The major in Administration and Supervision includes a specialization in higher education,
which is designed for graduate students from junior or community colleges and/or four-year
institutions who are interested in pursuing study in the area of higher education.
Faculty members in the Womack Educational Leadership Department work with students
who choose to specialize in higher education to assure that they complete requirements
including a foundations core, a specialized core, and elective hours in order to develop
a specialized professional knowledge base and skills in the student’s chosen area.
Upon enrollment in the Higher Education program, students will select either the research
path or practicum path.
Bennett sought for his abilities and qualifications
Dr. Rodney D. Bennett, the tenth president of The University of Southern Mississippi,
began his educational career at MTSU, earning his undergraduate degree in Mass Communication
before pursuing graduate work in the Womack Educational Leadership Department in the
1990s. He holds both the M. Ed. and Ed. S. in Administration and Supervision. His
professional career includes work in student affairs at MTSU and at Winthrop University
in Rock Hill, S.C. Prior to accepting the post at Southern Miss, Bennett was vice
president for student affairs at the University of Georgia. According to news coverage,
Ed Blakeslee, president of the college board that oversaw Bennett’s selection at Southern
Miss, said that his leadership ability, qualifications, and experience in money management
attracted the selection committee. Blakeslee concluded with “He is a man of integrity.”
Bennett serves as both chief executive officer and principal educational officer at
The University of Southern Mississippi.
Student experiences and degree open doors
Matthew Hibdon started work on the Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision
of Higher Education within the Womack Educational Leadership Department in 2012. He
had experience working in five different campus offices during his undergraduate career,
and being in the M.Ed. program allowed him the opportunity to gain experience within
three new offices, including the College of Education. He served as a graduate assistant
during his time in the program, assisting the coordinator of the departmental off-campus
graduate programs. Hibdon was very successful in his graduate work and developed
a thorough understanding of the units and operations of the University. As a result,
upon graduation he was employed by MTSU as an academic advisor in the College of Liberal
Arts. He currently serves as CLA’s Strategic Communications Manager.
Related Media
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Graduates from the Administration and Supervision program with the higher education
specialization may be employed in a variety of positions at universities and community
colleges. Examples include, but are not limited to,
- Academic advisors
- Admissions office representatives
- Recruiters
- Scheduling center officials
- Student affairs administrators
MTSU graduates are employed in universities, community colleges, and technology centers
in Tennessee and other states; examples include
- Columbia State Community College
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Motlow State Community College
- Tennessee Technology Centers
- University of Memphis
- University of Mississippi
- University of Southern Mississippi
The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers both the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) with
a major in Administration and Supervision. The specialization in Higher Education
can lead to either an Ed.S. or M.Ed. Students choose either a research or practicum
path.
There is also an Instructional Leader Licensure program specialization delivered through off-campus cohorts meeting at various locations.
Also under the Administration and Supervision major is a concentration in Agricultural Education Leadership leading to the M.Ed.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Other graduate degrees
The Womack Educational Leadership Department offers a major in Curriculum and Instruction leading to the Specialist in Education degree (Ed.S.) with a specialization in Culture,
Cognition, and the Learning Process.
Also available are both on- and off-campus cohorts.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a major in Curriculum and Instruction is offered; also available is a concentration in English as a Second Language.
The major in Library Science leads to a Master in Library Science (M.L.S.).
A major in Professional Counseling includes programs leading to an Ed.S., with concentrations
also available in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Administration and Supervision with specializations in Public School K-12 and Higher Education and the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Administration and Supervision with specializations in Instructional Leadership Licensure and Higher Education programs at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) are designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduates of MTSU teacher education programs certified to teach in Tennessee are eligible for certification reciprocity in many states. Reciprocity is not an automatic or complete transfer of certification, thus individuals should consult the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) site at https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing.html and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) site at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate as well as the US Department of Education state contacts site for information about any additional state requirements.
Administration and Supervision, Higher Education Specialization, M.Ed.
Administration and Supervision, Higher Education Specialization, M.Ed.
