The MEDL degree is a professional graduate degree that provides a comprehensive education in the primary academic disciplines of Leadership and School Administration. In addition to acquiring the knowledge needed by successful campus and central office administrators in public and private schools, students develop the skills of critical thinking and decision-making that serve as a foundation for future career advancement. This degree does not lead to any additional certification if graduate does not already possess a teaching certificate.
The MEDL is a performance-based program designed for those aspiring to school principalship and other areas of supervision. Candidates may fulfill the requirements for a Master of Education degree and Educational Leader I certification within the 34-hour program. Successful completion of the Teacher Leader Concentration can be used for the Teacher Leader Endorsement.
The Alternative Path to Educational Leadership is designed for individuals who have already earned a Master’s degree from an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency but want to obtain additional certification in Educational Leadership.
Previous coursework will be assessed and an individual Program of Study will be outlined for each candidate. Candidates must satisfy the same screening and selection process as other applicants.
Admission Procedures
To be considered for regular admission to the MEDL degree program, all applicants must submit an online application for admission and submit transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate coursework to the Office of Admissions and Records.
Admission into LSUS’ 100% online MEDL program will be granted to applicants who meet the following qualifications:
- Graduate degree from a university accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency, OR
- Bachelor’s degree from a university, with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 semester hours of courses;
- Satisfaction of all University admissions requirements.
Program/Course Requirements
The MEDL degree program consists of 34 credit hours (30 hours of course content accompanied by 4 hours of internship).
Program of Study
Applicants for admission to the MEDL degree program must file a Program of Study in the Office of the Coordinator of the graduate programs in the Department of Education as a condition for regular admission. The Program of Study is developed with the advice and approval of the candidate’s graduate advisor. All Programs of Study are to be approved by the Program Coordinator. In order for courses to be counted toward degree requirements, they must be included in the candidate’s approved program. All requests for program changes must be made to and formally approved by the Program Coordinator and the Program Director.
General Recommendations
The student should be aware of the following procedures and rules in the School of Education in order to ensure proper pursuit of the MEDL degree.
Catalog
If a student withdraws from the program for more than two regular sessions, he/she must re-enter under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry.
Independent Study
If a student wishes to enroll in an independent study, he/she must present a written proposal, developed under the direction of a faculty sponsor, to the Graduate Studies Committee for approval. The proposal and signed approval form must be filed with the student’s records. A student is limited to one independent study at the graduate level.
Time Limit
A student has eight years to complete the MEDL degree starting when he/she begins graduate-level coursework. If the student does not meet the time limit requirements before graduate courses are completed, he/she must re- enter under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry or obtain approval from the Graduate Studies Committee, the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and the Graduate Council to extend the time limit.
Transfer and Transient Credit
Up to 6 semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or higher may be transferred from another CAEP accredited institution, with the approval of the MEDL Program Director. If the student wishes to transfer credit earned while he/she is enrolled in the LSUS MEDL program, approval prior to enrolling in the course(s) to be transferred must be obtained from the MEDL Program Director. Students must submit to the MEDL Program Coordinator a catalog description and syllabus for a course before it can be approved for transfer credit. Graduate credits earned more than eight years before the completion of the MEDL degree cannot be transferred. A student may apply up to 12 graduate credit hours taken at LSUS with grades of B or higher with the approval of the Program Director. No more than 50% of the program of study may be transferred or applied from previous coursework or degrees.
Portfolio and Field Experiences
During the program, each candidate must develop a portfolio that demonstrates competency based on state and national standards encompassing knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
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