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

Program Coordinator/Contact

Jennifer Kampmann, Assistant Professor
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) with youth of all ages 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, child care, early intervention or 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. This major is also appropriate for early childhood professionals who wish to serve the profession in administrative roles in schools or ECE related service agencies.

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).

Student Learning Outcomes

• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a school vision of learning supported by the school community. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by promoting a positive school culture, providing an effective instructional program, applying best practice to student learning, and designing comprehensive professional growth plans for staff. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by managing the organization, operations, and resources in a way that promotes a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by collaborating with families and other community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairly, and in an ethical manner. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Candidates who complete the program are educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)
• Internship. The internship provides significant opportunities for candidates to synthesize and apply the knowledge and practice and develop the skills identified in Standards 1-6 through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real settings, planned and guided cooperatively by the institution and school district personnel for graduate credit. (Transferable Skill: Teaching/Training)

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 a few assistantships for which students can apply.