Educational Administration (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jay Trenhaile, Interim Department Head
Katherine Bertolini, Assistant Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Wenona Hall 108, Box 507
605-688-5039

Program Information

The M.Ed. degree in Educational Administration is designed to meet the needs of individuals who work (or plan to work) in an administrative capacity. The department of Teaching, Learning, and Leaderships provides professional preparation for those who expect to become qualified administrators in schools where certification is required, and for other institutions, businesses, industries and service-orientated agencies where an administrative program is of value.

The elementary specialization in Educational Administration meets the requirements for endorsement as a principal in South Dakota. Those seeking to complete the requirements for the principalship will have very limited flexibility in the coursework taken. See below for the coursework. These requirements are designed to meet the ELCC Standards as required by law.

The South Dakota State Board of Education requires that in order to be endorsed, individuals must have three years of verified teaching experience on a valid teaching certificate in a K-12 school, one year of which includes classroom experience or direct services to student.

Students are able to choose from either a program in which only coursework is required or a program in which they must complete a research project. If a student elects to take only course work (Plan C), the student must complete a minimum of 35 credit hours in order to graduate. If the research option is chosen, the student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours including EDER 788 Research Problems (Plan B).

Course Delivery Format

The program can be completed online through the Brookings Campus or face-to-face through West River Graduate Center in Rapid City which also offers coursework in Gillette, Wyoming.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Department has several assistantships for which students can apply.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Education	Option B - Research/Design Paper	35 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	35 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

EDER 610 - Introduction to Research Credits: 3
EDFN 600 - Advanced Pedagogy Credits: 3
EDFN 725 - Education in a Pluralistic Society Credits: 3
EDFN 730 - Current Issues in Education (COM) Credits: 3
EPSY 740 - Advanced Educational Psychology Credits: 3

Select from the following

Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

EDAD 705 - Introduction to School Administration Credits: 3
EDAD 706 - Supervision Credits: 3
EDAD 731 - School Finance Credits: 2
EDAD 736 - Educational Law and Legislation Credits: 3
EDAD 741 - Community and Public Relations Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option B - Research/Design Paper

EDER 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-6 (3 credits required)
Approved Electives Credits: 8

Option C - Coursework Only

ECE 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-7 (2 credits required)
or EDFN 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-6 (2 credits required)
EDFN 701 - Capstone Credits: 1
Approved Electives Credits: 8

Total Required Credits: 35 (Option B & C)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 550 paper-based, 79-80 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Applicants must provide a resumé, goal statement, and two letters of professional reference to Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. Once all material is received, it is reviewed by the Department. Students are assigned an admission status of “unconditional,” “conditional” or “not admitted.”

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .