postgraduate studies in educational leadership

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Health & Nursing

Courses and certificates.

• Bachelor's Degrees
• View all Business Bachelor's Degrees
• Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
• Healthcare Administration – B.S.
• Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration
• Marketing – B.S. Business Administration
• Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
• Finance – B.S.
• Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
• Communications – B.S.
• User Experience Design – B.S.
• Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree (from the School of Technology)
• Health Information Management – B.S. (from the Leavitt School of Health)
• View all Business Degrees

Master's Degrees

• View all Business Master's Degrees
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA Information Technology Management
• MBA Healthcare Management
• Management and Leadership – M.S.
• Accounting – M.S.
• Marketing – M.S.
• Human Resource Management – M.S.
• Master of Healthcare Administration (from the Leavitt School of Health)
• Data Analytics – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
• Information Technology Management – M.S. (from the School of Technology)
• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed. (from the School of Education)

Certificates

• Supply Chain
• Accounting Fundamentals
• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce

Bachelor's Preparing For Licensure

• View all Education Bachelor's Degrees
• Elementary Education – B.A.
• Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure) – B.A.
• Special Education (Mild-to-Moderate) – B.A.
• Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
• Mathematics Education (Secondary)– B.S.
• Science Education (Middle Grades) – B.S.
• Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – B.S.
• Science Education (Secondary Physics) – B.S.
• Science Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) – B.S.
• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– B.S.
• View all Education Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Education Degrees

• Educational Studies – B.A.

Master of Science in Education Degrees

• View all Education Master's Degrees
• Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
• Educational Leadership – M.S.
• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

Master's Preparing for Licensure

• Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
• Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
• Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Science Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• Teaching, Special Education (K-12) – M.A.

Licensure Information

• State Teaching Licensure Information

Master's Degrees for Teachers

• Mathematics Education (K-6) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Middle Grade) – M.A.
• Mathematics Education (Secondary) – M.A.
• English Language Learning (PreK-12) – M.A.
• Endorsement Preparation Program, English Language Learning (PreK-12)
• Science Education (Middle Grades) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Physics) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Biological Sciences) – M.A.
• Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)– M.A.
• View all Technology Bachelor's Degrees
• Cloud Computing – B.S.
• Computer Science – B.S.
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
• Data Analytics – B.S.
• Information Technology – B.S.
• Network Engineering and Security – B.S.
• Software Engineering – B.S.
• Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
• Information Technology Management – B.S. Business Administration (from the School of Business)
• User Experience Design – B.S. (from the School of Business)
• View all Technology Master's Degrees
• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
• Data Analytics – M.S.
• Information Technology Management – M.S.
• MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
• Full Stack Engineering
• Web Application Deployment and Support
• Front End Web Development
• Back End Web Development

3rd Party Certifications

• IT Certifications Included in WGU Degrees
• View all Technology Degrees
• View all Health & Nursing Bachelor's Degrees
• Nursing (RN-to-BSN online) – B.S.
• Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S. (Available in select states)
• Health Information Management – B.S.
• Health and Human Services – B.S.
• Psychology – B.S.
• Health Science – B.S.
• Public Health – B.S.
• Healthcare Administration – B.S. (from the School of Business)
• View all Nursing Post-Master's Certificates
• Nursing Education—Post-Master's Certificate
• Nursing Leadership and Management—Post-Master's Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner—Post-Master's Certificate
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner —Post-Master's Certificate
• View all Health & Nursing Degrees
• View all Nursing & Health Master's Degrees
• Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S. (Available in select states)
• Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Master of Public Health
• MBA Healthcare Management (from the School of Business)
• Business Leadership (with the School of Business)
• Supply Chain (with the School of Business)
• Accounting Fundamentals (with the School of Business)
• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce (with the School of Business)
• Back End Web Development (with the School of Technology)
• Front End Web Development (with the School of Technology)
• Web Application Deployment and Support (with the School of Technology)
• Full Stack Engineering (with the School of Technology)
• Single Courses
• Course Bundles

Apply for Admission

Admission requirements.

• New Students
• WGU Returning Graduates
• WGU Readmission
• Enrollment Checklist
• Accessibility
• Accommodation Request
• School of Education Admission Requirements
• School of Business Admission Requirements
• School of Technology Admission Requirements
• Leavitt School of Health Admission Requirements

Additional Requirements

• Computer Requirements
• No Standardized Testing
• Clinical and Student Teaching Information

Transferring

• FAQs about Transferring
• Transfer to WGU
• Transferrable Certifications
• Request WGU Transcripts
• International Transfer Credit
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships

Other Ways to Pay for School

• Tuition—School of Business
• Tuition—School of Education
• Tuition—School of Technology
• Tuition—Leavitt School of Health
• Your Financial Obligations
• Tuition Comparison
• Applying for Financial Aid
• State Grants
• Consumer Information Guide
• Responsible Borrowing Initiative
• Higher Education Relief Fund

FAFSA Support

• Net Price Calculator
• FAFSA Simplification
• See All Scholarships
• Military Scholarships
• State Scholarships
• Scholarship FAQs

Payment Options

• Payment Plans
• Corporate Reimbursement
• Current Student Hardship Assistance
• Military Tuition Assistance

WGU Experience

• How You'll Learn
• Scheduling/Assessments
• Accreditation
• Student Support/Faculty
• Military Students
• Part-Time Options
• Virtual Military Education Resource Center
• Student Outcomes
• Return on Investment
• Students and Gradutes
• Career Growth
• Student Resources
• Communities
• Testimonials
• Career Guides
• Skills Guides
• Online Degrees
• All Degrees
• Explore Your Options

Admissions & Transfers

• Admissions Overview

Tuition & Financial Aid

Student Success

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Military and Veterans
• Commencement
• Careers at WGU
• Advancement & Giving
• Partnering with WGU

Master of Science

Educational Leadership Master's

Make an impact on the future of education by becoming a school principal.

Are you an experienced, licensed teacher eager to take on new challenges? Perhaps it’s time you prepared to lead an institution of your own. Becoming a principal or educational administrator with this online educational license program will prepare you to change the future of education and impact students, teachers, and communities alike.

This online master's degree program is designed to enhance your expertise in educational governance, finance, law, leadership, and strategic planning. The program will give you the skills you need to manage a modern educational institution, including overseeing teachers, developing and implementing curriculum standards, and improving how your staff helps students achieve established academic goals. You'll also learn about school administration, how to manage educational budgets, ensure proper security, and better interact with parents, the public, and district administrators.

The Master's in Educational Leadership degree program (alternatively "Master's in Educational Administration") is aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). Although it adheres to national educational standards, due to state-specific programming and licensure requirements,  this program is not accepted in Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

60% of graduates finish within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less! 

Average salary increase

 Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of $12,314 after completing their WGU degree.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

Next Start Date: {{startdate}}

Start Dates the 1st of Every Month

COURSES & COMPETENCIES

Educational leadership courses, curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need as a leader among students and staff..

Program consists of 13 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This online Master of Education program provides the essential skills, knowledge, and field experience you need to successfully manage a modern educational institution, be it public or private. It will prepare you to be certified as a principal or educational administrator.

The WGU M.S. Educational Leadership program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council . These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to lead a staff of educators, administrators, and support personnel in a modern educational setting.

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Leadership of Curriculum Design and Instruction prepares candidates to evaluate and implement curricular programs and instructional methods observed at the school level. Candidates focus on the knowledge and skills needed to develop, align, and implement cohesive systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Importance is placed on responding to student needs, embodying high expectations for student learning, aligning with academic and non-academic standards within and across grade levels, and promoting students' academic and non-academic success and social and emotional well-being. This course also explores the use of data from formative and summative assessments to make recommendations to improve instruction and promote student learning and well-being. Candidates are prepared to build a professional culture of trust and collaboration to ensure they are able to work with school personnel in creating curricular programs and instructional methods that are engaging, challenging, and relevant to student needs, experiences, and interests. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D632: Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning.

Leadership Foundations and Ethics presents candidates with a variety of leadership theories and strategies used by PK–12 educational leaders to develop, sustain, and evaluate a coherent system of academic and social supports that meet the full range of students' needs. Foundational knowledge addresses the importance of developing mission, vision, and core values in collaboration with faculty, staff, and the school community to advocate for student success. The course also covers communication strategies, interpersonal skills, and using data to build community, influence school culture, and manage change for continuous improvement. In addition, candidates are introduced to the significance of following professional ethical codes and the importance of modeling and advocating ethical behavior with all stakeholders.

