The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership (MEIL) program creates opportunities for educators to expand their skills and advance into administrative positions. The curriculum is focused on the exploration and application of new techniques and concepts that help instructional leaders to create pathways to success for students and staff members. Our coursework emphasizes social justice, fairness and equity and is grounded in research-based strategies.

The program provides two career pathways: a Licensure Option for candidates who are entering the program holding a master’s degree and a Master’s Degree Option for candidates who are seeking a master’s. Each option begins with foundational courses and progresses to more advanced topics that impart the content and skills necessary for success. WVSU’s Education Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is fully recognized by the Specialized Professional Association (SPA). This program provides opportunity for West Virginia licensure for Principal, General Supervision, and Superintendency. 

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in Education or a related field.
• GPA – a minimum overall GPA of 2.7 on a 4 point scale for all undergraduate work from accredited institution(s) with an MAT score of 380 (GRE Verbal Reasoning Score of 144) or
  • GPA of 2.6 and MAT score of 385 (GRE Verbal Reasoning Score of 146) or
  • GPA of 2.5 and MAT score of 390 (GRE Verbal Reasoning Score of 148) or
  • Exceptional expertise in the field of Education as demonstrated through an interview with the Graduate Studies Committee.
• Successful Test of English as a Foreign Language scores for those whose native language is not English.
• Professional Educator License from a State Department of Education.
• Resume/CV documenting successful professional experiences, commitment to community service and professional development.
• A personal statement indicating the applicant’s aspirations and reasons for pursuing the Master of Education in Instructional Leadership at WVSU.
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s professional and/or personal qualities.

Courses

Licensure Option (18 credit hours, in addition to currently-held Masters):

• LS 600: Principles of Educational Leadership
• LS 610: Educational Policy and Law
• LS 620: Change, Innovation and Professional Development in Education
• LS 630: Financial and Human Resource Management of Schools
• LS 640: Data-Based Decision Making for School Improvement
• LS 650: Internship (Summer only)

Master’s Degree Option (Licensure plus 18 credit hours; 36 total credit hours)

• LS 605: Addressing Diversity through Educational Leadership
• LS 615: Ethical Leadership for Social Justice
• LS 625: Technology for Educational Leadership
• LS 635: Leadership in Diverse Communities
• LS 645: Action Research in Educational Leadership I
• LS 655: Action Research in Educational Leadership II

Contact

Dr. Emily Waugh, Director
Department of Leadership Studies
ewaugh@wvstateu.edu
Phone: 304-766-5192