School Administration

In the MSA program, you’ll build the skills to become a school leader. You’ll learn how to support teachers, guide student success and create strong school communities. You'll build life-long professional relationships with educational leaders, mentors and other rising leaders in this field. Graduates of the MSA program are eligible for North Carolina licensure as a school administrator.

You’ll study topics like:

• School-based management and leadership
• Curriculum development and instructional supervision
• Legal and ethical responsibilities of school administrators
• Community engagement and family partnerships
• Strategies for school improvement and organizational change

You’ll also complete hands-on internships in real schools, so you can practice what you’ve learned and build lasting connections.

This program is a mix of in-person and online courses.

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Applicants must have completed 3 years of teaching prior to admission to the program (note that NC law requires 4 years of teaching experience by the completion of the MSA program and an application for a license). 

Along with your application, fee and transcripts, you must also have:

• 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
• Resume to verify three years of teaching experience
• Three professional recommendations to include:
• Your current principal
• A colleague familiar your leadership skills
• An individual knowledgeable of your potential to engage in graduate-level coursework, and/or to assume a school leadership position (e.g., current or former professor or a district-level administrator)
• Statement of purpose answering the following questions:
• Why do you want to become a school administrator (principal)?
• In a school leadership role, what communication approaches would be most effective?
• How would you delegate responsibilities to others?
• How would this administrative position be most rewarding to you?
• What do you consider to be your major strengths as an administrator?

The electronic and physical information for submitting transcripts:

UNC Pembroke The Graduate School

PO Box 1510

One University Drive

Pembroke, NC 28372

UNCP will accept transcripts electronically at grad@uncp.edu If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Office at grad@uncp.edu.

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