Program Design for Specialist Degree
in Educational Leadership
Principal, Director of Special Education and Superintendent licensures are accessible through
the Specialist Degree. The programs are flexible, customized and relevant to current critical
needs in Minnesota schools.
“I was able to develop the skills I needed to be effective as a school leader and create a network
to support me in the new challenges that arise on a daily basis. The professors have had in-thetrenches experience and are outstanding. The classes were conveniently located and I found the
department to be flexible.
“Minnesota State Mankato’s program is tremendous.”
–Matt Hillman MS ’02, Specialist ’06, Entered Doctorate ‘09
Human Resources Director, Northfield Public Schools, Northfield, MN
Course of Study for Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership
Phase I – 9 Credits
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Specialist Program Overview
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EdLd 671 Introduction to School Administration – 3 credits
Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting. This
course is the first of three courses in Phase I of the Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership for
licensure. This course will provide an overview of (1) the three phases of the Specialist Degree for
licensure, (2) the portfolio process, including the collection of artifacts from authentic experiences and
course work, (3) the development of a learning plan through a 360 assessment process.
EdLd 672 Policy and Administration– 3 credits
Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting. This
course is the final course of the three courses in Phase I of the Specialist Degree in Educational
Leadership for licensure. This course will provide an overview of (1) political influence and governance,
(2) communication, (3) the importance of understanding public values and school policy, and (4) ten
hours of practicum experience.
EdLd 674 Supervision and Administration – 3 credits
Course Description: The course, Theory and Supervision, examines the role of the school leader within
the function of supervision and evaluation. Supervision models are presented; communication and
human relations skills are emphasized. The course will provide opportunities to demonstrate entry-level
supervisory and evaluative knowledge through activities, assignments, and class discussion; to engage in
personal reflection relative to being an effective supervisor; and to examine the role and responsibility
of an effective school administrator in the area of supervision and evaluation.
Phase II – 12 Credits
EdLd 673 Leadership of Special Programs – 3 credits
Course Description: Leadership of Special Programs is designed to support aspiring school leaders in
their ability to understand and acquire the necessary skills to be able to implement appropriate
educational practices for special populations. Core areas of study will focus on leading programming
and curriculum for students receiving special education, gifted and talented services, and English as a
second language. The course will provide opportunities to demonstrate entry-level knowledge through
a practicum, activities, assignments, and class discussion. We will examine research, policies and
practices, curriculum, assessment and literacy development practices that result in high quality
programming for students of special populations.
EdLd 665 Legal Issues in Administration – 3 credits
Course Description: Study basis for the course will be the U.S. Constitution, State Statutes and Laws,
court decisions including U.S. Supreme, State Supreme and Circuit Courts. The impact of legal decisions
on diverse racial and cultural populations will be studied. This course will provide opportunities to
present and defend a legal brief, participate on a panel discussion involving legal issues in Pre-K-12
educational settings and role play situations involving every day legal issues in schools.
EdLd 682 Seminar: Field Based Research – 3 credits
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Specialist Program Overview
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Course Description: Field Based Research is intended to aid students in the selection and development of
a field study problem, the selection of the research design and the development of the instruments to
be used in the study for data gathering purposes.
EdLd 698 Internship in Administration – 3 credits
Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting and is
intended to provide authentic experience with the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator.
Embedded in the course are the internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure,
Minnesota Rule 3512.
Phase III – 9 Credits
EdLd 679 Advanced School Administration and Finance – 3 credits
Course Description: In Advanced School Administration and Finance students are provided opportunities
to demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of strategic planning, budgets, facility development, use of
technology and master scheduling. We will examine the role and responsibilities of an effective school
administrator in implementing policies and procedures for safe and secure educational environments.
EdLd 698 Internship in Administration – 3 credits
Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting and is
intended to provide authentic experience with the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator.
Embedded in the course are the internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure,
Minnesota Rule 3512.
EdLd 670 Portfolio Review
Course Description: The intent of the Portfolio Review is to provide the student of educational
leadership with a focused opportunity to construct and present a professional portfolio that will
ultimately lead to licensure as a K-12 Principal, Director of Special Education or Superintendent of
Schools. Students will go through a process by which candidates’ document and present evidence of
mastery of required competencies.
Total Credits = 30
Additional Electives
EdLd 684: Multicultural Leadership
Course Description: This course will examine the role of school leaders in a multicultural inclusive
learning environment. Means of developing inclusive learning environments will be presented. The
course will provide opportunities for students to engage in a dialogue with leaders and read current
literature on developing inclusive learning environments. Students will engage in personal reflection
and examine the roles and responsibilities of school leaders in a changing demographic environment.
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Specialist Program Overview
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EdLd 635 Second Licensure Internship
Course Description: This course is designed for those individuals who already have obtained one school
administration license and are pursuing a second license. The course is intended to support authentic
experiences for the student in the licensure area being pursued. Embedded in the course are the
internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure, Minnesota Rule 3512.
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Specialist Program Overview
Revised 11/9/2009