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Application Process for the MEd in Educational Leadership 

Prior to applying for an Educational Leadership program, applicants must hold a Class II teaching license and should have at least two years teaching experience in an accredited school.

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  3. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying all Bachelors degree course work directly to the attention of Department of Education Graduate Programs Office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. The preferred method of receiving Official transcripts is electronic. Electronic transcripts are acceptable if they arrive directly from the applicant’s certifying university. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected]. Official Transcripts may also be mailed directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.  NOTE: We require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 
  4. Self-Nomination Letter: The self-nomination letter should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, and focus on the following:
    • Your development and growth as a teacher, including professional development;
    • Your contributions to the school and district;
    • Your development as a leader. Specific examples are needed that clarify how you have grown as a leader and your leadership activities;
    • Your specific goals, including a timeline for assuming a school leadership position;
    • Your motivation to become a school leader and an explanation of how you came to this decision; and
    • Personal qualities you possess that are desirable in a leader.
  5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation:  During the application process you will be asked to submit contact information for each recommender. The electronic process will prompt each reference to submit a signed reference letter. Candidates must meet the following criteria for one of the three letters of recommendation.
    • At least one of the three letters must be from the candidate's PRESENT direct supervisor. That means a school district administrator who is (a) currently administratively certified by Montana Office of Public Instruction or other equivalent state agency; and (b) currently acts as direct supervisor for the candidate, and has done so for a minimum period of one semester. If for any reason you cannot secure a letter from your present supervisor, then:
    • At least one of the letters of recommendation must be from PREVIOUS direct supervisor. That means a school district administrator who is (a) currently certified by the Montana Office of Public Instruction or other equivalent state agency; AND (b) has, at some point preceding the date of this application, acted as direct supervisor for the candidate for a minimum period of one semester. Any applicant who does not have a letter from a present direct supervisor must indicate in the self-nomination letter the specific reason(s) why they were unable to secure a letter of recommendation from their present supervisor.
  6. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 
  7. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.

Application Process for the School Superintendent Certificate

Prior to applying to the School Superintendent Certificate Program, all applicants must have a master's degree and a Montana K-12 principal license or have been approved by the Board of Public Education to be in the Principal/Superintendent Internship Program at Montana State University.

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process, you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae. Include the names of three (3) references.
  3. Official transcripts from each university attended. Transcripts must verify all bachelor's and master's degree coursework (as well as a confirmation of both degrees submitted directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office either electronically to: [email protected] or by mail to: 215 Reid Hall, P.O. Box 172880, Montana State University, 59717. Transcripts from a degree awarded through MSU-Bozeman are not needed. Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded by the student during this online process, however MSU must receive official transcripts directly from the university(s) attended.
  4. Personal Statement. Provide a statement that helps us understand your professional goals and aspirations that this certificate will help you realize. Also include your educational background - teaching area of expertise, number of years taught, number of years in school leadership positions, where you currently work, and whether or not you have already been hired into a MT Superintendent position for the upcoming year.
  5. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 
  6. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.
  7. Applicants to the Superintendent Certificate must hold a master's degree in Educational Leadership.

Application Process for the Teacher Leadership Certificate

All applicants for the Teacher Leadership Certificate Program must hold a bachelor’s degree and possess or be eligible for a teaching license.

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process, you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae. Include three (3) references.
  3. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying all Bachelors degree course work directly to the attention of Department of Education Graduate Programs Office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. The preferred method of receiving Official transcripts is electronic. Electronic transcripts are acceptable if they arrive directly from the applicant’s certifying university. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected]. Official Transcripts may also be mailed directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.  NOTE: We require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 
  4. Personal Statement. Provide a statement that helps us understand your professional goals and aspirations that this certificate will help you realize. Also include your educational background - teaching area of expertise, number of years taught, and where you currently work.
  5. One (1) professional reference: During this online process, you will be asked to provide information about your reference. The electronic process will prompt your reference to submit a signed reference letter. Your letter must meet the following criteria:
    • One letter of reference from your PRESENT direct supervisor.  A school district administrator who (a) is currently administratively certified by Montana Office of Public Instruction or other equivalent state agency; AND (b) currently acts as direct supervisor for the candidate.
    • Or a university faculty member who currently acts as an advisor or faculty member of the candidate’s program of study. Any applicant who does not have a letter from a present direct supervisor or university faculty member, must indicate in the self-nomination letter the specific reason(s) why they were unable to secure a letter of recommendation from their present supervisor.

6. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 

7. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.

Application Process for the EdS in Educational Leadership

Prior to applying to the Educational Leadership program, applicants must hold a Class I teaching license and have gained at least three years teaching experience.

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  3. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying all Bachelors degree and Masters degree course work directly to the attention of Department of Education Graduate Programs Office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. The preferred method of receiving Official transcripts is electronic. Electronic transcripts are acceptable if they arrive directly from the applicant’s certifying university. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected]. Official Transcripts may also be mailed directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717. NOTE: We require an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 
  4. Self-Nomination Letter: The self-nomination letter should be 2 pages, double-spaced, and focus on the following:
    • Your development and growth as an educator, including professional development;
    • Your contributions to the school and district;
    • Your development as a leader. Specific examples are needed that clarify how you have grown as a leader and your leadership activities;
    • Your specific goals, and why the EdS would be of benefit to you/your school.
  5. Three (3) letters of recommendation: Candidates must meet the following criteria for one of the three letters of recommendation.
    • At least one of the three letters must be from the candidate's PRESENT direct supervisor. That means a school district administrator who (a) is currently administratively certified by Montana Office of Public Instruction or other equivalent state agency; AND (b) currently acts as direct supervisor for the candidate, and has done so for a minimum period of one semester. If for any reason you cannot secure a letter from your present supervisor, then:
    • At least one of the letters of recommendation must be from a PREVIOUS direct supervisor. That means a school district administrator who is (a) currently certified by the Montana Office of Public Instruction or other equivalent state agency; AND (b) has, at some point preceding the date of this application, acted as direct supervisor for the candidate for a minimum period of one semester. Any applicant who does not have a letter from a present direct supervisor must indicate in the self-nomination letter (see below) the specific reason(s) why they were unable to secure a letter of recommendation from their present supervisor.

6. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 

7. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.

8.  Applicants to the EdS program must hold a bachelor's and master's degree

Application Process for the EdD in Educational Leadership

Prior to applying for an Educational Leadership EdD program, applicants must have a Master's degree in education or a related topic and have gained at least three years teaching experience as a certified or licensed teacher. Those applicants who do not hold an administrative license will be required to take principal preparation coursework as prerequisites to many doctoral courses.

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application
  2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  3. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying all Bachelors degree and Masters degree course work directly to the attention of Department of Education Graduate Programs Office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. The preferred method of receiving Official transcripts is electronic. Electronic transcripts are acceptable if they arrive directly from the applicant’s certifying university. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected]. Official Transcripts may also be mailed directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717. NOTE: We require an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 
  4. Personal Essay: Suggested length is 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages. The applicant should briefly describe the following:
    • Education and other educational professional experiences
    • Research interests and experience including alignment with faculty interests and expertise and an example of research experiences using educational theory, research methods, and application.
    • Professional goals
  5. Three (3) letters of recommendation:  At least one of the three letters must be from the candidate's PRESENT direct supervisor in his/her educational field.) The letters should be from individuals qualified to assess the following:
    • Knowledge in chosen field
    • Motivation and perseverance toward goals
    • Ability to work independently
    • Ability to express thoughts in speech and writing
    • Ability/potential for college teaching
    • Ability to plan and conduct research
  6. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html. The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 
  7. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.

Note:

  • A bachelor's and master's degree are required for the EdD.
  • EdD applicants may be contacted for an interview by the program specific applicant review committee.

Application Process for the PhD in Educational Leadership

Click Here to access the online application

During the online application process you will be asked to submit the following materials.

  1. Completed Graduate School Application

  2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  3. Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying all Bachelors degree and Masters degree course work directly to the attention of Department of Education Graduate Programs Office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application process. The preferred method of receiving Official transcripts is electronic. Electronic transcripts are acceptable if they arrive directly from the applicant’s certifying university. Please have electronic transcripts sent to [email protected]. Official Transcripts may also be mailed directly to the Department of Education Graduate Programs Office, 215 Reid Hall, PO Box 172880, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.  Note: We require an undergraduate/graduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Transcripts will be evaluated for rigor and academic fit. 

