Master of Education At the master’s degree level, students may choose programs leading to Virginia endorsement in school administration and supervision or programs of study focusing on research in educational leadership and policy studies.
Those seeking full administrative endorsement are required to complete an internship, the School Leadership Licensure Assessment examination, and course work in general leadership studies, communication skills, teaching and learning, and school management, and an area of specialization. The minimum number of credits for a master’s degree leading to full administrative endorsement is 36 and 30 hours must be taken after admission to the program. In addition to courses in administration and supervision, students are encouraged to select one elective from social foundations of education, psychological foundations of education, curriculum and instruction, and research.
Applicants for advanced graduate study (post-master’s) in administration and supervision programs should complete two years of administrative and/or supervisory experience before the degree is awarded. Because many states require teaching professional experience as part of the endorsement requirement (3 years in Virginia), the student is urged to check state requirements before seeking certification. Students with at least two years of teaching experience will be given strong preference over those without teaching experience for admission to the principal preparation and supervision programs.
Education Specialist The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program emphasizes the development of specialized skills and in-depth familiarity with a particular professional role in educational leadership. Generally, the pattern of course work for each student is planned to complement work already completed at the master’s degree level. Internships and practica, depending upon the need of the individual student, may be included in the program. The Ed.S. is a planned 30-credit (minimum) post-master’s program, 24 credits of which must be taken on Grounds or in one approved UVa off-grounds program; 24 credits must be taken after admission to the program. Virginia endorsement, either full or partial, in school administration and/or supervision may be earned as part of an education specialist program.
The MBA/MEd is a program is designed to accommodate the interests of students who desire to be leaders in innovative education reform. This dual degree program combines signature features of both Curry and Darden to develop innovative, principled, and practical leaders in the world of education reform.
Prospective students must be accepted into both schools in order to participate in the dual degree program. Application to one school may also be made prior to entrance in the other or while the applicant is a first year student in the other school. This path, however, would lengthen the course of study to obtain the dual degree beyond the two-year ideal.
Teaching experience is not required for admission, although admission preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate professional experience in education.
Depending on work experience, students may participate in either the traditional MBA or the executive MBA format.
Traditional MBA/MEd Format:
Students begin coursework at Curry during the first summer. Students then continue in the first fall and spring at Darden, completing the Darden required first-year program. During the second summer, students would be enrolled at Curry. Students may also participate during this same summer in an internship. During the fall and spring of their second year, students would be enrolled at Darden while taking their remaining coursework in both schools. If a student is admitted into the dual degree program after beginning coursework in either school, the course of study will likely take longer to complete.
Executive MBA/MEd Format:
In the executive format, students begin coursework during their first summer. Students then complete coursework at Darden and Curry in parallel during the entire two-year program. During this time, students should also either work part-time or participate in a part-time internship. If a student is admitted into the dual degree program after beginning coursework in either school, the course of study will likely take longer.
Regardless of which MBA format a student enrolls in, at the conclusion of the MBA/MEd program, students will have earned a minimum of 52.5 credits from the Darden School and a minimum of 30 credits from the Curry school. Students who complete all coursework to the satisfaction of each respective school will be awarded two degrees – the MBA and the MED in Administration and Supervision.
Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy Programs leading to the degrees of Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy are designed to provide the highest level of preparation for professional and scholarly leadership. See the program area website for additional information.
Professional Development Certificate Program This is a state-approved program for individuals seeking endorsement in preK-12 school administration and supervision. Applicants must have already earned a M.Ed. and be seeking state endorsement and a position as principal, assistant principal, or central office supervisor. Students must complete the core program of 30 credits and pass the state proficiency examination. In addition, students are required to complete an internship. See the Administration and Supervision handbook on the Curry website for additional requirements.
