Building Effective & Efficient Schools
Every school administrator has the same goal: A safe and confident learning environment for the students in their care. From associate principals in rural communities to urban district superintendents, skilled leaders are making a difference.
With an M.Ed./SLA degree from Belhaven University, you learn proven, research-based leadership and management techniques. Our experienced faculty help you navigate the theory and practice of school administration from a Christian worldview, and you apply your knowledge through engaging internships in area schools.
Each course lasts seven weeks, which means you can complete the program in as little as two years. If you have three or more years of teaching experience, take a look. Our schools need caring leaders like you.
Why You’ll Love the M.Ed./SLA Program at Belhaven
Career Advancement
Our curriculum prepares graduates for the School Leaders License Assessment Exam (SLLA), opening doors to leadership opportunities.
Experienced Faculty
All faculty members hold doctoral degrees and have been or are currently serving as school administrators, superintendents, principals/assistant principals, and/or other leadership positions.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
Accredited
The Belhaven University School of Education is approved by the Mississippi Board of Education to offer teacher education programs.
Special Discount Rate for Educators
Private, Christ-centered education at public university prices
100% Online
7-week courses, taught year-round
Successful Alumni
Belhaven graduates are working in school leadership roles across the country
142 Years of Expertise
A leader in Christian education since 1883
"It has always been a goal of mine to get a Master's degree. My experience at Belhaven has been wonderful. I would recommend anyone interested in pursuing a college degree to consider Belhaven."
“Belhaven University provided me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead with purpose. The rigorous coursework taught me how to tackle challenges while the dedicated faculty taught me how to lead as a Christian. Belhaven left a lasting impact on me and I am incredibly grateful for their vision.”
"Belhaven has been a wonderful experience. My professors have always gone above and beyond to help me when needed. The Christian emphasis that is placed on the curriculum and in each class has been an amazing experience that comes with being at Belhaven."
"I chose to attend Belhaven because of the reputation they have of wanting their students to excel academically, professionally and spiritually."
"I chose Belhaven to increase my knowledge of curriculum and instruction in the teaching field. I asked my friends with master’s degrees what they thought about local programs, and I heard overwhelmingly positive feedback about Belhaven. The Belhaven staff is extremely supportive and gives you many ways to get in touch with them."
The Highest Standards
The M.Ed./SLA curriculum at Belhaven addresses the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Recognition Standards, which include:
- Mission, Vision, and Improvement
- Ethics and Professional Norms
- Equity, Inclusiveness, and Cultural Responsiveness
- Learning and Instruction
- Community and External Leadership
- Operations and Management
- Building Professional Capacity
When you complete the program, you’ll be fully prepared to take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment Exam (SLLA). When you pass the SSLA exam, the School of Education will recommend you for the Mississippi Administrator’s License.
The M.Ed./SLA Program: What You Need to Know
The program includes three capstone courses, consisting of two principal internship courses and a course requiring the successful completion of a data and reading literacy assessment.
Memorandum of Understanding
The 320-hour required Internship is incorporated as the candidate matriculates through each of the program’s courses. The candidate will be required to submit the Belhaven University School of Education Memorandum of Understanding for Principal Internship Agreement Form, signed by the School Principal of the school building in which the candidate is a teacher and is serving the internship hours:
This form will serve as indication that in addition to the candidate’s employment as a teacher, the principal of the school is willing to serve as the candidate’s Principal Mentor during the candidate’s Administration Internship hours.
Internship Requirements
- During the Internship the candidate will be assigned a School of Education mentor along with the school’s principal serving as the school principal mentor.
- During each course taken in the program’s plan of study, the candidate in his/her role as an intern will be required to keep a weekly log of the administrative activities, functions, and actions in order to validate intern hours.
- Candidates will also be given an assignment related to each course in their plan of study that addresses one of the National Policy Board of Educational Administration Standards (NELP), and the Mississippi Educator & Administrator Professional Growth System Standards.
- Candidates will be responsible for developing a portfolio of their responses to the National and State Administrator Standards. The Internship Program will culminate in the completion of Principal Internship I and II (EDU 677 and 678).
School Leaders License Assessment Exam
M.Ed./Admin candidates who desire to receive an administrative endorsement on their license must also successfully pass the School Leaders License Assessment Exam (SLLA), as well as meet any other/additional requirements as prescribed by the Mississippi Department of Education.
- All criteria and requirements must be met before the Belhaven University School of Education will recommend a candidate for the Mississippi Administrator’s License.
- The fee for the SLLA test is at the candidate’s expense. (This is an Educational Testing Service (ETS) fee; it is not a Belhaven University School of Education fee.)
View the Professional Licensure Programs page for more information since the professional licensure requirements vary from state to state.
Applying for admission to Belhaven’s online graduate programs is quick and easy. When you have all your supporting documentation ready, just complete and submit our online application form.
These rates are for August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Master of Education | $615 |
| Special Discount Rate for Educators | $399 |
All students enrolled in this program are eligible for the special discount rate for educators.
* Military/first responder benefits cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships or discounts.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
Belhaven University offers National Board Certified Teachers 6 credit hours toward select M.Ed. or Ed.S. programs, recognizing your certification as equivalent to two courses. This reduces required courses from 11 to 9, saving you time and money, while advancing your professional qualifications. Talk to your enrollment counselor for more details.
The Belhaven University Educator Licensure Preparation Programs are in compliance with Federal Regulations: 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) and 34 CFR 668.43 (c), requiring disclosures by institutions regarding educational requirements for programs leading to professional licensure or certification regardless of modality. The Belhaven University School of Education has made a determination as to whether Belhaven’s Educator Preparation Programs and curriculum meet other state educational requirements for educator licensure other than those educator licensure programs approved by the state of Mississippi. Please review the state-specific public licensure disclosure located at School of ED Licensure Disclosure. All of the Belhaven University School of Education educator preparation degree programs leading to educator licensure have been approved by the Mississippi Department of Education. The Belhaven University School of Education’s Educator Preparation Licensure Programs do not automatically qualify candidates for an educator licensure, certification upgrade, endorsement, or pay increase within their state of residence or state of their employment. For individuals seeking clarity on whether the teacher educator programs offered by the Belhaven University School of Education align with licensure requirements in their potential employment or licensure state, the following resources can assist in locating the appropriate state agency responsible for licensure: Teaching Certification Website or the Professional Licensure Directory. Additional licensure information can be found at School of ED Licensure Disclosure.
IMPORTANT: Certification and licensure requirements are determined by each individual state or jurisdiction and may change without prior notice to the Belhaven University School of Education’s certification officer or state certification office.
Please Note: Moving your license to another state is always easier if you hold an existing license from the state that approved your educator preparation program, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for Belhaven University School Leadership Graduates. School Leadership & Administrator Candidates from the Belhaven University School of Education will be eligible for the Mississippi Non-Practicing Administrator License - #486-N once the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) has been passed.
School of ED Licensure Disclosure
Meet Our Dean (School of Education)
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5