  4. Personal Essay: Suggested length is 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages. The applicant should briefly describe the following:

    • Education and other educational professional experiences
    • Research interests and experience including alignment with faculty interests and expertise and an example of research experiences using educational theory, research methods, and application.
    • Professional goals
  5. Three (3) Professional References: The letters should be from individuals qualified to assess the following:  Note: At least one of the three letters must be from the candidate's PRESENT direct supervisor in his/her educational field.
    • Knowledge in chosen field
    • Motivation and perseverance toward goals
    • Ability to work independently
    • Ability to express thoughts in speech and writing
    • Ability/potential for college teaching
    • Ability to plan and conduct research
  6. Writing Sample: Please upload a selected example of writing that demonstrates academic potential such as an artifact that highlights your interest, strengths, context and goals/desires more conducive to holistic review.
  7. Research and Data Analysis Skills Summary. You will be asked to upload a separate document (suggested length is one page) addressing the following:   
    • Describe your research experience skills.
    • Summarize your experiences using different research methods.
    • List scholarly products such as peer-reviewed conference    publications and peer-reviewed publications.
    • Describe data analysis skills and experience using different data analysis software (i.e., SPSS, ENVIVO, SAS).
  8. For International Applicants ONLY: For information on the International application process, see link  https://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/admissions_intl.html.  The Department of Education does not waive the requirement for English Proficiency test score. 
  9. The Department of Education is unable to waive the $70 Graduate School Application fee.

Note:

  • A bachelor's and master's degree are required for the PhD.
  • PhD applicants may be contacted for an interview by the program specific applicant review committee.

 Application Deadlines

Complete applications will be reviewed by members of the Graduate Admissions Committee who then convene to make a final admission recommendation. Applications are then forwarded to The Graduate School for final decision and administrative processing.  Please note the application review process will begin after the application deadline and not before.

We strongly suggest that prior to application or at the time of submitting an application, doctoral applicants contact faculty with whom their planned research would align.  This will assist us in identifying an appropriate advisor for program applicants and provide us an opportunity to get to know  you.  Our professors are listed on the Faculty and Staff Directory: https://www.montana.edu/education/directory/index.html  We hope that you are interested in our program! 

Below is  the deadline by which all of the application materials for the MEd Program in Educational Leadership must be submitted via the online application system.  In order for a graduate degree application to be reviewed for admission, all required application documents must be submitted by the department’s posted deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester:  April 1st
  • Spring Semester:  November 1st  
  • Summer Semester:  April 1st

Below is the deadline by which all of the application materials for the School Superintendent Certificate  must be submitted via the online application system.  In order for a graduate degree application to be reviewed for admission, all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester:  April 1st
  • Spring Semester:  November 1st  
  • Summer Semester:  April 1st

Below is the deadline by which all of the application materials for the Teacher Leadership Certificate must be submitted via the online application system.  In order for a graduate degree application to be reviewed for admission, all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester:  April 1st
  • Spring Semester:  November 1st  
  • Summer Semester:  April 1st

Below is the deadline by which all of the application materials for the EdS Programs in Education Leadership must be submitted via the online application system. In order for a graduate degree application to be reviewed for admission, all required application documents must be submitted by the department's posted deadline. Applications received after the deadline may  be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester: February 1st: Early priority deadline for those seeking graduate assistantships; and
  • Fall and Summer Semester: April 1st
  • Spring Semester: November 1st

Below is the deadline by which all of the application materials for the EdD  in Educational Leadership must be submitted via the online application system. Students matriculate into the EdD program in the fall semester only. Applications to the EdD programs are reviewed each per year after the April 1st deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester: February 1st: Early priority deadline for those seeking graduate assistantships; and
  • Fall Semester: April 1st

Below is the deadline by which all of the application materials for the PhD  in Education must be submitted via the online application system. Students matriculate into the PhD program in the fall semester only. Applications to the PhD programs are reviewed each per year after the April 1st deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

  • Fall Semester: February 1st: Early priority deadline for those seeking graduate assistantships; and
  • Fall Semester: April 1st

Note to applicants interested in graduate assistantships:  To facilitate the process of soliciting a graduate assistantship, an early priority deadline of February 1st has been established. All complete applications received by February 1st will be reviewed early to allow ample time for applicants to apply for graduate assistantship opportunities well in advance of the April.  Applicants who apply after February 1st can still apply for open graduate assistantships, however these applications will be reviewed following the April 1st deadline.

Contact Information

Micki MacGregor, Graduate Program Coordinator
PO Box 172880
Montana State University
Reid Hall 215, Bozeman, MT 59717-2880 
[email protected]