Jim Rost, Program Director
(615) 898-5481
Jim.Rost@mtsu.edu
The M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision offers a concentration in Agricultural Education Leadership as well as specializations in K-12 public school, higher education, and a nonlicensure program.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Education in Administration and Supervision with a specialization in higher education requires
- a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test, the Graduate Record Examination, or the Praxis II (Principles of Learning and Teaching) or a valid Tennessee Teacher license;
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college;
- teacher licensure-the licensure requirements will be waived for the higher education specialization and under other special circumstances.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's potential on completing the Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision;
- submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or a copy of the teaching license.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Education in Administration and Supervision with a specialization in higher education requires completion of 33 semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete 33 semester hours. No more than 30 percent of the total degree hours may be dually listed as undergraduate/graduate hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- successfully complete a written comprehensive examination during the semester of graduation (exam may be retaken once).
Curriculum: Administration and Supervision, Higher Education
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Required Courses (27 hours)
FOED 6520 - Evaluation in Higher Education
3credit hours
Introduction to testing theory, design, and construction. Use of the evaluation process and instruments; instructions, advising, and research situations.
FOED 6580 - The College Student
3credit hours
The changing nature of the college student with emphasis on institutional efforts to provide for the development of the student.
FOED 6610 - Analysis and Application of Educational Research
3credit hours
Qualitative and quantitative research applicable to the field of education. Both producers and consumers of educational research with a literature review presented to support possible solutions to significant hypotheses or problems.
SPSE 6005 - Student Affairs in Higher Education
3credit hours
Provides an overview of student affairs in higher education. Covers the history and development of student affairs, structure and organization of student affairs divisions, and introduces the profession with an understanding of the expectations and ethics of the field.
SPSE 6007 - Student Success in Higher Education
3credit hours
Overview of student success in higher education. Covers the enhancement of student success through professional learning communities, cultural change, collaboration, and the utilization of data analytics to drive decision-making for student success in higher education leadership.
SPSE 6080 - Studies in Leadership
3credit hours
Roles, responsibilities understandings, and behavior patterns in effective administrative and supervisory personnel. Developing sensitivity to individuals, the nature and structures of groups, and the problems of communication within and among groups and individuals.
SPSE 6210 - Legal Issues in Higher Education
3credit hours
The legal framework as it pertains to higher education and its operations. Special attention given to rights of students as well as professors. Law cases, constitutional provisions, attorney general's opinions, rules and regulations of the Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Board of Trustees, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission studied and discussed.
SPSE 6540 - Overview of Higher Education
3credit hours
Higher education in America. Attention given to its historical, philosophical, political, and sociological background, development, and relationships. Includes current trends and problems, particularly those which relate to the financial and legal aspects of higher education.
SPSE 6551 - Instructional Development in Higher Education
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Previous college teaching (instructor of record) or completion of the LT&ITC graduate teaching assistant teaching preparation certification program or approval of the instructor. Addresses effective course design, instructional strategies, and use of technology in teaching at the higher education level.
Electives (6 hours)
Choose two courses from the following:
FOED 6020 - Educational Foundations
3credit hours
Assists educational personnel in developing contexts and concepts in which educational problems and issues may be understood through awareness of findings in humanistic and behavioral studies.
FOED 6519 - Measurement and Assessment in Higher Education
3credit hours
Offers preparation to create, use, and interpret various testing and measurement instruments found in higher education, with a focus on assessment as a part of the teaching-learning process and the use of assessments for instructional improvement.
FOED 6570 - Issues in Higher Education
3credit hours
Higher education in America and its historical, philosophical, political, and sociological background, development, and relationships. Current trends and problems, particularly those relating to the financial and legal aspects.
FOED 6571 - The Ethics of Higher Education
3credit hours
Examines the ethical issues facing higher education (national, regional, and state) and what may be the appropriate solutions. Attention is given to the interrelationships of the institution and its internal and external constituencies.
SPSE 6530 - Administration of Higher Education
3credit hours
Complexity of the structure of higher education (national, regional, state, and local) and how it is organized. Attention given to the interrelationships of the institution and its internal and external constituencies.
