M.Ed. Course Descriptions

M.Ed. Educational Leadership Course and Sequence Descriptions

EDUC 607 - Research for Today's Schools (3). Study of the principles of education research and how research can improve instruction and assessment in PK-12 learning environments. The course focuses on identifying and defining research questions, reviewing and critiquing qualitative and quantitative education research, developing mixed-methods research designs, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, using the results of empirical research to guide instructional decisions, and the communication of research results. Students are required to develop, implement, write up, and report on an original, field-based, education research project.

EDUC 630 - Advanced Study of Curriculum and Instruction (3). Study of principles of curriculum and instruction related to PK-12 schools; included are sources of the curriculum, methods of organization, curriculum planning and development, the teacher's roles and responsibilities, assessment, and trends and influences in curriculum and instruction practices. A clinical experience is included.

Educ 685 - Strategies for Serving Diverse Learners (3). The course designed to assist teachers in exploring issues in multicultural and special education to recognize how such factors as socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender, language proficiency, and disabilities may affect a child’s performance. Students will study ways of making classrooms, curricula, and instructional strategies suitable for a diverse student population. 

EDAD 600 - Introduction to Educational Leadership (3). Students examine the purposes and organizational structures of educational institutions created by federal, state, and local governments offering programs and services from early childhood through adulthood. Contemporary operational and administrative problems and developing trends are considered for analysis.

EDAD 635 - School Personnel Administration (3). The course focuses on techniques to maintain effective human relations and the use of human resources. Staff evaluation systems, staffing projections, staff-related record management, and benefit programs are examined. The curriculum emphasizes negotiations in the public sector and contract management. 

EDAD 660 - Supervision of Instruction (3). This course provides a theoretical and practical overview of the supervision and evaluation of instruction. The domains of supervision and inquiry into current issues and best practices in supervision are introduced. Students will examine the use of a variety of approaches to assist in the development of practical skills using the clinical process and developmental approach to supervision. 

EDAD 680 - School and Community Relations (3). The development and analysis of appropriate organizational procedural and administrative arrangements for public relations programs in educational institutions are topics of the course. Problems of developing understanding and effective communication relative to the community power structure, student and teacher militancy, civil rights issues, societal polarization, media relationships, adequate financial support and instituting educational change. 

EDAD 684 - School Finance/Ethics (3). Introduction to school finance and school business administration at all levels of school district organization. The course applies contemporary theories of economics to educational funding, sources of revenue, resource allocation considerations, and study of current trends in fiscal structure and operations in education. The curriculum includes discussion of ethics in school finance. 

EDAD 686 - Legal Basis of Educational Organization & Admin. (3). Basic principles of school law with special attention to legislation in South Carolina and related court decisions. Other related topics such as tenure, teacher dismissal, employment, publications and limitations on the Board of Education will be examined. 

EDAD 689 - School Principal (3). This course provides an overview of this key position. Analyzes and investigates roles and functions of principalship. The emphasis of the curriculum is on linking theory to practice, facilitating transition to leadership position, and development of appropriate skills and attitudes. Leadership and management will be addressed. Theoretical concepts and practical illustrations are used to expand insights into the issues facing the school principal.

EDAD 694 - Elementary School Principal in Practice (3). This internship under direct supervision of an on-site experienced elementary administrator and a member of the faculty of the CCU Department of Educational Leadership serves as a critical benchmark for decisions about administrative licensure. The first in a two-semester internship provides practical experience in the duties and responsibilities of the school principal designed to insure orientation in educational administration as a broad field. Prerequisite: Completion of coursework

EDAD 695 - Elementary School Principal in Practice (3). The second in a two-semester supervised elementary internship expands candidate performance of the duties and responsibilities of the school principal. Included in the internship are specialized and in-depth projects related to school administration and problems that reflect candidate needs and interests.

EDAD 696 - Secondary School Principal in Practice (3). This internship under direct supervision of an on-site experienced secondary administrator (field supervisor) and a member of the faculty of the CCU Department of Educational Leadership serves as a critical benchmark for decisions about administrative licensure. The first in a two-semester internship provides practical experience in the duties and responsibilities of the school principal designed to insure orientation in educational administration as a broad field. Prerequisite: Completion of coursework

EDAD 697 - Secondary School Principal in Practice (3). The second in a two-semester supervised secondary internship expands candidate performance of the duties and responsibilities of the school principal. Included in the internship are specialized and in-depth projects related to school administration and problems that reflect candidate needs and interests.