The master’s degree program in P-12 Educational Leadership is designed for educators interested in the practice of leadership and administration who aspire to be formal school leaders or teacher leaders in K-12 educational settings.
The program consists of a minimum of 30 semester credits and is approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to certify graduates for the School Administrator Certification (Building-Level ES Endorsement). Candidates complete coursework related to leadership, inquiry, continuous school improvement, organizational theory, professional learning communities and diverse community relationships, alongside a field-based School Leadership Internship.
Select from the links below to jump to a specific section, or scroll through the handbook to learn about the entire scope of our program.
The handbook also contains Institutional Resources and Supports. For general College of Education resources for students, view the College of Education website or explore the Office of Academic & Student Affairs website.
Program standards are framed around the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Building-Level Standards (2018). These standards guide progress, ground assessment, and influence course experiences and performance assessments for graduation.
Program standards apply to both the internal organization (the learning community/organization) and the surrounding community, including families, local agencies, and the broader policy environment.
Program learning is animated by five core values:
The M.A. program requires 30 total credits, comprising 21 credits of core studies and 9 credits of elective studies.
Common Elective Options (Select 9.0 Credits)
Candidates seeking the Michigan School Administrator Certificate (Elementary and Secondary PK-12 ES Endorsement) must pass the MTTC Administrator Assessment (MI139 – ES).
Students must file an approved Program Plan by the time they complete 18 credits toward the degree. Any subsequent course modifications require prior approval from the academic advisor and the Office of Academic & Student Affairs using the Changes in Program Plan form.
Graduate students must adhere to the formatting and scholarly writing standards established in the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA)." Assignments must demonstrate clear thesis formulation, logical structural flow, active voice, precise language and rigorous academic citation practices.
Advisors and students complete a written evaluation annually to review academic progress, course planning and professional competence. Signed copies are placed in the student's central departmental file.
All M.A. candidates must complete a minimum of three (3) hours of RECR training focused on data ethics in educational settings.
All human subject research—including school-based inquiry projects—must be reviewed and approved by the MSU Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiating data collection. Students must complete the required online HRPP tutorial before undertaking research activities. Data collected without prior IRB approval cannot be used for course or degree requirements.
Academic honesty is foundational to the university. Violations include claiming another’s work as one's own, unauthorized assistance on exams or assignments, data falsification and plagiarism.
A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 will receive written notice and be placed on academic probation. Students admitted conditionally on academic probation must achieve a 3.50 GPA across their first 9.0 credits without deferred or incomplete grades to achieve regular standing.
If a student's status is threatened due to academic dishonesty, unethical conduct or failure to meet academic standards, the following due process steps are enforced:
To receive MSU recommendation for the MDE School Administrator Certificate (PK-12 Building Level ES Endorsement), candidates must:
For candidates with an existing master's degree in education:
To ensure timely processing of graduation and diploma issuance, students must complete the following steps:
The following is a useful (but not exhaustive) quick reference list for university, health and safety resources, listed in alphabetical order.
Campus Operator
(517) 355-1855
Career Services and Placement
113 Student Services Building
(517) 355-9510 x 380
Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA)
(517) 394-1000
Center for Community Engaged Learning
556 E. Circle Dr., Ste. 101
(517) 353-4400
Center for Survivors (MSU)
426 Auditorium Rd.
(517) 355-1855
(517) 372-6666 - 24/7 Interpersonal Violence Crisis Hotline
Computer Store (MSU)
305 Computer Center
(517) 355-4500
Emergencies
911
or utilize an Emergency Green phone, located throughout campus
End Violent Encounters (EVE)
(517) 372-5572 - 24-hour Emergency Crisis Line
English Language Center
A714 Wells Hall
(517) 353-0800
Graduate School
118 Linton Hall
(517) 355-0301
Helpline
353-4MSU
Judicial Affairs Office (Department of Student Life)
101 Student Services
(517) 432-2471
Library
366 W Circle Drive
(517) 353-8700
Office of Admissions
426 Auditorium Road, Rm. 250
(517) 355 -8332
Office for Education Abroad
108 International Center
abroad@msu.edu
Office of Financial Aid
426 Auditorium Road, Rm. 140
(517) 432-8000
Office for International Students and Scholars
103 International Center
(517) 353-1720
Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy
535 N. Shaw Ln, Rm. 1060
(517)353-7745
Office of the Registrar
426 Auditorium Rd., Rm. 150
(517) 355-3300
Office of Spartan Experiences (Student Rights & Responsibilities)
49 Abbot Rd., Rm. 226
(517) 355-8286
Office of the University Ombudsperson
354 Farm Lane, N. Kedzie Hall, Rm. 129
(517) 353-8830
Olin Health Center
463 E. Circle Dr.
(517) 884-6546
Parking
1120 Red Cedar St.
(517) 355-8440
Police (MSU)
