The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree program will provide a candidate the opportunity to obtain certification for a principal licensure, supervisor of instruction, (18-credit hours) and an additional superintendent endorsement (6-credit hours), along with two additional research courses (6-credit hours). The purpose of the Educational Leadership degree program is to increase the supply of effective and well-prepared school leaders in public schools in West Virginia. These school leaders will be ready to serve as instructional leaders in the state’s diverse student population in meeting high standards for student achievement. The development of an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Fairmont State University will also meet the needs of candidates who currently hold a Master’s Degree in the field of education. After completion of the courses, candidates will be eligible for West Virginia certification as Pre-K-12 Principals, Supervisors of Instruction and Superintendent. The certification program will be designed to give candidates the opportunity to practice all functions for effective school leadership. Fairmont State University believes this is a crucial step in preparing teacher leaders for administrative roles in our schools and counties.

For more information, visit the programs webpage.

Program Admission Requirements

• Submit admissions application to the Office of Admissions.

• Pay $50 application fee along with application.

• Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA.

Initial Administrative Certificate Endorsement Qualifications

The Fairmont State University M.Ed. in Educational Leadership will follow the mandates as set forth in West Virginia code:In accordance with W. Va. Code R. 126-136-10, to qualify for an Initial Administrative Certificate endorsed as principal, a candidate must:

• Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum 3.0 GPA

• Complete state-approved educational leadership program and receive institutional recommendation

• Have completed three years of management level or teaching experience

• Complete the Educational Leadership Institute in evaluation skills or approved equivalent training

• Receive a passing score on the Praxis II: Educational Leadership assessment.

The program will implement innovative strategies to provide the candidate with real school experiences. This program will involve practitioners in the field to enhance the clinicalexperience for the candidate. Maintaining real life experience seminars and their relationship to the coursework will uniquely enhance the candidate’s understanding of the course content.