Resource Management

3

Ed Ad 587

Values and Ethics in Leadership

3

Ed Ad 590

Internship*

6

* Continuous enrollment in EdAd 590 is required for two years.

If you have a Master's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university, have successfully completed the program, and have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of superintendent, you will earn an Initial State of Washington Superintendent Certificate.

Return to Education Department Home Page
For student advising or Information about our administrative credentials programs, contact: 

Jill Homme, Program Coordinator
   Library Building Room 210-W
Phone 360-546-9075
Email jhomme@vancouver.wsu.edu
Updated April 4, 2008 by WSUV College of Education Webmaster Debra Barnett

 

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