School Law prepares candidates to understand the appropriate application of laws, rights, policies, and regulations to promote student success. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of and relationship between federal and state laws, legal decisions, local education policies, and practices at the local school level to ensure compliance. The course further focuses on understanding the legal rights and protections provided for all students, including those with disabilities, as well as school staff. It also addresses curriculum and instruction that help stakeholders understand the possible effects these rights may have on administrative decisions. Candidates are also provided the opportunity to demonstrate their capability to evaluate legal consequences of administrative decisions.

People and Talent in Educational Leadership prepares candidates to understand and implement practices used to recruit, hire, and prepare school personnel to provide students with an optimal learning environment. Various school professional development practices, such as professional learning communities, collaborative learning communities, beginning teacher induction, and mentor programs, will be covered. Additionally the course covers methods to evaluate school personnel appropriately based on data-driven decisions; providing realistic and actionable feedback to school personnel to continuously drive improvement; engaging all school personnel in the use and evaluation of competing school-wide initiatives; creating and sustaining a professional culture of engagement and commitment by developing workplace conditions that promote employee development, well-being, and professional growth; and continuously supporting school personnel to improve their instructional practices through ongoing professional development. The candidate will also reflect on leadership standards in order to develop a personal professional growth plan. A prerequisite for this course is D017: School Law.

School Financial Leadership focuses on financial policies, practices, and issues connected to PK–12 school operations. The course describes various sources of school funding, the impact these sources can have on managing school budgets, and the challenges connected to finances that are often encountered by school leaders to ensure equitable financial support for all students. Candidates learn how to analyze different types of school budgets and understand the principal's role in the budgetary process to ensure alignment to the school's mission, vision, and values. This course also identifies and explains various types of commonly used accounting regulations, rules, and professional ethical principles used to create, maintain, and evaluate school budgets to ensure the equitable and ethical use of financial resources. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D017: School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Professional Practices provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the first of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas directly or indirectly affecting students. Collaboration within the school and local community is a focal point for this course. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Systems management and school operations instruct candidates on the operational aspects of school leadership that are essential to developing, monitoring, and evaluating school management, school systems, and services that address and support the needs of students and school personnel. Topics presented in this course include systems thinking; development, implementation, and evaluation of data-based strategic planning; and school improvement processes. Candidates will evaluate the use of appropriate operational technology and the development of communications systems that provide actionable information to internal and external stakeholders for use in classroom and school improvement and community engagement. Each of these topics emphasizes the importance of efficiently and effectively managing school resources to build, maintain, and evaluate a cohesive system of academic and organizational supports, services, extracurricular activities, and accommodations to meet the full range of needs for each student. Prerequisites for this course: Leadership Foundations and Ethics and School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Instruction and Operations provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the second of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas affecting school operations and school personnel. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Educational Leadership Capstone serves as the culminating experience of this degree program, uniting content area knowledge with the execution of a problem-based learning project. Under the guidance of program faculty, candidates will apply their data literacy and research skills authentically and to topics appropriate to the candidate's degree program and future career goals. Projects will include action research or program evaluation and the qualitative or quantitative research methods necessitated by the project's purpose. Prerequisites include Data Literacy and Educational Inquiry, as well as all content area courses and field experiences prescribed in one's area of study. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of all courses with the exception of Educational Inquiry, which may be taken concurrently.

Leading Inclusive Schools covers a variety of topics that directly affect students who have been assessed and determined to need additional support or services to ensure their academic success and well-being. The course prepares candidates to understand and comply with applicable laws, rights, policies, and regulations as appropriate to address matters of equity, fairness, and student marginalization based on culture and language, disability, or giftedness. These include types of special education classifications and their significance, working with English learners (ELs), working with gifted and talented students, and using Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks to ensure optimum learning environments for diverse learners. This course will guide candidates in building a strong repertoire of skills and knowledge related to exceptional students. It will help them ensure that each student has equitable access to effective teachers; learning opportunities; academic, social, and behavioral support; and other resources necessary for success. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the School Law course.

Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning focuses on empowering educational leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster cultural competency, deepen their understanding of diverse learner populations, and apply culturally responsive pedagogy. This course places a strong emphasis on promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity within educational contexts. Students in this course will engage in immersive learning experiences aimed at equipping them with the capacity to lead social-emotional learning initiatives that cater to the social and emotional needs of all learners. The course also empowers students with advocacy strategies to influence positive change in local and global educational environments, ensuring that educational leaders are well prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of today's diverse educational landscape. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D019: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices focuses on the development of data literacy skills educators need to improve the learning and development opportunities of K–12 students. Candidates will practice identifying educational problems and data types, generating data, analyzing data, making inferences and drawing conclusions, and creating action plans within their educational settings. Candidates will also learn best practices for data literacy, including continuous improvement planning, approaches to professional learning communities, and instructional decision-making processes. This course has no prerequisites.

Educational Inquiry focuses on practical problem solving. This course teaches candidates to use scholarly literature to inform their own practice. It also teaches candidates to engage in their own action research processes, which empowers educators to recognize opportunities for improvement and to systematically implement and evaluate changes. This course prepares candidates to conduct research for the capstone. Prerequisites for this course: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

WGU's online master's degree program in educational leadership requires the successful completion of a capstone project. You'll take what you've learned during your studies and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you're likely to face in a professional academic environment. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Presentations: Created tailored presentations that effectively address the unique needs and interests of specific audiences.
• Budgeting: Skillfully evaluated funding requests for various activities, ensuring they align with pre-authorized budget expenditures, promoting financial responsibility.
• Leadership: Established open lines of communication between leaders and team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Educational Leadership: Collaborated with stakeholders to identify and establish educational goals for school improvement plans.
• Ethical Standards And Conduct: Demonstrated the consistent use of responsible practices and principles, reflecting a commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Operations: Successfully identified key personnel and processes within organizations, leading to streamlined operations and efficient decision-making processes.

“After years of putting off getting my master's degree, I finally decided that it was time. While working a full-time teaching job and having a husband and two toddlers at home, WGU's program allowed me the flexibility of working at my own pace. I was able to earn my Educational Leadership degree in an accelerated time frame with the support of my course instructors and mentor. WGU allowed me to achieve my goals, and I love them so much that I registered for a second master's!”

—Sylvia M.S. Educational Leadership

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.  

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused principal preparation program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"My experience at WGU was excellent. My mentors and professors where there when I needed them. There ability to keep me on track and to answer questions in a timely matter allowed me to get my master's faster than I thought possible.”

—Jerry Nielson M.S. Educational Leadership

CAREER OUTLOOK

Pave the Way to the Next Step in Your Career as an Educational Administrator

If you're a licensed classroom teacher with at least three years of experience under your belt, and you have a passion for positive influence in an academic setting, you are ready to advance in your career by becoming an instruction-based principal, vice principal, assistant principal or school administrator. As an educational leader, you'll have an opportunity to shape the school that you run by creating an inspiring and safe environment for educators and the students they teach.

With the deep, comprehensive education you'll receive at WGU, you will be ready to be certified and become a school principal. This position allows you to impact the overall learning environment of an institution and lead students toward a better academic future. Consider this program an investment in yourself, in your professional growth, and in the future of your students.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

• Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
• Middle/junior high schools
• High schools
• Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

• Gates Millennium Scholars
• Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
• Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
• Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
• Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

Master of Education Admission Requirements

Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership degree program, you will be required to complete a candidate interview and provide the following:

• Evidence of an undergraduate bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Proof of a state issued, valid, and unexpired standard professional license
• A resume showing three years of licensed professional experience in a P-12 setting (excluding probationary, temporary, and substitute teaching experience)
• A confidential recommendation
• Recent annual summative performance evaluation

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

More About the M.S. in Educational Leadership

• More About This Degree

What is a master's in educational leadership?

A master's degree in educational leadership is a graduate program that prepares you for certification as a school principal or administrator. It gives you important skills and credentials to understand how to run the school in an efficient way. 

How long does it take to earn a master's in educational leadership?

Typical master's of educational leadership programs take 2 years to complete, but at some schools you may be able to accelerate and finish faster. For example, most WGU educational leadership students finish in just 18 months or less.

