Educational Specialist: Educational Administration

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

  • use multiple data to describe school climate and culture including demographic information regarding students, faculty, and community;
  • conduct a comprehensive analysis of the school’s improvement plan and its alignment with student learning outcomes;
  • communicate effectively with all stakeholders: students, staff, parents, community and central office administration;
  • engage in activities and best practices related to both formative and summative assessments to promote instructional improvement;
  • identify legal implications related to school operations involving all stakeholders: students, staff, parents, community members, and central office administration;
  • engage in a reflective exercise related to building-level staff and professional development experiences that promote student learning.

Ed. Sp. School Administration (PK-12) (Hybrid- On Campus and Online)

The Ed.Sp. degree in educational administration with emphasis in school administration (PK-12) prepares teachers for specialization in school leadership and administration in elementary, middle, and secondary settings.  The program also provides an opportunity for practicing administrators to enhance their professional skills and to connect with other practitioners from the metropolitan area and region.  Students in the program gain a broad understanding across the professional field, the acquisition of in-depth knowledge in at least one specialized field in educational administration, and integrative experiences demonstrating the application of theory to practice.

Program Requirements

EDUC-UL 5501Foundations Of School Leadership & Organization3
EDUC-UL 5502Building Administration And Management3
EDUC-UL 5503Student, Staff And Organization Development3
EDUC-UL 5507Instructional Supervision3
EDUC-UL 5515Governmental And Legal Aspects Of Education3
EDUC-UL 5518Leadership for School Improvement3
EDUC-UL 5520Data Driven Leadership for Reculturing Schools3
EDUC-UL 5574Administrative Practicum3
EDUC-R&P 5505Statistical Methods I3
EDUC-R&P 5508Principles And Methods Of Research3
EDUC-UL 5525Cultural Foundations Of Education3
or EDUC-UL 5526 Philosophical Foundations Of Education
or EDUC-UL 5527 Historical Foundations Of Education
EDUC-C&I 5505Introduction To Curriculum Theory3
or EDUC-C&I 5506 Curriculum Design
Total Credits36

Note: Students should identify a faculty advisor in Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations at the time of admission to the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences. Final program planning is a joint responsibility of the candidate and, the faculty advisor.

Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the general School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences graduate degree requirements, the Ed.Sp. degree in educational administration with an emphasis in school administration (PK-12) also requires:

  1. Successful completion of all Missouri state certification requirements/exams
  2. A minimum of 320 supervisor - approved Fieldwork Hours
  3. Ed.Sp. Degree and program completion in Education Administration (minimum 30 hours past the master's degree, although the degree program may require more than 30 credit hours)  

Ed.Sp Executive Superintendency (Online)

The Educational Specialist in Educational Administration- Executive Superintendency emphasis is not currently admitting new students.

The online Ed.Sp. degree with emphasis in executive superintendency prepares experienced principals or building administrators for specialization in central office positions, including superintendent or associate superintendent roles.  The program provides an opportunity for practicing administrators to enhance their professional skills and gain a deeper understanding across the professional field including facilities planning, school finance, governmental and legal aspects of special education, and other integrate experiences that bring together the application of theory to practice.  Upon completion of the program of study and passing the School Superintendent's Assessment, graduates will be recommended for Superintendent K12 certification.

This program is designed to prepare current building administrators and curriculum leaders for professional educator roles in a district-level setting.  The degree leads to superintendent certification eligibility in Missouri and Kansas.

An earned K12 School Administration M.A. is required for completion of the Educational Specialist degree.

Requirements for Admission

Candidates must:

  • Provide a copy of a valid teaching certificate
  • Provide a copy of a current permanent or professional school administrator/principal license/certificate to teach.
  • Have at least two years of full-time certified teaching, supervisory, or administrative experience, or any combination thereof, in elementary, middle or secondary schools under a fully licensed teaching certificate (temporary or provisional certification does not meet this requirement).
  • Provide a transcript demonstrating completion of a course in psychology or education of the exceptional child.
  • Possess a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.25

Program Requirements

EDUC-UL 5512School Finance3
EDUC-UL 5516Governmental And Legal Aspects Of Special Education3
EDUC-UL 5523Administrative Roles For Instructional Leadership3
EDUC-UL 5626Theory In Educational Administration3
EDUC-UL 5627Advanced Educational Supervision3
EDUC-UL 5628The Superintendency3
EDUC-UL 5531Educational Leadership and Human Resources3
EDUC-UL 5535Current Topics in Urban School Leadership3
EDUC-UL 5660Effective Practices II3
EDUC-UL 5575Internship In Administration3
The following must be taken at UMKC:
EDUC-R&P 5508Principles And Methods Of Research3
or EDUC-R&P 5522 Principles Of Testing
or EDUC-R&P 5608 Introduction To Graduate Research
EDUC-R&P 5505Statistical Methods I3
Total Credits36

Requirements for Graduation:

In addition to the general School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences graduate degree requirements, the Ed.Sp. degree in educational administration with an executive superintendency emphasis also requires:

  1. Successful completion of all Missouri state certification requirements/exams
  2. Ed.S. degree and program completion in Education Administration (minimum 30 hours past the master's degree, although the degree program may require more than 30 credit hours)