The Master's Degree Program

Format

The program is divided into two separate alternatives. The first option is designed for part-time students who currently hold teaching positions in the schools. Students pursuing this option enter the program as a cohort group and attend six consecutive semesters over a two-year period. It begins during the summer session and continues through the spring semester of the following academic year. Two courses are scheduled in 16-week formats during each fall and spring semester and meet back-to-back one night each week from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM. In the summer, courses are scheduled into 4-week blocks and generally meet three days each week.
Course work in each term is sequenced to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous terms. Students may start the program at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park in even numbered years (e.g., 2006, 2008) or at the Lawrence Campus in odd numbered years (e.g., 2005, 2007). All course work for the respective campus options will be offered at those locations; thus, Kansas City residents will not have to travel to Lawrence to attend classes.

The second option is designed for individuals who want to accelerate their entry into school leadership. This option requires four consecutive semesters of intensive study. Classes for this option begin each summer and continue through the following summer session. Two to four courses are taken each semester with allowances for time to complete an internship in a local school. Although the curriculum is identical to that of the part-time option, it is more compacted and results in a more expedient completion of the degree. Both programs lead to principal certification.