What can you do with an educational leadership degree?

An educational leadership degree can prepare you to become a vice principal, assistant principal, principal, or other administrator in education.

What can I expect from an online master's in educational leadership program?

What are the types of educational leadership.

Most educational leaders fall into a few categories of leadership including: servant leaders, transactional leaders, emotional leaders, and transformational leaders.

What are the functions of educational leadership?

Educational leadership is implemented to ensure that the entire school and system runs smoothly. Educational leaders are in place to create effective and robust places of teaching and learning where students feel safe and welcome. They ensure that the business end of a school runs well, while also ensuring that students and teachers feel confident as individuals.

What is educational leadership theory?

Educational leadership theory evaluates the different approaches to running schools and classrooms in ways that are effective for students and teachers alike.

What is meant by educational leadership?

Educational leadership is a joint effort utilizing the talents and expertise of educators, students, policy makers and the public at large to enhance public K-12 educational quality and systems. These enhancements are typically executed through improvements to training regiments, pedagogy, epistemology, and developmental psychology. A degree in educational leadership will focus on helping current teachers advance their knowledge and skills, giving them greater opportunities to influence policy and move into education careers that impact the future of learning.

What are the key qualities of educational leadership?

There are many qualities that an educational leader should exhibit. Qualities such as positivity, honesty, deep reflection, authenticity, integrity, passion, inclusivity, and a strong focus on community building and collaboration on educational issues are key to being a transformational educational leader. In an educational leadership degree program, you will focus on developing and honing these skills.

Should I get an online masters degree, or a graduate certificate?

Understanding your post bachelor educational possibilities is crucial if you have a specific goal in mind. For some, a post-graduate certificate can fulfill the requirements that are needed to teach a specific course or courses, by fulfilling a state or national licensing requirement, but a certificate is what is considered a non-degree award. As a result, if you have career goals that include additional advancements for your career beyond the classroom, you may need to consider if a certificate will provide you the ability to pursue those goals. 

A master’s degree in education can open the doors to school leadership roles as a principal or assistant principal, and in some states is even sufficient to be considered for roles as part of the superintendency. This is not typically true of a graduate certificate. Check your state guidelines to see your specific state’s educational requirements for leadership roles. 

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
• Eligibility requirements
• Examples of scholarships
• What happens after you apply
• Other financial aid options

How does tuition work at WGU?

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

The University

For students.

• Student Portal
• Alumni Services

Most Visited Links

• Business Programs
• Student Experience
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Student Communities

Earning A Master’s In Education Leadership: What To Know

Updated: Nov 13, 2023, 2:29pm

If you’re an experienced educator who’s ready to move into a leadership position, earning a master’s in education leadership can set you on a path to advancement. An educational leadership degree prepares you for a career as a school principal, administrator, university department chair or a host of high-level leadership positions in education.

This article overviews everything you need to know about earning a master’s in educational leadership, including typical admission requirements, courses, specializations and job options for graduates. If you’re wondering if this degree is right for you, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn more.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Master’s in Education Leadership?

A master’s in education leadership prepares educators for high-level leadership roles in schools, school districts, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. This degree program imparts the skills required to be an effective educational leader.

A master’s in educational leadership typically requires 30 to 36 credits and takes one to two years to complete. Degree timelines may vary depending on your program.

Part of your coursework may include an internship, practicum courses or a capstone project, depending on the program. Since program requirements vary, check with your school for more information.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Education Leadership

Admission requirements may vary by educational institution but often include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution
• Transcripts
• Minimum GPA (Typically a 3.0)
• Valid teaching license
• Teaching experience
• Personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation

Master’s in Education with a Leadership Specialization Options

Depending on your program, you may have the option to choose a specialization or concentration, allowing you to focus your learning on an area that interests you.

Some programs provide actual endorsements or certificates for their specializations. Depending on the program, educational leadership may be a specialization or concentration that falls under a master’s degree in education . Below are a few specializations for a master’s in educational leadership.

Special Education Leadership

Special education leadership explores the challenges that school leaders and educators face when working with students with disabilities. This specialization focuses on creating an ethical leadership approach, understanding laws and regulations relevant to teaching special education students and collaborating with various stakeholders to implement and evaluate educational programs.

Principal Leadership

A principal leadership specialization examines the challenges and needs of students, educators and school districts, including maintaining relationships with parents, managing budgets, training and supervising faculty and understanding government standards and regulations.

Leadership in Urban Schools

Specializing in leadership in urban schools prepares you to meet the needs of students living in urban areas. Coursework for this specialization includes diversity and cultural values, research-based programs that maintain academic success and social cohesiveness in academic achievement.

Leading Independent and Charter Schools

This specialization prepares you to be a leader in an independent or charter school. It highlights financial accounting and budgeting, strategic planning, relevant legal issues, school sustainability, school management and governance issues.

Common Courses in a Master’s in Education Leadership

Below are a few common courses you might take while earning a master’s in educational leadership. Each school determines its course requirements, however, so offerings differ.

Instructional Supervision

In this course, you focus on methods to improve the educational process, including examining effective ways to teach and assess students. It covers curriculum development, models of instructional supervision and techniques to support teachers in providing high-quality instruction.

Human Resources in Education

This course prepares you to handle personnel issues in an educational setting. It explores the many functions of human resources in education, including recruitment, performance appraisal processes, professional development, employee motivation, supervision, compensation and separation.

Overview of Special Education Law

Educational leaders need to understand the challenges and appropriate practices in special education. This course explores important special education topics, such as law and policy, research, ethical responsibilities and the roles of educators in special education.

The Principalship

Principals play a crucial leadership role in schools. This course highlights the responsibilities of a principal, including managing instructional activities, overseeing school programs, and understanding laws, regulations and policies that affect education.

This field-based course allows you to take theories and competencies and apply them in a school setting. It prepares you for an educational leadership position by providing valuable instructional leadership experience.

Accreditation for Master’s in Education Leadership

Programmatic accreditation for education leadership degrees demonstrates that a specific degree program or department is reputable and effective, covers the appropriate concepts, and meets the high-quality standards to prepare educators and leaders for career advancement.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) provide programmatic accreditation for education degree programs. CAEP accreditation is evidence-based and focuses on continuous improvement, quality assurance and innovation. AAQEP uses the framework of a cohort, which focuses on collaboration and peer review.

To ensure your education meets industry standards, seek an accredited program.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education Leadership?

Below we list a few potential career options for education leadership master’s graduates. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in October 2023.

School Principal

Median Annual Salary: $101,320 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree Job Overview: School principals oversee all functions and activities at elementary, middle and high schools. They manage and evaluate teachers and staff, advise and discipline students, compile student achievement data, handle staff development activities, ensure school safety, and communicate with parents about their students’ academic progress and behavior.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree; bachelor’s degree may suffice for certain positions Job Overview: Postsecondary education administrators oversee academics, departments, student services or research at universities and colleges. They may work in specific departments in higher education, such as student affairs or admissions, so their duties vary depending on the department.

Instructional Coordinator

Median Annual Salary: $66,490 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree Job Overview: Instructional coordinators develop and implement curricula, organize teacher training, recommend teaching materials and techniques, analyze test data, and evaluate teaching methods and curriculums to ensure their efficacy. Some instructional coordinators focus on specific areas, such as special education, English as a second language or a particular grade level.

Assistant Principal

Average Annual Salary: Around $76,700 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree may be preferred Job Overview: Assistant principals typically work in middle or high schools. They enforce rules and behavioral guidelines, evaluate and mentor teachers and staff members, handle purchasing decisions, assist teachers with classroom management issues and help create safe learning environments.

Department Chair

Average Annual Salary: Around $87,300 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree, doctorate may be preferred Job Overview: Department chairs manage departments at colleges and universities. They oversee day-to-day operations within their departments and ensure department activities align with their university’s vision and goals. They may supervise faculty, manage finances, and assist in hiring faculty and staff in their departments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Master's in Education Leadership

What does a degree in educational leadership mean.

Earning a degree in educational leadership demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for educational leadership positions. It shows that you have specialized knowledge for careers as a school administrator, an educator or an educational leader.

Is a master’s in education the same as a master’s in teaching?

