The student works closely with his or her advisor to develop a sequence of study that outlines the courses to be taken toward the Master’s degree. The sequence is designed to meet both the student’s and the institution’s goals and objectives for graduate study.
To be classified as full time, a graduate student must register for at least nine (9) credit hours in each semester. The advisor must approve overloads. However, it is strongly recommended that candidates who are employed full time take only six (6) credit hours per semester. In addition, the sequencing of course work is based on six (6) semester hours per semester for completion of the program in two (2) years (inclusive of summer semesters).
Grade Point Requirements
An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to remain in the Graduate Program. Passing grades, for graduate students, are A, B, and C. A minimum grade of B is needed to successfully complete EDG 730A and EDG 730B, which are the two required internships for Educational Leadership. A graduate student who attains a grade lower than a B in these courses (EDG 730A and EDG 730B) must repeat the course(s) at University of Holy Cross.
Master’s in Educational Leadership candidates may earn only one grade of C in the program of study, except for EDG 730 A and EDG 730B, in which they must earn at least a B. A graduate student who earns a C or lower in any course is automatically placed on probationary status. In order to be removed from probation, the candidate must attain a 3.0 GPA the following semester, with no grade lower than a “B” in the Educational Leadership Program at the University of Holy Cross. The student’s status is then subject to the review of the Graduate Council.
Students whose semester average in course work is below a 3.0 are placed on probation and are not allowed to register for more than six (6) semester hours the following semester. To be removed from probation, the graduate student must complete six (6) semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of those 6 hours and no grade lower than a “B.” If at the end of the probationary period the cumulative GPA remains less than 3.0, the student is dropped from the Graduate Program.
Appeal
Subject to the review of the Graduate Council, students may be dropped from the program for factors other than Grade Point Average, without having a probationary period. The Graduate Council then determines the student’s status. The student may appeal decisions of the Graduate Council by submitting a written appeal to the Chief Academic Officer.
Time Limit
A maximum of five years from the first semester attended is permitted to complete the requirements for the Master’s degree. Re-admission does not qualify the applicant to begin anew the five-year requirement. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Student Responsibility
Each student is responsible for knowing all pertinent requirements and regulations for the successful completion of the Master’s degree. Students should become familiar with this section of the Catalog.
Transfer Credits
Requests for approval of all transfer credits must be obtained from the appropriate program coordinator. Nine semester hours that are equivalent to program requirements and that have been taken within the past five years may be transferred from a regionally accredited institution. An exception to this requirement may be made by the Chair of the Education Department upon the recommendation of the program coordinator. In addition, six semester hours of credit may be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed certification programs, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Program (NBPTS), the National Institute for School Leadership, the Louisiana Principal Fellowship Program, or a similar national or regional program that is recognized as having standards for competency and evidence-based rigor.
Advisor
Each student, upon admission to the Program, is assigned an advisor. The advisor is usually assigned before the student’s first registration and aids the student in the development of the individual graduate program.
Nature of Graduate Work
Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions appropriate to their respective professions. Throughout the Program, candidates experience academic rigor through learning assessments such as reflective writing, authentic and alternative measures, traditional tests, research-driven decision making, and a mandatory comprehensive examination. Graduate candidates are expected to assume responsibility in pursuing lifelong learning that will best meet their professional needs.
Internship Information
Candidates in the Program have two capstone experiences: EDG 730A Internship I: Summer Only and EDG 730B Internship II: Fall or Spring. Each of these courses requires 125 hours of field and/or clinical experiences. This time is spent in a combination of observing, participating, and leading in administrative contexts.
The first of these, EDG 730A, Internship I: Summer Only, must be served in a school other than the one in which the candidate is currently employed to satisfy our requirements of
- a diverse setting, and
- the opportunity to gain knowledge under a different mentor. (Exceptions to this requirement are considered in unusual circumstances.)
Only EDG 730A, Internship I: Summer Only requires an application form. As per the directions, a letter from the school must accompany the application form. This form is submitted to the Coordinator of Educational Leadership no later than April 1st.
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates are required to demonstrate readiness for graduation by successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The exam is held at the end of their final semester, or at an earlier time if approved by the Program Coordinator, and the specific date for this exam is set each semester.
Certification/Licensure Requirement
The certifying test in Educational Leadership is the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). Passage of the SLLA is required for program completion and certification. Teaching successfully for a minimum of five (5) years and a job placement as an assistant principal or principal are also required in order to receive this stand-alone endorsement. The applicant must have a valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate, categorized as Level II/Class B or above.
Candidates are also required to successfully complete the SLLA exam to receive a degree in Educational Leadership from University of Holy Cross. Preparation for the SLLA examination occurs during course work throughout the program and, in particular, during the Internships. Effective September 2019, the passing score on the SLLA is 151.
Commencement
Upon successful completion of course work, internships, the comprehensive examination, and the SLLA, a candidate is eligible for graduation. Candidates who qualify for graduation are expected to attend commencement exercises. Commencement exercises take place once a year. Candidates who complete all requirements for graduation by the Spring deadline, including the receipt of passing SLLA scores, will be able to participate in commencement that year. Completion of graduation requirements after the Spring deadline affords the candidate the opportunity to participate in the next commencement exercises. The Education Department does not have a “walk-only” policy for commencement. Passing SLLA scores must be received prior to clearance for graduation.
When eligible, candidates must apply for graduation. A Graduation Clearance Form must be completed a semester prior to graduation. The due dates for submission of this form are published in the Academic Calendar on the University website.
Professional Association Affiliation
All candidates and graduates are strongly encouraged to join and maintain active membership in professional educational organizations.
Faculty Endorsement
Graduate faculty may endorse students for employment only in the area(s) for which they have been trained. Candidates requesting letters of recommendation should notify faculty in advance of graduation. It is common courtesy to submit a résumé with this request.
Course Requirements
Required
| EDG 600N | Research-Based & Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| EDG 603N | Legal & Political Systems in Education | 3 |
| EDG 607N | History and Philosophy of Education in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| EDG 631N | Leadership & Vision in Education | 3 |
| EDG 632N | The Fiduciary Responsibility of Educational Leaders | 3 |
| EDG 633N | Leadership and its Relationship to Resource Management | 3 |
| EDG 634N | Communication & Collaboration among School, District, & Communitiy | 3 |
| EDG 636N | School & District Leadership | 3 |
| EDG 637N | Leader as Exemplar in Instructional Supervision | 3 |
| EDG 638N | Curriculum Development for the Success of All Students | 3 |
| EDG 730A | Internship I: Summer | 3 |
| EDG 730B | Internship II: Fall/Spring | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
Educational Leadership Course Cycle
Course cycles may change for reasons such as changes in the University Catalog, instructor availability, room availability, and national, regional, and state requirements. Particular semesters when classes are normally offered are listed above.