Educational Administration, MEd

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Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students must meet Graduate Division admissions requirements. There are two program emphases: K-12 administration and higher education administration.

Students who seek the MEd degree in K-12 educational administration must have appropriate job-related experience to evidence familiarity with teaching or other student support roles (i.e., 2 years of classroom teaching or school counseling experience). The basic program is designed to prepare educational administrators and supervisors for a broad range of education-related elementary and secondary administrative positions. For applicants working in the Hawai’i Department of Education currently as teachers or vice principals, there are seven courses that are required for principal certification (EDEA 601 , EDEA 610 , EDEA 620K , EDEA 630K , EDEA 670 , EDEA 680 , EDEA 775 ). Applicants should check with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for additional requirements to become an administrator in the public schools.

For students who seek the MEd degree in higher education, the program is designed for those with interest in mid-level administrative and staff positions in higher education administration (e.g., admissions, housing, student activities, financial aid, placement, counseling, and academic advising). Experience in working in higher education is desirable.

There are two basic degree options, Plan A and Plan B, both of which require a minimum of 30 credits.

Plan A (Thesis)

For the K-12 emphasis, program requirements include:

EDEA 601 - Introduction to Education Administration Credits: 3
EDEA 602 - Research in Education Administration Credits: 3
One 700 level seminar course
One course in organizations and school contexts (e.g., EDEA 610 , EDEA 650 , EDEA 652 , EDEA 670 )
One course in leadership and policy (e.g., EDEA 675 , EDEA 676 , EDEA 680 )
One course in legal/financial processes (e.g., EDEA 620K , EDEA 630K )
6 credits of thesis research
Two elective courses in educational administration, or from any related graduate field of study (with approval of advisor).

Higher Education Emphasis

For the higher education emphasis, program requirements include:

EDEA 657 - Introduction to Higher Education Credits: 3
EDEA 602 - Research in Education Administration Credits: 3
One 700 level seminar course
One course in higher education organizations (e.g., EDEA 646 , EDEA 650 , EDEA 662 )
Two courses in leadership (e.g., EDEA 660 , EDEA 661 , EDEA 663 )
One course in legal/financial processes (e.g., EDEA 620H , EDEA 630H )
One additional course in research methods (e.g., EDEA 604 , EDEA 629 )
Six credits of thesis research

Plan B (Non-thesis)

For K-12, same as Plan A thesis (30 credits minimum): Three (3) credits of directed research instead of six (6) credits of thesis and three elective courses in educational administration or from any related graduate field of study (with approval of advisor).

For higher education, same as Plan A thesis (30 credits minimum): Three (3) credits of directed research instead of six (6) credits of thesis research and an additional related course or educational administration course.

Selection of specific courses in the above areas will be by the candidate with the advice and approval of the student’s faculty advisor.

Note

Students should refer to the Graduate Division website for the requirements for the transfer of credits.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements of Graduate Division, applicants for the MEd in Educational Administration must provide the following:

Resume or CV. For the K-12 program, include documented work experience of a minimum of two (2) years in a K12 setting. For the Higher Education program, documented work and volunteer experiences in a HE setting are preferred.
Supplementary Information Form which will include providing: Names of three (3) academic references from people who are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s experience, ability to pursue graduate study, and professional strengths.
Statement of Objectives Form, describing but not limited to who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you will add value to the Educational Administration program.

For further information and application forms, go to coe.hawaii.edu/edea/ or contact the department at (808) 956-7843 or edadmin@hawaii.edu.