(non-licensure option) 

30 credits 

Teachers are inherently leaders in their classroom. In school environments they often are called upon to take on various leadership tasks related to curriculum, strategic planning, technology, policy, program coordination, etc. This program recognizes this and focuses on the development of teacher leadership skills emphasizing the role of teacher as change agent.  

The Curriculum and Teaching Specialization offers flexibility and individualization for newer as well as experienced educators to build their leadership skills through the deepening of their teaching craft. There is an emphasis on curriculum design, instructional leadership, legal and ethical issues, reflection, diversity and equity, and research. Our mission is to support the development of teachers as leaders in their own classrooms as well as in the wider school environment. The program will provide deep connections with faculty mentors and will include a mix of courses, research, and curriculum leadership projects.  

Admission Criteria – Curriculum and Teaching Specialization 

Candidates must have a teaching license or other education-related credential and work at least part-time in an education setting for the duration of the program. For additional admissions requirements, refer to the Graduate Application.  

Candidates for admission to the Educational Leadership Option must submit an Application for Graduate Study in Education.  

Educational Leadership Option 

The Educational Leadership Option is designed for experienced educators who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in education and developing their knowledge and skills as a school leader. All students in the option will complete foundational core coursework in both leadership and learning, participate in specialized courses and/or internships, and complete a yearlong Capstone research project. 

School Principal Specialization 

36 credits 

(Meets New Hampshire Licensure Competencies for Principal: Grades K-12) 

Candidates in the School Principal Specialization will develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become a transformational leader. School principals are leaders who engage in many roles to meet the diverse needs of P-12 students in an increasingly complex society and a rapidly evolving world. Our mission is to develop inclusive leaders ready to meet the challenges of leading schools and districts in the 21st century. To lead successfully, school leaders must craft a vision for effective schooling, develop ethical understandings, and empower others to create a positive and caring school culture.  

Students can enter the program at any time during the academic year and move through the program at their own pace. They will engage in a mix of coursework and field experiences to demonstrate competency as a school principal. The yearlong internship experience is a central component of the program where the candidate, Cooperating Professional, and KSC supervisor collaborate to support intern success. The program follows standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), and the New Hampshire Department of Education.  

Admission Criteria – School Principal Specialization 

Applicants to the Educational Leadership Option need to demonstrate a minimum of three years full-time experience as a licensed educator in an approved education setting and complete 5 years upon completion of the program. Applicants must follow licensure requirements set forth by NH Department of Education.  

For additional admissions requirements, refer to the Graduate Application  

Candidates for admission to the Educational Leadership Option must submit an Application for Graduate Study in Education. 

Special Education Option

38 credits

This option is designed for individuals who seek certification by the New Hampshire Department of Education in General Special Education (K-12) and a Master of Education degree. The M.Ed. Special Education Option is designed to support individuals to achieve special education certification at the initial level as well as enhance competence and extend learning beyond certification competencies in the area of special education. The option combines certification coursework with an internship and a school-based research project. The program begins in the summer and can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). The certification aspects of this portfolio-based program blend special education content knowledge courses with a yearlong internship experience. The internship may be conducted on the job (for students employed in an appropriate special education setting) or in a field experience approved by the faculty coordinator(s) of this program. The certification component follows standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the New Hampshire Department of Education. The KSC Conceptual Framework for Educator Preparation Programs provides students with a frame of reference as they work through the program.

Applicants to the M.Ed. Special Education Option must demonstrate an appropriate foundation in general education. Individuals who possess a recognized form of teacher certification have demonstrated this required competency.

Graduates from the Keene State College early childhood, elementary or secondary education programs who seek certification in General Special Education (K-12) are encouraged to apply to the M.Ed. Special Education Option during their senior year.