Both degrees cover education concepts such as classroom management, pedagogy and theory, curriculum development, assessment methodology and child development. The main difference is that a master’s in teaching concentrates on teaching and managing a classroom, while a master’s in education covers a broader range of skills appropriate for careers in curriculum development, administration or education policy.

Can I teach college with an M.Ed.?

Yes, you can teach college with an M.Ed. It’s important to note that universities may require professors to have a doctorate for some positions.

• Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online
• Best Online Doctorate In Educational Leadership Programs
• Best Master’s In ESL Online Programs
• Where Can You Earn An Online Ph.D. In Special Education
• Best Master’s In Education Online
• The Best And Worst States For Teaching Jobs
• Early Childhood Education Degrees Online: Best
• Best Online Teaching Degrees
• Best Online Ed.D. Programs
• Best Online Elementary Education Degrees
• Best Online History Degrees
• Best Higher Education Online Master’s Programs
• Where To Earn An Online Physical Education Degree
• Best Online Secondary Education Degrees
• Guide To Early Childhood Education Careers
• Finding A Career In Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Career Guide
• How To Become A Professor
• Career Paths For Different Types Of Teachers
• Earning A Doctoral Degree In Education
• Earning A Bachelor’s Degree In Early Childhood Education
• Earning An Associate Degree In Education
• Your Guide To Earning A Master’s In Higher Education
• Earning An Associate In Early Childhood Education
• Earning A Master’s In Early Childhood Education
• What Can You Do With An English Degree?

Best Online Doctorates In Education Of 2024

The Best And Worst States For Teaching Jobs In 2024

Where Can You Earn A Ph.D. In Early Childhood Education Online In 2024?

Best Online Ph.D.s in Educational Leadership Of 2024

Best Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees Online Of 2024

Best Online Master’s In Educational Leadership Programs Of 2024

Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for mid-career working education professionals and is career-embedded—so students can immediately apply what they are learning. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Request More Information from an Enrollment Advisor

Step 1 of 2.

• Program of Interest * Choose a Program AAS Health Information Systems Application Software Support Specialist Certificate Artificial Intelligence in Business Graduate Certificate Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology Associate of Applied Business in Business Applications Technology Associate of Applied Business in Business Management Technology Associate of Applied Business in Financial Management Technology Associate of Applied Business in Healthcare Management Technology Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology Associate of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Business in Marketing Management Technology Associate of Applied Business in Supply Chain Management Technology Associate of Applied Science - Cancer Registry Management Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Care & Education Associate of Arts in Business Administration (Pre) Associate of Arts in Communication Associate of Individualized Study in Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Science in Public Health Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate Bachelor of Arts in Communication Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing Bachelor of Health Information Management Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - Pre-Occupational Therapy Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Science in Public Health Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT to BSRT) Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies in Applied Administration Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies in Applied Administration: Healthcare Leadership Business Foundations Graduate Certificate Certificate Blended Online Learning and Teaching (BOLT) Certificate in Insurance & Finance Management Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling Clinical Trials Design and Research Graduate Certificate Corporate Taxation Graduate Certificate Cosmetic Science Graduate Certificate Data Analytics Graduate Certificate Data-Driven Cybersecurity Certificate Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Gifted Education Endorsement Global Regulatory Affairs in Drug Development Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate in Analysis of Criminal Behavior Graduate Certificate in Correctional Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis and Prevention Health Care Administration Graduate Certificate Health Care Finance Graduate Certificate Health Care Policy & Regulation Graduate Certificate Hygienic Manufacturing of Cosmetic Products Graduate Certificate Individual Taxation Graduate Certificate Information Technology Certificate Information Technology Graduate Certificate Investment Management Graduate Certificate MEd Curriculum and Instruction MEd Educational Leadership MEd Instructional Design and Technology MEd Literacy and Second Language Studies MEd Special Education MEng in Electrical Engineering MEng in Mechanical Engineering MEng in Robotics & Intelligent Autonomous Systems MS Pharm Sci: Drug Development MS Pharm Sci: Health Outcomes & Pharmacoeconomics MS Pharm Sci: Healthcare Operational Excellence MS Pharm Sci: Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Nurse-Midwifery MSN Nursing Education MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Marketing Graduate Certificate Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education Master of Business Administration - MBA Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis Master of Health Administration (Executive) - MHA Master of Health Informatics - MHI Master of Legal Studies Master of Science in Business Analytics Master of Science in Community Health & Prevention Science Master of Science in Cosmetic Science Master of Science in Criminal Justice Master of Science in Finance Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management Master of Science in Information Systems Master of Science in Information Technology Master of Science in Marketing Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership Master of Science in Pharmacy Leadership Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy Master of Science in Sport Administration Master of Science in Taxation Medical Coder Certificate Online Cancer Registry Certification Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare Graduate Certificate Pharmacy Leadership Graduate Certificate Physician Practice Management Certificate Post-Associate Certificate in Law and Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Law & Paralegal Studies Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PreK-12 Reading Instruction Endorsement Principal Licensure Endorsement RN to BSN Online Revenue Cycle Management Certificate Special Education Leadership Graduate Certificate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement Transition to Work Endorsement Undecided
• Yes (*includes in-progress degree)
• Desired Start Date * Please Select an Option Fall 2024 Spring 2025 Summer 2025 Fall 2025
• *This program is now enrolling for Summer 2025.
• Name * First Name Last Name
• Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• State * State Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah U.S. Virgin Islands Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Europe Armed Forces Pacific ZIP
• Hidden * Region Postal Code
• Military Affiliated Select Not Affiliated Spouse Dependent Veteran Air Force Army Coast Guard Marines Navy Reserve/National Guard
• Freely given consent from contact * By submitting this form I accept the privacy policy and understand that University of Cincinnati may contact me via telephone, email, and/or text messages about educational programs using an automated technology. *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Program Overview
• Academic Calendar
• Accreditation
• Admission Requirements

SPRING 2025 APPLICATION FEE WAIVED

Spring 2025 graduate scholarship award.

The Master of Educational Leadership online program at the University of Cincinnati will provide you with real-world skills and knowledge to help you on your path to pursue an educational administrative or leadership role. This program prepares licensed educators to become strong leaders within educational organizations. With three main concentrations, choose the track that best fits your career goals. Concentrations for this program include Principal Leadership, Special Education Leadership, and General Administration & Policy.

University of Cincinnati’s Master of Educational Leadership Program

The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is committed to serving the needs of schools throughout Ohio and the nation. Our program is ideal for licensed educators looking to further develop their knowledge and skills to enhance learning and to expand their earning potential through higher-level academic administration or leadership education roles.

Masters of Educational Leadership Program Concentrations:

• Principal Leadership: gain the tools to be a successful principal within a school or school district.
• Special Education Leadership:   focuses on the legal and ethical roles and responsibilities of a professional within the field of special education.
• General Administration & Policy: study educational leadership with or without an educational/professional background through our non-licensure track.

What Will I Learn in an Online Masters in Ed Leadership Program?

In this top-ranked program, you’ll:

• Discover the theories and practices of educational leadership and organizational behaviors in school systems.

• Gain hands-on experience through internships that will familiarize you with the roles and responsibilities of a principal.

• Examine current economic theories, sources of revenues, and trends in the fiscal structure and operations of public education.

University to Business Scholarship Program

If you are an employee or member of one of our partner organizations, you may be eligible for a tuition scholarship.

Is UC Online right for me?

Learn from real-world faculty.

The faculty at UC are relevant, inspiring, supportive and connected.

“If I'm going to do something, I want to be the best that I can be at it. I didn’t need another degree in my life at age. What I wanted was to be good at my job and I wanted to make sure that I had the professional development that would set me up for success. This drive to be successful in educational leadership is what brought me to earn my Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership at UC Online.”

