Get Started on Your Graduate Degree Online Today!

If you're a P-12 classroom teacher looking to take your career to the next level, Mississippi State Online can help. Our Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for success as an instructional coach, lead teacher, coordinator, or director.

This comprehensive 30-hour program is 100% online, allowing you to complete it from anywhere and on your own schedule. Plus, all online students pay in-state tuition, making this an affordable option for advancing your career.

Through our program, you'll gain a deep understanding of leadership theory, effective communication strategies, data analysis, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to complete internships at locations convenient for you, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in your area of interest.

Not only will this degree set your resume apart from other applicants, but it also leads to a 481 Mississippi Endorsement, creating even more possibilities for your career. Investing in this program now could give you the competitive edge you need when applying for positions.

Join our vibrant educational community at Mississippi State Online today and take the first step towards achieving your career goals.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Program Structure

Newly developed courses for the Teacher Leadership program have been designed using the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and will be relevant to all students interested in becoming teacher leaders. The 30-hour program is designed to complement the schedule of full-time educators and can be completed in 15 months.

First Summer

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDL 8423 School Leadership 3
EDL 8433 Using Data for School Improvement 3
EDL 8343 Effective and Reflective Practitioner for Teacher Leadership 3

Fall

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDL 8523 Educating Diverse Learners 3
EDL 8323 Differentiation of Instruction for Teacher Leadership 3

Spring

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDL 8623 Leading Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 3
EDL 8333 Teaching Practice and Learning Environment for Teacher Leadership 3

Second Summer

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDL 8723 Leadership for Positive School Culture 3
EDL 8313 Assessing Content Knowledge for Teacher Leadership 3

Can be taken in any semester during the program

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDL/EDF/EDE/EDS/EPY Elective 3

Total Hours: 30

A comprehensive examination is required.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree
  2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two additional letters of reference
  3. Statement of purpose
  4. Valid teacher’s license
  5. Evidence of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
  6. Current résumé
  7. Interview

Admission Options

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. The TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  4. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to: Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      Office of the Graduate School
      255 Lee Blvd
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Additional Required Application Step

Complete Identity Verification: Applicants must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity as part of the required application process. This step helps confirm the applicant’s identity before the application can be completed.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Headshot of Dr. Kaleb Smith

Dr. Kaleb Smith

Division of Education

  • Assistant Teaching Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.