SPSE 6905 - Online Course Development for Higher Education
3credit hours
Prerequisite: SPSE 6551 or SPSE 7551 or permission of instructor. Evaluation and application of best practices in online instructional design. Includes a broad overview of instructional design history, theories, and current trends. Applies the principles of online learning and integration of instructional technologies to promote effective online instruction.
Program Notes
Students taking courses for licensure renewal, add-on endorsements, or "plus 30" upgrade on teacher licensure should register as non-degree-seeking students. Students enrolling in 6000-level courses must hold a bachelor's degree, and students enrolling in 7000-level courses must hold a master's degree. Non-degree-seeking students cannot register for 7000-level courses without departmental permission.
Administration and Supervision, Higher Education Specialization, Ed.S.
Administration and Supervision, Higher Education Specialization, Ed.S.
Jim Rost, Program Director
(615) 898-5481
Jim.Rost@mtsu.edu
The Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision offers specializations in higher education and instructional leader licensure (K-12 administrator license).
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the Educational Specialist in Administration and Supervision with a specialization in higher education program requires
- a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test, the Graduate Record Examination, or the Praxis II (Principles of Learning and Teaching) or a valid Tennessee Teacher license;
- an earned master's degree from an accredited university or college;
- teacher licensure-the licensure requirements will be waived for the specialization in higher education as well as under other special circumstances.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's potential for completing the Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision;
- submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or a copy of the teaching license.
Degree Requirements
The Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision with a higher education specialization requires completion of 30 semester hours.
Candidate must
- complete 30 semester hours with a minimum of 15 semester hours at the 7000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or oral presentation of research project during the semester of graduation (exam may be retaken once).
Curriculum: Administration and Supervision, Higher Education
The following illustrates the coursework requirements.
Required Courses (24 hours)
FOED 7520 - Evaluation in Higher Education
3credit hours
Introduction to testing theory, design, and construction. Use of the evaluation process and instruments; instructions, advising, and research situations.
FOED 7580 - The College Student
3credit hours
The changing nature of the college student with emphasis on institutional efforts to provide for the development of the student.
SPSE 7005 - Student Affairs in Higher Education
3credit hours
Provides an overview of student affairs in higher education. Covers the history and development of student affairs, structure and organization of student affairs divisions, and introduces the profession with an understanding of the expectations and ethics of the field.
SPSE 7007 - Student Success in Higher Education
3credit hours
Overview of student success in higher education. Covers the enhancement of student success through professional learning communities, cultural change, collaboration, and the utilization of data analytics to drive decision-making for student success in higher education leadership.
SPSE 7080 - Studies in Leadership
3credit hours
Roles, responsibilities understandings, and behavior patterns in effective administrative and supervisory personnel. Developing sensitivity to individuals, the nature and structures of groups, and the problems of communication within and among groups and individuals.
SPSE 7210 - Legal Issues in Higher Education
3credit hours
The legal framework as it pertains to higher education and its operations. Special attention given to rights of students as well as professors. Law cases, constitutional provisions, attorney general's opinions, rules and regulations of the Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Board of Trustees, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission studied and discussed.
SPSE 7540 - Overview of Higher Education
3credit hours
Higher education in America. Attention given to its historical, philosophical, political, and sociological background, development, and relationships. Includes current trends and problems, particularly those which relate to the financial and legal aspects of higher education.
SPSE 7551 - Instructional Development in Higher Education
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Previous college teaching (instructor of record) or completion of the LT&ITC graduate teaching assistant teaching preparation certification program or approval of the instructor. Addresses effective course design, instructional strategies, and use of technology in teaching at the higher education level.
Electives (6 hours)
Choose two courses from the following:
FOED 7060 - Seminar in Educational Foundations
3credit hours
Opportunities to think reflectively and critically on the historical, philosophical, and psychological foundations of education and attendant implications.
FOED 7519 - Measurement and Assessment in Higher Education
3credit hours
Offers preparation to create, use, and interpret various testing and measurement instruments found in higher education, with a focus on assessment as a part of the teaching-learning process and the use of assessments for instructional improvement.