Trish Miller MEd Educational Leadership

“I contacted a lot of schools about this program and ultimately decided on UC because of cost and proximity to where I lived. I also wanted a good school that everyone knows provides a great education. I'm happy with my choice. I chose online work because of the flexibility that comes with online classes. I am a mother and a teacher and had to fit in my classes when I had the time without taking time from my family. Every single professor communicated well with the students. They all replied in a timely manner and were open to using whatever means necessary. Using the discussion boards was a great way to communicate with other students and get to know them and their ideologies. ”

Kristie K. M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Graduate

• Academic Calendar Start dates, deadlines, and more
• Accreditation Accreditation
• Admission Requirements Prerequisites and requirements
• Careers Occupations available after graduation
• Curriculum Course offerings and samples
• Faculty Meet the department
• Tuition Tuition calculator and cost breakdown

A Master’s in Educational Leadership can lead to a variety of rewarding careers, which include:

• School Principals
• School District Leadership
• Community and State Agency Administration
• Foundation and Think-Tank Leadership
• Federal Level Policymaking and Research
• Educational Consultants
• Special Education Specialists

Programs can be completed full-time or part-time. Many programs are set up to be part-time, with most containing fewer than 10 credit hours in any given semester. We know you have a lot going on, so want to make sure that school can fit into your schedule. Note: There are some exceptions.

No. your degree will be conferred by the University of Cincinnati, which will also be reflected on your transcripts and degree.

Related Articles

Additional resources to support you from start to finish.

• Notice of Non-Discrimination
• Privacy Policy
• Clery and HEOA Notice
• eAccessibility Concerns

© 2024 University of Cincinnati Online Copyright Information

Study Postgraduate

Educational leadership and management (ma) (2025 entry).

Course code

29 September 2025

1 year full-time; 2-5 years part-time

Qualification

Education Studies

University of Warwick

Sign up for updates Link opens in a new window

Virtual tour

Explore our Educational Leadership and Management taught Master's degree.

Educational Leadership and Management MA is for those looking to pursue a leadership role within an educational organisation. Warwick's Education Studies uses a client-orientated focus, with multi-pronged routes to train you for a scholarly career or research-informed professional practice.

Course overview

This course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills in leadership and management in an educational setting. This programme offers you a unique opportunity to customise your learning to match your professional background, needs and aspirations. Assessments are individually tailored making each topic highly relevant to your particular context and professional needs.

To maximise your learning potential, you will receive individualised attention and the flexibility to select from a wide range of modules. The programme is research driven but with a strong focus on professional practice, making it suitable for establishing an academic career or pursuing middle and senior leadership roles in education organisations. At the end of the course, we anticipate that you will have developed reflective and critical capabilities, providing you with a sound basis for your next career move, alongside the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to a variety of educational leadership challenges within your organisation.

Skills from this degree

• Applying knowledge and understanding of research methods in planning, undertaking and evaluating a research project
• Informed understanding of concepts and theories of leadership and management in education, and their relationship
• Understanding of strategy and strategic perspectives in education
• Human resource management in education and its links with strategy
• Identifying factors affecting learner achievement and ways to improve it

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS score to 7 overall, no more than two components at 6.0/6.5 & rest 7.0+

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

Leading Educational Change and Improvement ( alternative online module available for part-time students if required )

This module will develop an understanding of educational change and improvement from research and practical perspectives, and look at how that can impact teaching and learning outcomes. You will be comparing, evaluating and critiquing international reform efforts and developing knowledge about the dynamics of improvement as a strategy for change.

Research Methods in Education ( alternative online module available for part-time students if required )

This module encourages students in understanding, designing and implementing research in the field of education. It will introduce you to a range of established research strategies and techniques, including data collection and analysis. These skills will enable you to design and carry out a dissertation research project, as well as to disseminate its findings. As part of this module, you will present your research design and have the opportunity to receive feedback ahead of completing your dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an opportunity to explore, in depth, an area of academic and/or professional interest related to your degree. Building on the knowledge and skills developed during the Research Methods module, and your other modules, you will conduct an independent research project, developing a deeper understanding of your chosen topic.

From your research project, you will produce a dissertation, with guidance from a supervisor who will be allocated to you. Through the dissertation you will demonstrate the ability to analyse and synthesise relevant literature, produce coherent arguments supported by relevant evidence and logical discussion, and acknowledge sources of ideas and information.

Optional modules

This programme has a number of optional modules to choose from. Our optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date.

Find the most up-to-date optional module list on the Education Studies website. Link opens in a new window

For full-time students, all of our modules are delivered in person at our well-equipped university campus. Please note that if you wish to study on a part-time basis you should be aware that most modules are taught during the normal working day and there is no out-of-hours provision. If this is a consideration for you please contact us prior to applying so that we can advise you further. Part-time students are able to complete some of their modules as asynchronous distance-learning modules.  

Most modules include weekly teaching sessions, giving you the opportunity to join with your colleagues to discuss and debate the topics being explored. These sessions are delivered in a range of formats that suit the module (these may include lectures, seminars, group work and practical workshops, for example). In addition, you will be given various pre- and post-session tasks and readings to support your learning.  

Typical contact hours

You will attend one or two 3-hour lectures and/or seminars each week during the Autumn and Spring Terms of modules plus research methods training lectures and seminars throughout all three terms.

Assessment types vary depending on modules selected but may be a mixture of assignments and oral presentations. You will also complete a dissertation based on an individual research project, with support from a research supervisor .  

Reading lists

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform .   

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue .    

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.   

Additional course costs

You may wish to undertake some research with children or young people that may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or a Certificate of Good Conduct for students from outside of the UK. A Certificate of Good Conduct can vary in price.

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Find out more about our additional course costs.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Your career

Graduates of this course would be well equipped to work in leadership positions relating to early years and children’s education, in addition to informal and non-formal educational institutions and organisations, including but not limited to NGOs, charities, local government educational provision.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Careers in Education
• Careers with Children and Young People
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year

Education Studies at Warwick

Education has the power to change lives

Education changes lives through teaching, coaching, training, and through work in local and global communities. What do you understand about that power? Bring your fascination for the way we communicate and learn to Warwick.

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Childhood in Society (MA)
• Drama and Theatre Education (MA)
• Drama Education and English Language Teaching (MA)
• Education (MA)
• Educational Innovation (MA)
• Educational Leadership and Management (MA)
• Global Education and International Development (MA)
• Islamic Education (PGA)
• Islamic Education: Theory and Practice (MA)
• Leading Educational Change and Improvement (PGA)
• Psychology and Education (MA)
• Research Methods in Education (PGA)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• Education (MPhil/PhD)

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your taught course fees  

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support.

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply.

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 opens on 2 October 2024.

Applications will close on 2 August 2025 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Explore ways to connect with us

We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

• Warwick hosted events
• Postgraduate Fairs
• Talk and Tours
• Department events

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK

of the UK's best universities (The Guardian University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

6th Most Targeted University

by the UK's top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd.)

69th in the World

out of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations (QS World University Rankings 2025.)

10th in the UK

for our 'Graduate Prospects' score. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

Gold Standard Teaching

Gold, the highest possible rating across all three categories (student experience, student outcomes, and overall) (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)

Page Updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff

Programs & Degrees

• Programs & Degrees Home
• Master's
• Undergraduate
• Professional Learning
• Student Voices

You are here

Master’s programs.

Master’s programs are full-time, intensive programs that integrate educational theory and practice. The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry and foster individual contact with faculty and fellow students.

Education Data Science (EDS)

Sep 12, 2024

Sep 22, 2025

The EDS program combines modern data science analyses and computational methods with a deep understanding of learning, schools, and education policy. With rigorous academics and real-world experience, the program prepares the first generation of education data science leaders.

Learn about EDS

Individually Designed MA (for current Stanford doctoral students)

The Individually Designed MA in Education is intended for doctoral students at Stanford who would like to earn a master's in education while studying for their PhD outside of the GSE. Students develop their individual program of study in consultation with a GSE advisor and must finish in three years. 

Learn about the Individually Designed MA

International Comparative Education / International Education Policy Analysis (ICE/IEPA)

ICE/IEPA addresses educational practice in a rapidly changing global context, in both less-developed and industrialized countries. Students examine such problems as the political economy of underdevelopment and educational planning in comparative perspective. The major research project requirement provides students the opportunity to develop excellent research skills.

Learn about ICE/IEPA

Learning Design and Technology (LDT)

Sep 12, 2024

LDT integrates powerful contemporary ideas about learning with emergent technologies to design and evaluate learning environments, products, and programs. LDT graduates bring their skills to bear in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, research institutions, and educational technology companies.

Learn about LDT

Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS)

POLS emphasizes the knowledge, theory, and skills necessary for effective leadership in a variety of education-focused organizations. Students design their own programs of study focused on pre-K-12 education, non-profit leadership, policy analysis, higher education, or a combination of these broad areas.