1120 Red Cedar Rd.
(517) 355-2221
Residence Education and Housing Services
550 S. Harrison Rd.
(517) 884-5483
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
434 Farm Lane, Rm. 120
(517) 884-7273
Safe Place
G-55 Wilson Hall
(517) 355-1100
Student Transportation Services (MSU Motor Pool)
325 W Shaw Ln.
(517) 353-5280
Testing Center
434 Farm Ln., Rm. 203
(517) 355-8385
TDD/TTY Services For The Deaf
711
Writing Center
Explore Writing Center locations throughout campus
(517) 432-3610
Administrative buildings are typically open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and academic buildings are generally open from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Academic buildings are scheduled to be open on weekends only as needed. Building access hours are posted on each facility. Access to individual classrooms, laboratories and programs is limited to those enrolled. Access to university residence halls is limited to residents and their invited guests, as explained on signs posted on all the doors and elsewhere in the living areas.
Landscaping and outdoor lighting on campus are designed for pedestrian safety and security and modified as needed. Sidewalks are designed to provide well-traveled, lighted routes from parking areas to buildings and from building to building. Landscape personnel trim shrubs from sidewalks, walkways, and building entrances to enhance lighting and visibility. Campus walkways are inspected regularly to ensure adequate lighting and replacement of burned-out lights.
The “Green Light” Emergency Telephone System follows major walkways. Maps showing the walkways and emergency telephones are available.
The following list provides information about many of the health and safety resources available to you:
All university vehicles displaying the eyes and ears decal are available for assistance and safety. Employees operating these vehicles can report emergencies via two-way radios.
ASMSU Safe Ride (App)
Visit the ASMSU site for the app download information.
Safe Ride is a late-night transportation service provided to members of the Michigan State University community as a safe and free alternative to walking home alone after dark. University Safe Ride programs are proven to reduce sexual assault-related dangers and drunk driving, both on and off-campus. Please be prepared for wait times that can exceed 20-25 minutes due to rider demand.
Center for Survivors
(517) 355-3551
(517) 372-6666 - 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline
The Center for Survivors is dedicated to providing compassionate, survivor-centered support for individuals impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Our highly trained staff offer free and confidential counseling, advocacy, and support groups for Michigan State University students, faculty and staff.
Children's Protective Services (Michigan)
911 for emergencies
(855) 444-3911 - available 24/7
Children's Protective Services (CPS) program is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. The Michigan Child Protection Law provides the framework for what CPS must do.
Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties
(517) 346-8318
Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI) is a public agency serving people in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration Grantee, CMHA-CEI provides a comprehensive set of services used to increase access to care, support people in crisis and provide treatment for those with the most serious and complex behavioral health needs regardless of their insurance coverage. CCBHC’s integrate additional services that focus on recovery, wellness, trauma-informed care and physical-behavioral health care integration.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
(517) 355-8270
Press 1 for 24/7 Crisis Counseling
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive mental health support to students. In addition to counseling, they offer referral coordination, consultation and guidance to help students access the resources that best support their healing, growth, and sense of belonging—whether through CAPS, campus partners or community providers.
Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU)
911 for emergencies
(517) 355-2221 for non-emergencies
City of East Lansing Police Department
911 for emergencies
(517) 351-4220 for non emergencies
End Violent Encounters (EVE)
(517) 372-5572 (Press 1) - 24/7 Crisis Line
End Violent Encounters Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides supportive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and abuse later in life. Whether looking for shelter, advocacy, information, or just someone to talk to: EVE is here to empower survivors throughout their healing journeys. All EVE services are free and confidential.
Environmental Health & Safety
(517) 355-0153
Environmental Health & Safety oversees university efforts to protect occupational health and the environment. EHS assists faculty and staff in maintaining safe, compliant workplaces.
MSU Night Owl
(517)432-888
MSU Night Owl offers safe, convenient curb-to-curb student transportation for Michigan State University students across campus during late-night and early-morning hours when regular bus services are no longer operating.
Safe Place Shelter
(517) 355-1100
Safe Place Shelter provides confidential emergency shelter and supportive services for adults and their children who are experiencing domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of interpersonal violence. Building on more than 40 years of service to survivors in the Greater Lansing community, our goal is to offer a safe, welcoming environment where survivors can focus on healing, safety, and creating a path forward. Part of the MSU Center for Survivors.
University Health & Well-Being
View University Health & Well-Being contact numbers for various university offices and supports, including the Olin Health Center.
University Health & Well-Being supports the university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life, enhancing accessibility and safety through a culturally sensitive and holistic lens.
Safety is an important issue for all of the Michigan State University community. At Michigan State University, we are concerned about the health and well-being of all our students.
Each member of our campus community—students, faculty and staff—is responsible for taking an active role in both preventing and reporting incidents that jeopardize safety on and around campus.
You can find the other forms on the College of Education website.
Note: When submitting the signed forms, you are required to use the most current version of the form (available online) and to ensure that only blue ink is used for all signatures.