Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Educational Leadership

Leadership, Worldviews, and Contemporary Issues

Students will evaluate a range of contemporary issues related to education from different leadership and worldview perspectives and develop a worldview and leadership philosophy. Students are equipped with a foundational understanding of worldviews and leadership so as to be informed catalysts for change in education environments. (3 units)

Theories of Learning and Teaching

Examination of principles of teaching that can be derived from psychological theories and research, including behavioral, cognitive, and social theories. (3 units)

Curriculum Theory and Development

This course is an overview of curriculum from the societal level to the classroom level and the experiences of the learner. Provides opportunity to explore development of the school curricula, K-12; to examine philosophical bases for curriculum development; and to investigate procedures for organizing the curriculum for effective learning. (3 units)

Survey of Educational Research

An introduction to research methods in education. Provides opportunity to develop skill in interpreting research literature; to become acquainted with sources of research literature; to develop an understanding of the methodology of educational research; and to become a critical reader of research reports. An emphasis on the teacher as researcher will provide a basis for assignments. (3 units)

International and Comparative Education

This course examines K-12 educational systems in the global society. Students will compare schooling in various societies and examine the history of their respective educational systems and how the systems were organized to meet the political, social and economic agenda of the 21st century. By examining different approaches to common problems, students will have a broad foundation upon which they can analyze and evaluate different strategies for problem solving educational issues. Students will develop their personal worldview of international education based on a Judeo-Christian worldview. (3 units)

Introduction to Educational Leadership

This course equips students to lead from multiple theories and establish best practices in educational leadership and introduces students to the ethical, legal, fiscal and administrative knowledge and skills required for effective school leadership. (3 units)

Program Development and Evaluation

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead comprehensive curricular program improvement. Students will develop strategies and techniques that use data to identify and assess areas for instructional improvement, design and implement plans to improve instruction for all students and develop systems for ongoing program improvement. Prerequisite: Declared Educational Leadership for Public Institutions Specialization or Educational Leadership Specialization. (3 units)

School Law and Finance

This course equips students with the necessary knowledge of the laws and finance affecting students and schools and skills for implementing the law and developing and managing the school budget. Attention is given to role of the school administrator as a leader and manager of legal, financial, physical and human resources and obligations. Prerequisite: Declared Educational Leadership for Public Institutions Specialization or Educational Leadership Specialization. (3 units)

Policy, Governance and Community Relations

This course equips candidates with the knowledge and skills that build productive relationships with various school constituents and mobilize necessary resources for all students to achieve. Candidates examine the relationships between national, state, and local political systems and the governance of public school systems and learn strategies for developing a school-community relations program. Prerequisite: Declared Educational Leadership for Public Institutions Specialization or Educational Leadership Specialization. (3 units)

School Site Leadership and Organizational Development

This capstone course requires that candidates demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills required of ethical school site leaders. In addition, candidates integrate and synthesize knowledge and skills from previous courses in the administrative program into a coherent and comprehensive model to refine and guide their leadership practices. Prerequisite: Declared Educational Leadership for Public Institutions Specialization or Educational Leadership Specialization. (3 units)

Personnel Leadership and Development

This course equips candidates with the knowledge and skills for attracting, selecting, developing, evaluating and retaining quality and competent faculty and staff. Students also develop competencies in managing employee problems and due process. Prerequisite EDL 530 and either Declared Educational Leadership for Public Institutions Specialization or Educational Leadership Specialization. (3 units)