Learn about POLS

Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP)

June 23, 2025

MA + teaching credential

STEP offers both an elementary and secondary route. Both programs lead to teacher certification in the state of California, and both require intensive, supervised practice at school sites as well as academic course work that focuses on cutting-edge, school-based research.

Learn about STEP

The following degree program will not accept applications for 2025-26 enrollment. Please check back in July 2025 for more information about the 2026-2027 academic year:

Curriculum and teacher education (cte).

CTE is an individualized, research-intensive program intended for students with prior professional experience in education. 

Learn about CTE

Joint MA programs

Joint ma/jd in law and education.

The joint MA/JD degree combines study for the JD degree in law with an individualized program in education.

Learn more about the joint MA/JD

Joint MA/MBA in education and business administration

The joint MA/MBA allows students to pursue an MA in education at the GSE and an MBA at the Graduate School of Business. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MBA

Joint MA in public policy and education

The MA/MPP joint degree allows students in the POLS program to simultaneously pursue a master's in public policy from the School of Humanities and Sciences. Students complete both degrees in two years.

Learn more about the joint MA/MPP

"Many of the classes I've taken have helped me connect the dots on various educational issues and understand how institutions and education leaders have a role to play in improving the educational opportunities of all students, especially those from underserved populations."

Master’s graduates were employed (full time or part time)

STEP graduates hired as teachers

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To meet the Office of Academic Affairs:

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

• Contact Admissions
• GSE Leadership
• Site Feedback
• Web Accessibility
• Career Resources
• Faculty Open Positions
• Explore Courses
• Academic Calendar
• Office of the Registrar
• Cubberley Library
• StanfordWho
• StanfordYou

Improving lives through learning

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

Master of Educational Leadership

Entry requirements

• What will I study?

Future careers

How to apply, fees & scholarships.

Prepare for leadership positions with the UNSW Master of Educational Leadership. This postgraduate degree provides aspiring and current educational leaders with an understanding of theory, research, and practice in educational leadership.  

Gain the confidence to apply disciplinary principles and practices to complex educational environments as a school leader, principal or executive. Study the latest educational leadership theory and research at UNSW to deepen and expand your knowledge. Empower yourself with diverse practical and analytical skills for a range of educational leadership contexts.  

Key features

Build on your experience Tailor your coursework with a wide range of electives. Suit your interests and goals as an educator in diverse educational settings, whether within primary schools, secondary schools, universities, TAFE, or early childhood learning.   

Incorporate new leadership abilities related to your career goals, choosing from elective course options such as leading teacher learning, educational change, or coaching and mentoring other teachers; and leading as a teacher or instructor. 

Develop your specialisation  With support from a supervising academic, you’ll undertake a self-directed capstone research project. The project consolidates your new knowledge and skills and applies them to a relevant vocational issue. You’ll develop real-world experience that’s key to professional learning and your career. 

Flexible study options  You can study the UNSW Master of Educational Leadership through a range of flexible options, including online and blended courses, intensive school holiday courses, self-directed learning, and evening classes.

Subsidised course fees  You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in this degree. The Australian Government provides a limited number of CSPs to subsidise course fees for domestic students.   

Why study this degree at UNSW?

• We’re benchmarked with the highest global rating for Education research (Excellence in Research Australia)
• Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
• Learn through research-informed teaching
• Benefit from strong  industry links and partnerships
• Access world-class alumni connections
• Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities

Depending on your experience, there are three entry pathways to the Master of Educational Leadership.

One-year fast-track program

• A four-year bachelor’s degree or combined degree in education (including professional experience or practicum) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
• A recognised bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g., Graduate Diploma of Education or Master of Teaching) equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline*, plus three years of relevant professional experience and development**.

1.5-year program

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline* with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, OR
• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65% plus three years’ relevant professional experience** and development, OR
• An honours degree or graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

Two-year program

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.

* “Relevant disciplines” may include arts, humanities, media, psychology, social work, business, economics, languages, linguistics, communications, policy studies, behavioural sciences, and social sciences.

** “Relevant professional experience” may include roles such as teacher, trainer, coach, educational developer, languages teacher, lecturer, teacher of English to speakers of other languages, educational leader, and educational administration.

Credit transfer You can apply to have credit points from previous studies applied to the Master of Educational Leadership. The maximum credit transfer you can apply for is 50% (24 units of credit, or three courses). Recognised courses must have been completed within the last ten years, provided the content is relevant and/or meet BOSTES requirements.

Alternative entry pathways

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the Master of Educational Leadership, you may be eligible for the  Graduate Certificate in Education  or the  Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership. These can provide a stepping stone to the Master of Educational Leadership.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• English language tests and university English courses
• Prior study in the medium of English
• Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Depending on your experience, there are three entry pathways to the Master of Education.

1-year fast track program

• A four-year bachelor’s degree or combined degree in education, including professional experience or practicum, equivalent to the qualifications required for graduate teacher status in NSW or other Australian jurisdictions, OR

2-year program

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for the Master of Educational Leadership, you may be eligible for the  Graduate Certificate in Education  or the  Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership . These can provide a stepping stone to the Master of Educational Leadership.

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure.

Depending on your experience, you can complete the Master of Educational Leadership in one, two, or 1.5 years. Below is an example of what you would study in a one-year, full-time program.

• 2 Core courses
• 2 Educational Leadership electives
• 1 Research Methodology course
• 1 Project or a Minor Thesis
• 1-2 Education electives

Full program structure

Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

Below is an example of what you could study in a standard three-term, full-time year at UNSW if you choose to undertake the single-course Project, as opposed to the Minor Thesis.

• 1 Core course
• 1 Educational Leadership elective
• 1 Education elective

For further information on full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the  UNSW Online Handbook. 

Graduates of the UNSW Master of Educational Leadership have gained positions as principals, deputy principals, head teachers and education authorities in government departments. 

The excellence of research produced by UNSW is widely recognised among our peers in Australia and beyond. In the field of education specifically, our research is benchmarked with the highest global rating of 5 by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), the highest possible rating and well-above world standards. The NSW Institute of Teachers also endorses all subjects and degrees taught by UNSW's School of Education. 

Career opportunities

• Lead education in schools from all sectors

Applications must be submitted through our  Apply Online  portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.  Find out more .

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our  Apply Online  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our  international applicant information page .

Commonwealth Supported Places

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees  subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply . 

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website .

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the  UNSW fees website .

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit  UNSW International .

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

“I found that UNSW’s online courses had so much to offer. This meant that I could navigate my master's and continue my job.”

Christine Castle

High School Principal

Careers Unlocked: Will AI & Technology Enhance Creative Industries?

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture: Shape the Future Through Creativity

