Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership

Program Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership program is designed for students who are interested in school leadership. The program prepares you to lead a PreK-12 school. You’ll develop the strategies to design and implement a shared school vision — one that reflects a core set of values surrounding equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. You’ll learn to maintain an inclusive culture and advocate for the needs of students, families, and personnel. Through systematic problem solving and data-driven decision making, this program will shape you to be a reflective and responsive educational leader.

The 36-hour Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership program is designed for educators who aspire to formal leadership and administrative roles in schools and districts. The course sequence includes topics on leadership, school improvement, instructional design and school law with an emphasis on action research. All students complete a year-long, field-based internship and will graduate with the principal certification.

The program prepares transformational leaders with the capacity to effectively facilitate and manage change. The mission of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies graduate degree program is to develop educational leaders who will effectively lead and improve TK-12, higher education and workforce development education systems. Our program aims to prepare school leaders who possess the following core qualities and characteristics:

• Be instructional leaders
• Be visionary change agents
• Lead for equity
• Implement research-based and site-based best practices
• Engage in reflective practice
• Be socially just leaders
• Create collaborative learning communities
• Lead for inclusiveness

Learning Outcomes

• Engage in self-discovery, personal growth and development
• Develop as a reflective, educational leader committed to a spirit of inquiry and social justice
• Create a portfolio with tangible action steps to improve student learning and/or the professional environment for stakeholders
• Develop life-long networks
• Collaborate with stakeholders for a more inclusive culture
• Grow in a dynamic online environment that fosters community
• Personalized academic support from admission to graduation
• Enhance and accentuate their professional work
• Utilize research and apply theory to practical experiences
• Apply systems and critical thinking to issues in their local context

Admission Requirements

While the vast majority of our students have been teachers, we will consider applicants without teaching experience who make a strong case in their personal statements about why they are interested in educational leadership. Relevant work experience in a related field is strongly preferred. Applicants should be sure to discuss prior work experiences and future career goals within the statement. Also, be sure to explain why you are attracted to this particular program.

The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

• Earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher out of 4.00
• Two years of teaching experience is strongly preferred
• Completed online application that includes:
• Personal statement
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation (letters from Direct Supervisors such as principals or assistant principals are recommended)
• Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score or minimum 115 Duolingo score (international students only)
• GRE scores are required only if applicant does not have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution

Courses (36 cr.)