Principal Fellows
The North Carolina Principal Fellows Program (NCPFP) is a competitive, merit-based scholarship loan to persons of exceptional academic ability who have teaching or relevant experience and desire to enter school administration in a North Carolina public school.
Appalachian State University welcomed its first cohort of MSA Principal Fellows in the fall of 2022. Subsequent cohorts will begin in fall 2024 and 2026.
Program Options
There are two paths to the Master of School Administration (MSA) - see which one is right for you.
Traditional MSA
A flexible, part‑time graduate program designed for working educators who want to advance into school leadership while maintaining their current professional responsibilities.
- Coursework Commitment — Part‑time (6 hrs.) online for 6 consecutive semesters
- Financial Commitment — Standard tuition rates and fees
- Program Benefits — Flexible part‑time schedule for working educators
- Start Dates — Fall, Spring, and Summer entry
- Teaching Experience Required — Minimum of 3 years
- How to Apply — Apply directly through the App State Graduate School
Contact: Dr. Kimberly Money, moneykd@appstate.edu
Principal Fellows MSA
A full‑time, cohort‑based leadership preparation program offering intensive coursework, coaching, and funded support for aspiring school administrators.
- Coursework Commitment — Full‑time (9 hrs.) for 2 academic years + summer Professional Development
- Financial Commitment — Grant‑funded in‑state tuition and books*
- Program Benefits — Executive Coach during internship and first AP year
- Start Dates — Cohorts begin Fall 2022, 2024, 2026
- Teaching Experience Required — Minimum of 4 years
- How to Apply — Two‑step process: District application → App State Graduate School
Contact: Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm, rosenbalmem@appstate.edu
*Subject to repayment if not employed in an administrative role after graduation in a NC public school