Love What You Do

Curating & Cultural Leadership

Planning and Designing Smart Cities

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

• Office Directory
• Add or Edit Profile
• Community Engagement
• Financial Management Practices
• Development and Alumni Relations
• Benefits and Services
• Employee Appreciation Programs
• The Five Functions of DEI
• Communication
• Recruitment
• DEI Dashboard
• 2020 Report
• 2019 Report
• Student Ambassadors
• Education Library
• Education Technology Services
• Graduate Studies
• Instructional Consulting
• Downloadable Resources
• Promotional Posting Guidelines
• Video Production Guidelines
• Research and Development
• Records and Reporting
• Dean's Advisory Board
• Service, Leadership, and Outreach
• Student Success
• Diversity Plan
• 100th Anniversary Book
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Targeted Engagements
• Global Gateway for Teachers
• Overseas Short-Term Study Experiences
• External Grant Opportunities
• Our Global Reach
• Faculty and Student Int'l Engagement
• IU Global Gateways
• Indiana Global Education Outreach
• Int'l Partnerships
• Visiting Int'l Scholars
• Int'l Student Ambassadors
• Academic Programs
• International Journals
• News & Events
• Int'l Student Resources
• P-12 School Engagement
• CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
• CAEP Accreditation Visit Call for Third-Party Comments
• SoE Data Dashboards (Faculty)
• Licensure Requirements
• Employment Outcomes
• Employer Evaluations
• Student Teaching Survey Reports
• Attrition & Completion Rates
• Graduate Survey Results
• Indiana Teachers of the Year
• Emergency Action Plan
• SoE Emergency Information
• School Violence
• Report Facility Issue
• TEP Application Guidelines
• Accessible Virtual Tour
• Field Trips
• Factor Future Educator Program
• Non-School of Education Scholarships
• Graduate Student Funding
• Student Emergency Fund
• Campus Financial Aid Resources
• Ask an Alumni
• INSPIRE Living-Learning Center
• All Programs
• License Additions
• Master's Programs
• Doctoral Programs FAQ
• Specialist Programs
• Certificate Programs
• Doctoral Minors
• Licensure Programs
• Transition to Teaching
• New Zealand
• Northern Ireland
• Navajo Nation Program
• Urban Program
• Overseas CASS Internships
• Teacher Spotlights
• IU Bloomington Students
• Guest Campus Students
• Partner Campus Students
• Student Spotlights
• Cost & Financial Aid
• Online Learning
• Tuition and Fees
• Registration
• Block Enrollment Course Information
• Student Teaching Registration Information
• Program Sheets
• Forms & Publications
• Credit Overload Request
• Four Year Plan
• Academic Calendar
• Undergraduate Bulletin
• Background Check
• Early Field Experiences
• Student Teaching Forms
• Preparation
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Student Organizations
• Student Testimonials
• Dean's List
• Report Your Concerns
• Scholarships
• Career Coaching
• Student Teaching Fair
• Health and Human Services Career Day
• Interview Day
• Explore Possibilities
• Get Experience
• Stay Connected
• Professional Distinction
• Educator Wellbeing Distinction
• Workshops and Training
• Recruiting Policies
• Classroom Presentations
• Graduation Deadlines
• Leave Policy
• Online Students
• Graduation Application
• Guidelines for Multi-Article Dissertations
• G901 Permission Request
• Qualifying Examinations
• 2023 Scholars
• 2022 Scholars
• 2021 Scholars
• 2020 Scholars
• Program-Specific Information
• International Student Ambassadors
• Student Affiliates in School Psychology
• Dissertation & Thesis Announcements
• Approved Core Inquiry Courses
• Holmes Scholars Program
• Initial Licensure
• License Renewal
• Licensing Outside Indiana
• Knowledge Base
• Graduate Bulletin
• Teaching with Technology Lab
• Support Services
• Volunteering Opportunities
• Faculty Directory
• Applied Psychology in Education and Research Methodology
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Chair's Welcome
• IST Conference
• Faculty Bookshelf
• Faculty Meetings
• Policies and Procedures
• Instructor Resources
• In Memoriam
• Office of Research and Development
• Spring 2024 Highlights
• Policy Reports
• Policy Briefs
• Data Visualizations
• Education Policy News
• CEEP in the News
• CEEPing Up with Education Podcast
• Evaluation Services
• Funded Research
• Research Findings
• Translation to Practice
• Equity in Action
• Overview and Project Timeline
• Analysis in Progress
• Presentations
• Accomplishments
• Teacher Study Group
• "Creative Paths to Peace" Grant
• Proffitt Internal Grant Competition
• Proffitt Summer Faculty Fellowship Program
• Tilaar Faculty Support Fund
• Cost-Share and Matching Funds on External Grant Proposals
• Current Visiting Scholars
• Become a Visiting Scholar
• Visiting Scholar Policies
• COVID-19 Entry Updates
• Flexible Workspace
• Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign
• Donor Spotlights
• Get Involved
• Submit a Nomination
• Alumni Magazine
• Alumni Board of Directors
• University Superintendent Search Team
• Counseling and Wellness Clinic
• Learning and Developmental Evaluation Clinic
• Current Cohort
• Past Cohorts
• Nominate a Teacher
• How to Apply
• Armstrong Teacher Panel Archive
• Current Jacobs Educators
• Past Winners
• Advisory Board
• Teachers' Examples
• Research-to-Practice Briefs
• Speaker Series
• Saturday Art School
• Past Lesson Plans
• Partners in Education (PIE)
• Maker Mobile
• Past Mentors
• HOPE Training Modules
• HOPE for Cadets
• AAC in Action
• Celebration of Excellence
• C&I Graduate Research Symposium
• Invited Sessions
• Visiting Bloomington
• Virtual Events
• Advisory Committee
• Education Law Resources
• Science Education Research Symposium
• Convocation
• Diggs Symposium

School of Education

M.s.ed. in educational leadership (online), educational leadership.

As an experienced teacher, you understand the challenges that schools and students face.

Now you can build upon your classroom experiences to address the challenges facing the next generation of leaders and develop innovative solutions and more effective organizations.

This challenging curriculum will deepen your leadership capacities, enhance your learning and professional growth, and help you to think critically about the challenges facing education today.

This program is designed for students who are interested in school leadership. 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.

Please note: An Indiana principal's license is embedded in our master's coursework. In order to qualify for the principal's license, a student must have taught as a licensed teacher or been a licensed counselor for two years. Students with no teaching experience are still welcome to apply to this program but will not be eligible for principal licensure.

Application Deadlines

Admission Requirements

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.

If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you are eligible for a reduced application fee of $35. Learn more »

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

Learn more about how to apply

Program Requirements

• M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Online) Requirements

Costs listed are per credit hour.

2023-2024 Academic Year

2024-2025 Academic Year

Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central .

Below is a list of potential resources for graduate students. Note: graduate assistantships are generally intended for students studying and working on the Bloomington campus.

• Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships available to graduate students.
• Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
• Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
• Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

This degree equips you to take on leadership roles in your school, district, or other educational organization and prepares you for licensing as a building-level administrator, superintendent, or director of exceptional needs.

• Request info

Our faculty

• Educational Leadership Graduate Student Portal
• FAQs for M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership

No GRE Required

for applicants with a degree from an accredited U.S. institution

• Fit in your schedule with 100% online courses
• Personalized academic support from admission to graduation
• Online students learn from the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus
• Online students have 24/7 tech support
• Online students have access to IU’s vast library system with cutting-edge research capabilities

Janet Decker

Associate professor and program coordinator.

Chad Lochmiller

Associate professor, educational leadership and policy studies department chair.

Christopher Lubienski

Professor; director, center for evaluation and education policy (ceep).

Michele Moore

Clinical assistant professor.

Frank Perrone

Associate professor.

Michele Moore ED 4230 (812) 856-1373 micdmill@iu.edu

Start your life-changing journey

Additional links and resources.

• From the Dean
• Strategic Planning
• Global & International Engagement
• Accreditation
• Measures of Success
• Emergency Preparedness
• Departments
• Undergraduate
• Annual Highlights
• Research Centers
• Research Initiatives
• Visiting International Scholars
• Undergraduate Portal
• Career Connections
• Graduate Portal
• Academic Resources
• Award Programs
• Youth Programs
• Maker Education
• HOPE Mentoring
• Virtual Tour
• Visit the School
• Distinguished Alumni Award

Indiana University Bloomington School of Education

SoE Knowledge Base

SoE Intranet (Legacy)

• Domestic or International?
• Current students
• My Courses 0

Master of Education (Leadership and Learning)

Build the knowledge and networks to become an inspiring leader. Advance your career in education and make a real difference in your organisation.

#1 in Australia for education and educational research*

#5 in the world for education and educational research*

Top 1% of universities for global research impact#

Saved Course

You have saved Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) to your saved items where it can be compared against other courses. Access saved items in the top right hand corner of the navigation. Courses are saved with cookies. Learn more about them.

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent*

*Dependant upon chosen research pathway, PhD pathway is delivered via 2 years part-time study.

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the  handbook

Course overview

The Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is a postgraduate degree for qualified teachers and educators looking to develop and enhance leadership capabilities. Are you ready to lead and inspire change in education?

Leaders in education are challenged to inspire new ways of thinking and learning in our communities. They foster growth and development of educational organisations in ways that are responsive to global and local issues. Studying a Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) is an opportunity ­­­­­to make a real difference in your organisation. Your interest and passion for educational leadership will be explored through practical learning experiences, supported by teaching staff with extensive research and education expertise. You will study eight units in total which can be completed in as little as 12-months if studied full-time, or 2 years if studied part-time, depending on your individual course plan. The four core units for this course have been designed to build your knowledge and skills in relation to (i) educational context, policy and leadership in challenging times, (ii) evidence, analysis and evaluation for educational improvement, (iii) leadership for staff development and well-being, and (iv) leading and managing innovation, change and improvement. You will be able to complete the full complement of eight units by selecting unit sequences chosen from additional combinations of research preparation units and a range of specialist elective studies. The course provides a pathway to PhD if you are interested in furthering your research.

