Frequently Asked Questions

Langston University and CaseNEX: Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership

• Admissions Questions
• Master's Degree Program Requirement Questions

Admissions Questions

Where can I obtain the Graduate Application?

The Application can be downloaded as a PDF here.

What are the components of the Langston University Graduate Application process?

1. Completed application for admission to the University and the Online M.Ed. program. The application can be downloaded from the link above.

2. Official transcripts for EACH institution attended showing ALL prior academic work

3. Autobiographical Statement of professional goals (see form with application).

4. Three Letters of Recommendation (form provided with application).

5. A copy of the report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

6. $25.00 application fee (check or money order made out to Langston University).

Where do I send my completed application packet?

1. Submit APPLICATION, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT, and copy of the GRE REPORT to CASENEX by email (PDF) or fax:

   Email: langstonapplication@casenex.com
   Fax: 434.817.0727

2. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS and THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION should be submitted to CASENEX via regular mail at the following address:

   CaseNEX
   Attention: Langston M.Ed. in Educational Administration
   105 West Main St., Suite 3
   Charlottesville, VA 22902
   

Do I need to wait until my application paperwork is complete to submit it?

No, but your application will not be processed until all materials are received.

What is the application fee?

Payment of a non-refundable $25.00 application fee must be submitted with the application materials to CASENEX at the address above. A check or money order must be made out to: LANGSTON UNIVERSITY. Do not send cash. The full name of the applicant for whom the fee is being paid should be clearly printed on the check or money order.

What standardized tests are required for graduate program admission?

To be admitted to the Langston University Online M.Ed. program in Educational Administration, a copy of your most recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is required. These scores are only one component of the credentials used to make admission decisions, and are evaluated in the context of the applicant's complete application. Examinations are administered across the United States as well as sites worldwide, and require a registration application and examination fee. Information, sample questions, and registration bulletins are available at the GRE website.

Is the GRE requirement waived under any circumstances?

No, the GRE requirement may not be waived.

Can you provide more information about the Autobiographical Statement of Professional Goals?

In approximately 500 to 1000 words you should include a candid analysis of professional goals and objectives. Include both long and short-term goals, as well as how the graduate program will help you achieve these goals.

Can you provide more information about the three Applicant Recommendations?

Langston University has a standardized recommendation form. The three recommendations, written on the applicant's behalf, should be from persons comfortable assessing the applicant's success in a graduate program. These recommendations are usually from the applicant's professors or employers/supervisors who are able to give an in-depth evaluation of the applicant's strengths and areas to be developed with respect to academic work and work experience. The recommender may use personal letterhead and attach a letter to the recommendation form provided. Recommenders should include their full name, title, phone number, and an email address where the graduate admission committee can contact them if necessary. Applicants' first and last names should be included on the forms. The recommendation can be sent directly to CaseNEX at the address above, or given to the student in a sealed, signed envelope, which can be submitted with the application.

How should I submit my undergraduate and graduate transcripts?

Please submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. You may have official transcripts sent to you and you may submit them to CaseNEX at the address above unopened with your application. Alternatively, the colleges or universities can mail official transcripts directly to CaseNEX at the address above.

What are Langston University's Graduate Admissions Requirements?

To be admitted to a Graduate Program at Langston University, the applicant must have:

1. Completed requirements for a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.

2. Submitted official copies of transcripts with undergraduate and graduate hours earned for all prior academic work.

3. Submitted a completed application for admission to the University and a graduate program.

4. Submitted an Autobiographical Statement of professional goals.

5. Submitted three Recommendation of Applicant forms.

6. Maintained a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.50 (on a scale in which 4.0 equals "A") or a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate major.

7. Submitted the aptitude section (scores) for Graduate Record Examination (GRE). There is no minimum score.

Are there any special admissions requirements for international students?

To be eligible for admission to a master's degree program, a foreign student must meet all of the requirements outlined above for a graduate student. In addition to these requirements, a foreign student must do the following:

1. Achieve an acceptable score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or present a certificate of completion from a State Regents-approved intensive English Program.

2. For financial aid information, contact:

   Carmen D. Butler
   (405) 466-6007
   cbutler@lunet.edu

Master's Degree Program Requirement Questions

How many credits may I transfer into the Master's Degree program?

All graduate degree coursework is normally completed through Langston University to ensure all degree competencies are addressed. Upon the approval of the Dean, up to 6 hours of graduate transfer credit may be applied toward the master's degree program. Only those courses in which the student has earned an "A" or "B" may be considered for transfer. The course(s) a student wishes to transfer must match a required course in the degree. Questions regarding transfer credit will be addressed after a student has been admitted into the program.

Six graduate hours from another institution may be brought into the program, as well as 15 hours taken as an "Unclassified" (non-degree) student at Langston. So, a total of 21 hours could be brought into the program upon admission. All transferred courses must match required courses for the intended degree.

How many credits and what courses must be taken to fulfill the Master's Degree requirements?

A total of 36 credits must be completed for the Master's Degree. In addition, students must complete the written comprehensive exam. The list of course requirements is below. All courses are three graduate credits.

Common Core Courses: 12 Hours

All Core Courses Are Required (12 Hours)
EDU 5003 Educational Research and Evaluation (3)
EDU 5023 Theory and Application of Tests and Measurements (3)
EDU 5033 Foundation of Educational Psychology (3)
EDU 5043 Educational Sociology (3)

Educational Leadership Courses: 24 Hours Including the Practicum

All of the Following Courses Required (21 Hours)
EDL 5133 School Administration (3)*
EDL 5143 School Finance (3)
EDL 5153 School Law (3)
EDL 5163 School Personnel (3)
EDL 5183 Curriculum Design and Supervision (3)
EDL 5193 Clinical Supervision (3)
UED 5283 Practicum (3)

*Take School Administration during first session in program.

ONE of the Following Required (3 Hours)
EDL 5123 School and Community Relations (3); OR
EDL 5173 Group Dynamics (3)

May I begin taking courses before I am formally admitted to the Master's Degree Program?

Yes. You may take course as an "unclassified" student. Credits earned by an unclassified student may be used in meeting the requirements for the master's degree; however, no more than 15 hours of work completed may be counted.

What is the time limit for completing the Master's Degree program?

The requirements for the master's degree must be completed within a period of six years starting with the first course counted toward the master's degree unless the Dean grants an extension of the time limit.

What grade point average do I need to maintain while in the program?

A student working toward a master's degree must maintain a "B" average in all work offered toward degree requirements. If a student's grade point average falls below "B," the student is placed on probation. Students who do not raise their grade point averages to "B" by the end of the probationary period are dismissed from the program and suspended from further work toward a master's degree at the University. A student cannot graduate from the program with two "C's" in required coursework. A student who is suspended may petition the Dean for reinstatement, but the petition must be accompanied by a positive recommendation from a graduate faculty member.

What is the grading scale for courses?

A      148 - 165 (90%)
B      132 - 147 (80%)
C      115 - 131 (70%)

Grades below a "C" cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements. A grade of Incomplete "I" can be given only when extenuating circumstances (hospitalization, personal injury, etc.) prevent a student from completing course requirements. The "I" must be replaced by a passing grade in one year or it is counted as an "F".

What are the requirements for the School Administration Practicum?

The basic requirements for the practicum are listed below. Further information will be provided to students the session before their practicum is scheduled to start.

• Students will participate in a 16-week practicum course. This course will run over two CaseNEX course sessions.
• Students should have completed at least 30 credits for their Master's Degree prior to beginning the practicum.
• Students are required to identify a local supervisor who agrees to provide outgoing support and feedback during the practicum.
• Students will complete at least 80-hours of administrative duties assigned at the building level under the supervision of an experienced administrator (local supervisor) and the virtual support of a CaseNEX/Langston faculty member. As the students enrolled in this program are full-time teachers, this experience will occur in their local school division. Students will complete practicum hours before school, after school, during planning time, and during professional development release time.
• In conjunction with the local supervisor, students will complete an Administrative Duties Log that highlights the duties in which they will participate over 16 weeks. Students will document administrative duties each week in the Administrative Duties Log form keeping a running total of accumulated hours. The local supervisor will sign off on this log at the end of the course.
• Additional course requirements will include: completion of weekly journal postings documenting the administrative duties in which they have participated and reflecting on their experience; participation in a biweekly discussion led by the instructor; and completion of a school improvement project.

What is the process for completing comprehensive exams?

The process for completion of the comprehensive exam will be announced in the Fall of 2009. Students will be able to complete the exam from a remote location.

How do I apply for graduation?

The application for a graduate degree must be completed no later than February 15 if a student expects to graduate in the Spring. Students should provide notice by November 15 if finishing in Fall. Additional information regarding graduation will be provided prior to the first graduation date.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

Please address all master's degree questions to: LangstonMasters@casenex.com.