Plus 18 Program for School Administrator Certification

As provided for with Michigan legislation (PA 335, 2006 and PA 202, 2009), preparation for the School Administrator certificate can also be accomplished through an alternative path, the Plus 18 Program, for those who already hold an education-related master’s degree.  The Plus 18 Program includes a minimum of 18 credits earned in the Department of Educational Administration.

Decisions about courses required for an individual participating in the Plus 18 Program are guided by the Michigan Standards for Building-level Administrators, approved by the State Board of Education in November 2007.  Find the standards at the MDE website: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_5683_30306---,00.html

To assure that our students meet the standards, an advisor will conduct a review of past coursework (MA or MS degree) and professional experience, and, in consultation with the student, develop a program plan.  These courses are the same courses in the regular MA programs on campus (East Lansing) and in southeast Michigan (Birmingham). Because this is a somewhat customized plan, we do not post a general course sequence. 

If you wish to speak with an advisor about the possibility of the Plus 18 Program, please contact Dr. BetsAnn Smith via email at bas@msu.edu or call the Department of Educational Administration at 517-353-8480.