Help build the knowledge, skills and networks necessary for inspiring and innovative leaders in education.

Course information

2025 course information

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) students must complete 8 credit points comprising:

Four (4) credit points of core units

• ECM720, ECM721, ECM722, ECM723
• Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001

And one of the following combinations* of research units:

Option 1: PhD Pathway

• 4 credit points of research units (EDX701, EDX712, EDX703, EDX704)

Option 2: Non-PhD Pathway

• 2 credit points of research units (EDX701, EDX707), plus
• 2 credit points of course electives from the recommended elective sequence units

*Please note students who complete four (4) credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the two (2) credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.

Research pathway/Elective unit

Total units

• Educational Context, Policy and Leadership in Challenging Times ECM720
• Evidence, Analysis and Evaluation for Educational Improvement ECM721
• Leading for Staff Development and Well-Being ECM722
• Leading and Managing Innovation, Change and Improvement ECM723

Option 1 or 2

• Research Design Development and Method EDX701
• Theory and Methodology in Education Research EDX712
• Research Paper A EDX703
• Research Paper B EDX704
• Independent Research Project for Professional Practice EDX707

Plus 2 credit points of course electives from a recommended elective sequence

Course Electives - Recommended Elective Sequences

Adult, Vocational Education and Training:

• Designing, Teaching and Assessment in Adult, Vocational Education and Training EEE735
• Contextualising Learning and Teaching in Adult, Vocational Education and Training EEE736

Applied Learning ^:

• Applied Learning: Theories and Practice ECN704
• Teaching Strategies for Vocational Pathways * ECN725

^ Not available for international students

* Includes a 15-day vocational education professional experience

Early Childhood:

• Diverse Environments and Pedagogies ECE731
• Teacher as Leader ECE733

Higher Education:

• Designing and Teaching Student-Centred Learning Programs in Higher Education EEE740
• Designing and Implementing Assessment for Learning in Higher Education EEE741

Inclusive Education:

• Teaching and Learning in the Inclusive Classroom EIE702
• Social Justice and Difference EXE732

International Baccalaureate:

• Assessing and Documenting Learning in the Global Early Years Context EIB703

EIB701 Inquiry Learning Through the International Baccalaureate (PYP) [No longer available for enrolment]

• Internationalising the Curriculum ETL715
• Pedagogic Grammar ETL705

Trauma-Responsive Education:

• Refugee Trauma and Education ETR701
• Trauma and Learning ETR703

Please note students who complete four (4) credit point research unit pathway will be eligible for a PhD pathway. Students who complete the two (2) credit point research unit pathway will not be eligible for a PhD pathway.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

• Start date: March

Trimester 2 - July

• Start date: July

Note: This is not an initial teacher education qualification. Students wishing to enter the profession of teaching should instead consider one of our five Master of Teaching courses or E737 Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute

Additional course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services .

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor honours degree or higher in a related discipline
• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
• other evidence of English language proficiency ( learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements )

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin. You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information.

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.  

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook .  Learn more about  fees and available payment options .

FEE-HELP calculator

What is fee-help.

FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

Estimate your FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP payments

per pay cycle

Take-home pay after FEE-HELP and tax

Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments

• $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) ( 8 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
• is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
• of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

*Disclaimer

Deakin University (Deakin):

• gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
• advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
• instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with  Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

• does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
• does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount );
• assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
• assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
• assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
• where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

Search or browse through our scholarships

Postgraduate bursary

If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

Some of our courses have limited places available - to browse those still open for application, visit courses by trimester.

To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal , enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video , or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry .

Apply through Deakin

Courses at Deakin are flexible and culturally inclusive. Explore the various ways you can apply to study this course - including through the NIKERI Institute and via the Indigenous Access Scheme.

How to apply

To learn more about what the Master of Education (Leadership and Learning) at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage . If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

Research Information

Students are introduced to research training through a one credit point introductory unit in research design & method; and this training is deepened through an additional research unit and/or completion of research via a Research Paper (two credit points).

Entry pathways

Applicants who have successfully completed a Deakin-provided Graduate Certificate course in an education-related study will be offered a guaranteed entry. 

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

• Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
• Live Chat : Monday - Friday
• Submit an online enquiry
• Help hub  find common and trending questions and answers

Career outcomes

• Looking for career progression in the education sector?
• Are you an emerging or experienced educational leader ready to be challenged?

With employment in Education and Training projected to grow by 149,600 by November 2026* there has never been a greater need for leaders in education.

Working across a broad range of educational contexts, including schools, early childhood education, higher education, vocational and professional education Deakin understands the career opportunities are significant and welcome the opportunity to help you achieve your goals.

Develop specialist skills to advance the careers of emerging and established educational leaders in various roles. You may be working in or aspiring to work in one of the following roles:

• School Principal
• School Assistant Principal
• Lead School Teacher
• Year Group Coordinator
• Higher Education Manager
• Early Childhood Director
• Early Childhood Assistant Director
• School or Faculty/Department Manager
• Educational Administrator
• Curriculum Leader
• Program Leader
• Organisational Development Manager
• Director – Corporate Services
• Corporate Education Lead

* Employment outlook Industry and occupation trends over the five years to November 2026, National Skills Commission, Australian Government.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT .

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Preparing educational leaders for leadership in challenging times

Discover how you can become a more effective and impactful educational leader through Deakin's Master of Education (Leadership and Learning). Presented by The Educator and Deakin University.

* U.S. News & World Report, Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2022–2023 # Time Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2021

Discover more

Which best describes you?

Domestic student

• an Australian citizen;
• an Australian permanent resident;
• an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;
• a New Zealand citizen.

International student

• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia;
• a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand;
• a resident or citizen of any other country, intending to study on a student visa.

We use cookies to improve your experience. You consent to the use of our cookies if you proceed. Visit our Privacy policy for more information.

Mills College

Educational leadership.

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program, in addition to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize research to inform leadership, meets the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC). The MA in Educational Leadership program prepares students for positions as administrators in K-12 public schools in the state of California. The PASC is required for administrative roles in all K-12 public schools in California.

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program, in addition to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize research to inform leadership, meets the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for an Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC). The MA in Educational Leadership program prepares students for positions as administrators in K-12 public schools in the state of California. The PASC is required for administrative roles in all K-12 public schools in California. 

The MA in Educational Leadership program emphasizes both developmental and constructivist approaches to education. School leaders learn to test theory in practice, anticipate consequences, and evaluate outcomes in a wide range of educational settings. Graduates have a strong record of becoming successful school administrators and leaders in educational transformation and school leadership. Graduates of the program are employed in 21 Bay Area school districts, including those in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. In this credential-based program, students earn both a master’s degree in educational leadership as well as a PASC credential. After earning the PASC, students may continue on toward a Clear credential, which certifies them to maintain employment as school administrators in California's K–12 public school system beyond the five-year preliminary credential. 

The curricula and pedagogy for the MA in Educational Leadership program is firmly rooted in praxis—combining both research and practice. Candidates are required to construct models of leadership that they can apply to real-life situations. The goal of the program is to develop reflective practitioners and thinkers. Application of theories, identification of concepts, and review of current research literature and exploration of documented experience with comparable problems will be part of the course content and field experiences that make up the program. 

From the beginning of their coursework, through the completion of their final field experience, candidates continually work to clarify and deepen their educational philosophy and sharpen their educational vision. To develop a philosophy of education and a vision of excellence, they will, through their courses and field experiences, read and understand contending philosophies and theories of education. Adult learning will be addressed through andragogy, a term used to clarify the curriculum development needs of adults. The MA in Educational Leadership program identifies the need for adults to be motivated to learn, to be active in the learning process, and to have the opportunity to integrate their past experiences with their present learning. The MA in Educational Leadership program will integrate California Administrator Performance Expectations competencies into the program in two field experience seminars, where students can practice their leadership while demonstrating mastery of CAPE standards. 

Learn more about how our programs meet the standards set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

More Details

Unique features.

• In-person, academically rigorous program
• Most classes meet once weekly, per semester, in the evenings to accommodate full-time work schedules. 
• