School Administration and Leadership

812/465-7148

Program Overview

University of Southern Indiana’s program in educational leadership prepares educators to serve as building administrators in P-12 schools. The program addresses a regional need to increase the number of individuals qualified to serve as principals. Data compiled for the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy (May 2001) by the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Professional Standards Board, and the Indiana School Boards Association indicate a shortage of qualified persons for this role.

By completing the educational leadership program, teachers enhance their credentials so they can assume the challenging and rewarding responsibilities of a principalship. They position themselves to work with and have a greater impact on all members of the education community – fellow educators, students, parents, community leaders, and policy makers.

The USI Department of Teacher Education worked with area school administrators to design a top-quality educational program that incorporates the Indiana Professional Standards Board standards for building administrators. The curriculum combines classroom learning with field experiences to give prospective building administrators an understanding of theory and application in the school setting.

Admission Requirements

Admission is a two-step process. Students must be admitted to USI Graduate Studies and then be accepted into the building-level administrator’s program. Cohort groups of candidates begin the program in the fall. The program can be completed in 15 months with candidates taking two courses in the fall semester, two in the spring semester, three during the summer session, and the culminating internship in the final fall semester.

Admission requirements for those who have an earned master’s degree:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 on graduate course work, two years of teaching experience, and a valid teaching license; and
• obtain admission to graduate school through the USI Office of Graduate Studies.

Admission requirements for those who do not have a master’s degree:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate course work;
• show evidence of two years of teaching experience;
• obtain admission to graduate school through the USI Office of Graduate Studies; and
• sign an agreement of understanding regarding the requirements for administrative licensure.