Educational Leadership
The Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Research prepares courageous, responsive, and reflective leaders for K-12 schools, higher education, and other educational agencies — through master's, specialist, and Ph.D. programs.
Preparing K-12 & higher education leaders
Our mission is to prepare courageous, responsive, and reflective leaders who will guide educational communities to excellence and sustain schools in which all candidates and staff members effectively utilize their minds and hearts.
The Department of Educational Leadership offers graduate programs designed to assist students in developing leadership skills that are essential for effective leaders in today's K-12 schools, and for educators who are interested in becoming administrators or leaders in other educational agencies. The department offers four advanced leadership degrees.
- Department
- Educational Administration, Foundations & Research
- Short Name
- Educational Leadership
- Chair
- Dr. Albert W. Carter
- Programs
- Master's, Specialist (x2), Ph.D. (x2)
- Phone
- (601) 979-1008
- Mailing
- P.O. Box 17175, Jackson, MS 39217
Message from Dr. Albert W. Carter
Dr. Albert W. Carter
Read Dr. Carter's welcome message and biographical background — learn about his vision for the Department of Educational Leadership.
A record of accreditation excellence
2015 NCATE visit — The College's last accreditation visit was under NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) Standards in 2015.
December 2022 CAEP visit — The College of Education had an accreditation visit in December 2022 under CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) Standards.
2020 MS State Accreditation — The College of Education went through the Mississippi Department of Education State Accreditation Process and Performance Review successfully in 2020.
Five graduate programs in educational leadership
K-12 educational leadership and higher education administration — from master's through doctoral level. All programs aligned to PSEL, NELP, and CAEP standards.
Apply for admission
K-12 Programs
Standard Educator License
Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
Complete application on file with the Graduation
Submission of transcripts
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Successful Interview
Successful writing assessment and dispositions review (MS Ed Leadership Dispositions)
Higher Education Programs
Higher Education experience
Complete application on file with the Graduation
Submission of transcripts
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Successful Interview
Successful writing assessment
Aligned to national standards
All programs are aligned to PSEL, NELP, and CAEP standards. K-12 masters and specialist candidates must complete four statewide assessments before being awarded a degree.
K-12 Master's & Specialist Program Assessments
These four assessments were created through the Mississippi Ed Leadership Faculty Association. Ed Leadership candidates from across Mississippi must successfully complete these assessments before being awarded a degree.
LEADERSHIP FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Statewide Key Assessment evaluating candidates' abilities to analyze a complex data set (summary statistics) to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses within a school.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH SYSTEM ASSESSMENT
Statewide common assessment evaluating the student's knowledge of and ability to implement with fidelity the teacher evaluation system utilized in the state of Mississippi.
SCHOOL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
Statewide common assessment evaluating candidates' abilities to analyze a complex school safety incident within a hypothetical scenario.
LEADERSHIP FOR SCHOOL – COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
Statewide common assessment evaluating candidates' abilities in developing effective school-based management/resource systems and school-community partnerships.
Alumni voices
The Educational Administration Ph.D. program in Higher Ed at JSU instilled a strong sense of purpose and a vision for positive change within higher education. It has inspired me to advocate for student success and equity in athletics, aligning with my commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment for all student-athletes.
Dr. Jason Cable
Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alabama State University
My Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision has strengthened my ability to lead, use research to drive decision-making, and advocate for equitable, sustainable change.
Candace L. Riddley, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW
Interim BSW Program Chair, Assistant Professor
Hands-on leadership experience
In addition to classroom instruction, our degree programs provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships, practicums, and research projects. K-12 programs include an embedded internship with three components: observation, practice, and guided reflection. Higher Education programs include an Internship/Mentorship course with assigned JSU faculty mentors.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Jackson State UniversityWhere leadership graduates go
Educational Administration, Foundations, and Research graduates have a plethora of career options as leaders in K-12 schools, higher education, and other educational organizations.
Admission, alumni & reference
Ready to lead?
Join our esteemed educational leadership program. For more information, contact us at (601) 979-1008.
Contact the Department
Attention: Dr. Albert Carter
P.O. Box 17175
Jackson, MS 39217
(601) 979-1008