Master of Science in Educational Leadership

If you are a teacher with three years of experience and wish to become a school administrator, our Master of Science in Educational Leadership is right for you. This single-track program will prepare you to become a principal, assistant principal, supervisor, or facilitator.
 
Program Type: MSEL
Department: Education
 

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSEL) requires 31 hours of coursework and includes leadership practica, internship, and capstone project. You will study principles of school leadership, school management, supervision, and teacher development.

MSEL Courses

Required Courses for the Master of Science in Educational Leadership

  • Policy Perspectives for Educators LEAD 605
  • Exploring School Leadership LEAD 610
  • Strategies for Whole School Renewal LEAD 615
  • Supervision and Teacher Development LEAD 620
  • Managing the Modern School LEAD 625

  • Law for School Leaders LEAD 648
  • School, Family, and Community EDFD 607
  • Master Educational Research EDFD 640
  • Capstone EDFD 675 (Need to complete all courses before Capstone)

Practica and Internship

  • Leadership Practicum I LEAD 661
  • Leadership Practicum II LEAD 662
  • Administrative Internship LEAD 674
View Master of Science in Educational Leadership Course Requirements

Accreditation

Christian Brothers University is approved by the State Department of Education of Tennessee as a Teacher Training Institution. CBU undergraduate and graduate education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator. Preparation (CAEP). 

Admission to the Program

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by:

  • Fall Entry – July 15
  • Spring Entry – November 1

How to Apply

A complete application consists of the following:

  1. Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSEL) online application

    Be prepared to upload the following information as you complete the online application:
    • Practitioner or Professional Tennessee Teaching License showing at least three years teaching experience
    • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. You will need to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (indicated on transcripts).
    • Letters of recommendation: As part of the application, you will be asked to provide email addresses of individuals to contact regarding recommendations. Provide three, from two peers and one supervisor
    • Confidential Application Portfolio which contains:
      • Current resume
      • Copies of the last three years of evaluation documents. If this not available, provide documentation of administrative experiences through your school system’s Teacher/Administrator Verification Form
      • Completed Professional Development Plan based upon three areas of improvement
    • Evidence demonstrating an ability to improve student achievement and leadership in coaching others to raise student achievement
    • Evidence of in-depth knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment
    • Evidence to demonstrate an ability to develop collaborative, cooperative relationships with stakeholders
    • Personal statement of career goals and how the leadership program at CBU can assist you in reaching these goals
    • Your philosophy of instructional leadership
    • Autobiographical sketch
    • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  2. You also must complete the Star Administrator Pre-Screener questionnaire. Create an account from the section of Get Started. The system will walk you through the rest of the registration and purchase process. Email the results to graduateadmissions@cbu.edu.
  3. If you are not employed by a Tennessee public school district at this time, you must submit a background check. To obtain a copy of your background check within the last year or to have your fingerprints taken, contact IdentoGO services at www.identogo.com. Select Non-DCS Child Care/Adoption Providers as the Agency and Child-Related Worker (Private) as the Applicant Type. Provide CBU’s ORI# TNCC79123. Once you are fingerprinted, the information will be sent to TAPS and CBU should receive a full report in about one week.

Interview

After a successful review of your application, you will be invited for an interview with the Graduate Education Admissions Committee.

International Student Information

International applicants must submit the following:

  • Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSEL) online application
  • Official transcripts for all colleges/universities attended (undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above indicated on transcripts) 
  • Provisional Certificate 
  • Copy of Passport 
  • Letters of recommendation: As part of the application, you will be asked to provide email addresses of individuals to contact regarding recommendations. Provide three, from two peers and one supervisor 
  • Current resume/CV 
  • Philosophy of Instructional Leadership Essay (Personal statement of career goals and how the leadership program at CBU can assist you in reaching these goals) 
  • Course-by-course NACES evaluation (www.naces.org/members)  
  • Two recommendations (one from current supervisor and one from colleague/mentor) 
  • Current Bank Statement 
  • Current CBU Affidavit of Sponsorship 
  • English Proficiency test scores meeting the following are the minimum English proficiency scores required for consideration for admission to CBU:
  • TOEFL (paper based) – 520
  • TOEFL (internet based) – 82
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) – 59
  • IELTS – 6.0
  • Duolingo – 115 

All international students must:

  • Complete a CBU Health Form (PDF) (State of TN required immunizations) and submit to Student Life
  • Read the PDSO/Dean of Student’s page, Immigration Matters
  • Have active/current health insurance
  • Contact ISS as soon as you have been admitted to CBU

Meet the Faculty