The program of studies which leads to the Specialist Degree with a major in Educational Administration is dependent upon the applicant's experience and prior coursework. The degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 69 semester hours of credit beyond the baccalaureate degree. An internship, an integral component of the program, is completed with experienced school administrators serving as mentors.
The School Administrator and the Law
EDAD 955
3
This course is designed to provide the educational administrator with a view of the law governing the operation of schools. An emphasis will be placed on preventative law through building an understanding of legal issues facing the school administrator and avoiding possible litigation. Issues deserving attention will include school district organization, meetings of the board of education, personnel administration, conducting hearings, developing board policies, student rights, discrimination, tort liability, and other current issues.
School/Community Relations
EDAD 956
3
This course is designed to provide the student with an analysis of principles, practices and materials that facilitate the adjustment and interpretation of schools to their internal and external publics, along with an examination of the function of the media and the roles of schools and community groups in an effective school public relations program.
Public School Finance
EDAD 957
3
The primary objectives of this course are to provide the student with (1) the background of school finance, (2) a background of public school financing in the United States, (3) an understanding of the various governmental levels of financing in public schools, (4) judicial decisions and their effects, and (5) finance of schools in the future.
Educational Facility Plan
EDAD 958
3
A study of the principles and processes of developing functional educational facilities. Procedures and techniques for each phase of facility planning are included. Topics include: survey of needs, population projection, site selection, development of educational specifications, selection of architects, furniture and equipment selection, and maintenance and operation.
Administrative Theory
EDAD 940
3
This course introduces students to aspects of current administrative theory by treating the school district as a social system in need of organization, leadership, and change. Styles and effects of human behavior in organizations are explored.
Seminar in Educational Administration
EDAD 944
3
This course is graded on a credit-no credit basis, and is a requirement for the Educational Specialist Degree. The student will read and submit written critiques on several contemporary writings related to education and participate in a three-day, summer field trip to Lincoln, which will involve visitations at the Nebraska Department of Education, the Lincoln Public Schools, and the quarters of various professional education organizations.
Field Study
EDAD 991
3
The field study provides an opportunity for an educational administration candidate to prepare a proposal for a research project or a grant relevant to the candidate's school settings. The minimum credit for the proposal is three hours. If the candidate elects to complete a research project going beyond the proposal stage, an additional 3 credit hours may be applied towards the candidate's plan of study. This course is required of all Specialist Degree candidates. A written product is the outcome of the course. Enrollment by permission of the instructor.
Internship
EDAD 998
3-6
Internships are designed to provide administrative experience for students having limited administrative background and to strengthen skills of those who have served as administrators. This course is required for all Specialist Degree candidates.
The Executive Administrator
EDAD 992
3
Prereq: enrollment in the Educational Specialist degree program
This is a capstone course that focuses upon the executive administrator's role as leader in an educational setting. It is designed to provide both theoretical and practical approach thru discussions, problem solving, and case studies to allow students to demonstrate administrative skills that are relevant to today's educational leader. The focus of this course is on administrative leadership and its relevance to student achievement. Areas to be addressed may include board-administrator relations, human resource management, problem solving, communication, legal issues, financial planning and board policy development. This is an elective class in educational administration program.
School Improvement
EDAD 895
3
School Improvement is designed to provide students of educational administration an understanding of issues related to the school improvement process and its role in the school reformation movement.