The Department of Educational Administration offers three Master of Arts programs in P-12 school leadership, higher education administration, and student affairs.

Faculty members are experienced scholars and administrators in P-12 and postsecondary educational organizations, who are dedicated to preparing students for rewarding and fulfilling careers in educational administration.

The M.A. program offers applicants the opportunity to select among three different curricular options:

• A hybrid program focusing on P-12 school leadership, leading to the following Nebraska administrative endorsements: elementary or secondary Principal (PK-8, 6-12), or Special Education Supervisor.
• An online program where students can focus on higher education administration broadly or community colleges specifically; and
• A face-to-face program focusing on college student affairs administration.

Applications admitted to the program in student affairs have the opportunity to apply for assistantships through various offices on campus.

P-12 School Leadership (area of study paired with Administrative Endorsement)

In order to be eligible, applicants must hold a current Nebraska teaching license (or equivalent) and have at least two years of successful teaching experience at the time the program begins.

• Essay (max 500 words):
  • Nebraska's EDAD P-12 leadership program is built around the school leader as a Visionary Thinker, Reflective Learner, and Servant Leader. Explain what these core competencies mean to you and how your experiences and aspirations align with them.
  • P-12 leadership is increasingly dynamic and complex. Describe what you see as the most significant problems, challenges, or opportunities facing P-12 education today and how your experiences, knowledge and background prepared you to deal with such challenges as a P-12 leader.
• Resume
• References: Provide names and contact information for three academic or professional references.
• Other Uploads: 1) a current Nebraska teaching license or equivalent and 2) evidence of at least two years of teaching experience at the level of endorsement sought.

Higher Education or Community Colleges (specializations)

Coursework for this program is delivered primarily online, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.

• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement: Describe what brought you to apply to this program, including your personal and professional goals. State an issue in higher education administration that is a concern of yours, and briefly discuss your knowledge of the issue.
• Essay: The Department of Educational Administration has committed to addressing access and equity in higher education. What does access and equity mean to you and how does that inform your current and/or future work in higher education? How do you believe this program will contribute to your understanding of access and equity in higher education?
• Three references (name and contact information)

Student Affairs Administration (specialization)

NOTE: For the personal statement, essay, and additional questions, a written statement, video, or image can be provided as the method of response. If you chose to provide an image, you may want to include a 1- page statement or a 1-minute video explaining what it means to you.

• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement: Address why you are applying to this program, explicitly state three things you hope to gain from the program. (max 500 words or 3 minutes)
• Essay: Discuss how your experiences, social identities, and/or beliefs will contribute to a diverse cohort. (max 500 words or 3 minutes)
• Other Upload: Respond to one of the following questions (max 500 words or 3 minutes): A) One purpose of the program is to prepare educators to support a wide variety of students. What are some specific things you have done to create a positive and equitable environment among people you work with or in your community? B) Describe one meaningful experience where what you knew previously was challenged. Share what you learned about yourself and others from that experience.
• Faculty: Review current faculty and their research areas.

• M.A. with area of focus in P-12 school leadership with administrative endorsement (hybrid): Apply by April 15.
• M.A. with specialization in Higher Education or Community Colleges (online only): Apply by March 1 for priority consideration. Applications submitted after March 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.
• M.A. with specialization in Student Affairs Administration (on-campus only): For priority consideration, apply by January 15.