Educational Leadership Specialist

Course Rotation

The specialist degree will position you to obtain licensure for positions as Superintendent, Principal, Community Education Director and other leadership roles within a school district. Education administrators set educational standards and goals and establish the policies and procedures to achieve them. They also supervise managers, support staff, teachers, counselors, librarians, coaches, and other employees. They develop academic programs, monitor students’ educational progress, train and motivate teachers and other staff, manage career counseling and other student services, administer recordkeeping, prepare budgets, and perform many other duties. They also handle relations with parents, prospective and current students, employers, and the community.

The Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership is a 30–credit program. It is for those with a Master's Degree not pursuing administrative licensure in the K–12 system. It offers flexibility for the graduate student and emphasizes Leadership skill development and a research component.

This degree does require a second level research course, generally the Seminar in Field Study Design. After the course is completed students may begin the Thesis or Project Demonstration requirement for the Specialist Degree.

Prerequisite: Master's Degree

• All courses should be planned in consultation with the Advisor. Modifications require the Advisor's approval.
• An official Plan of Study must be submitted prior to completion of 20 credits.
• See the Minnesota State University, Mankato Graduate Studies Bulletin for other specific academic information for which graduate students are responsible.
• Follow your student checklist during your program. Graduate Office forms are available on the Graduate Studies website.

Department of
Educational Leadership
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
115 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Phone: (507) 389-1116
Fax: (507) 389-5863