FOED 7570 - Issues in Higher Education
3credit hours
Higher education in America and its historical, philosophical, political, and sociological background, development, and relationships. Current trends and problems, particularly those relating to the financial and legal aspects.
FOED 7571 - The Ethics of Higher Education
3credit hours
Examines the ethical issues facing higher education (national, regional, and state) and what may be the appropriate solutions. Attention is given to the interrelationships of the institution and its internal and external constituencies.
SPSE 7001 - College Teaching Practicum
3credit hours
Allows students to gain experience teaching a college-level course within the student's area of specialization under the direct supervision of a faculty member; creation of a professional portfolio which showcases materials the student created.
SPSE 7530 - Administration of Higher Education
3credit hours
Complexity of the structure of higher education (national, regional, state, and local) and how it is organized. Attention given to the interrelationships of the institution and its internal and external constituencies.
SPSE 7905 - Online Course Development for Higher Education
3credit hours
Prerequisite: SPSE 6551 or SPSE 7551 or permission of instructor. Evaluation and application of best practices in online instructional design. Includes a broad overview of instructional design history, theories, and current trends. Applies the principles of online learning and integration of instructional technologies to promote effective online instruction.
Program Notes
Students taking courses for licensure renewal, add-on endorsements, or "plus 30" upgrade on teacher licensure should register as non-degree-seeking students. Students enrolling in 6000-level courses must hold a bachelor's degree, and students enrolling in 7000-level courses must hold a master's degree. Non-degree-seeking students cannot register for 7000-level courses without departmental permission.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Elementary Education
ELED 1001 - Becoming a Paraprofessional Literacy Tutor
1 credit hour
Overview of the effective components of literacy tutoring. Six modules cover the important aspects of literacy instruction as defined by the Common Core Standards. Modules will be delivered in an online format while instructional practice will take place in onsite sessions. Offers preparation to individuals without an educational background to deliver high quality literacy instruction.
ELED 3000 - The Contemporary Classroom through the Lens of Diversity
3 credit hours
Corequisite: ELED 3100. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the teacher education program. Provides a foundation for teaching for social justice and equity. A field-based component included.
ELED 3100 - Experiencing Elementary Education
1 credit hour
Corequisite: ELED 3000 with C or better. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Field-based course that builds upon previous experiences and coursework. Students will implement content pedagogical strategies into teaching as well as other field experiences in elementary schools.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
ELED 4070 - Writing to Learn
2 credit hours
Corequisites: ELED 4350 and READ 4130. Familiarizes teacher candidates with writing-to-learn techniques that can be used across the curriculum to assist students in thinking and processing new and existing knowledge.
ELED 4110 - Directed Teaching, Grades K-5
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Full-day supervised teaching experience of 15 weeks duration in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail.
ELED 4130 - Academic Interventions for Elementary School Learners
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission into Residency I coursework. Corequisites: ELED 4350, ELED 4340, and ELED 4200. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of academic success for all learners, differentiated instruction, assessment, and intervention frameworks such as RTI2. Teacher candidates must be officially admitted into the K-5 Residence I program and will work with elementary students at a local school.
ELED 4200 - Assessing the Elementary Level Learner
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission to Residency I semester. Corequisites: ELED 4130, ELED 4340, and ELED 4350. Integrates elementary level content with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of assessment driven instruction.
ELED 4260 - Problems in Elementary Education
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. A problem-oriented course, on or off campus, planned and designed for individuals, a school faculty, school system, or other professional groups, which will provide opportunities for in-service education related to assessed needs. Credit toward an undergraduate degree will be limited to six semester hours.
ELED 4340 - Managing Learning Environments
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4350 - Theory to Practice
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program; ELED 4130, ELED 4200, and ELED 4340. Strategies and techniques for guiding the learning of elementary school children. Development and use of materials in elementary classrooms with emphasis on explanation and experimentation. Laboratory work and weekly seminar.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4410 - Effective Instruction: Integrating Social Studies and Assessment
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies:4-8, best practices of social studies instruction, and the integration of both with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of a standards-based social studies curriculum.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
