Educational Administration and Leadership - Pre-Kindergarten-12 Principal (M.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Division of Educational Leadership

The Division of Educational Leadership develops innovative scholar-practitioners and transformational leaders who use critical theory to solve complex problems of practice.

Master of Arts, Pre-Kindergarten-12 Principal, (non–thesis): Total 32 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

EDAD 701 - Educational Leadership (C) 3 cr hrs
EDAD 710 - Principal Leadership 3 cr hrs
EDAD 714 - Instructional Leadership 3 cr hrs
EDAD 716 - Curriculum Leadership 3 cr hrs
EDAD 720 - Special Education Law for School Administrators 3 cr hrs
EDAD 735 - School Law 3 cr hrs
EDAD 740 - School Community Relations 3 cr hrs
EDAD 742 - Leading School Improvement 3 cr hrs
EDAD 794 - Internship / Field Experience (M.A.) (C) 1 to 8 cr hrs (3 credit hour required)
EDAD elective 0-2 credit hours

Supporting Area Coursework

EDER 761 - Graduate Research & Design (C) 3 cr hrs
School of Education Electives 0-2 credit hours
In addition to successfully completing coursework students must take a national professional exam designated by the Division of Educational Leadership to graduate.

Student Learning Outcomes

Use inquiry to identify problems and bring about solutions to complex problems. 
Model equity-oriented inclusive leadership, including challenging injustices within the system.
Acknowledge that every change is systemic change and lead people/institutions through the process.
Respect multiple perspectives and diversity of thought. 
Build strong partnerships through communication, presence, and mutually beneficial endeavors.
Inspire a shared mission and vision focused on the well-being and success of every member of the organization.

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification

The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure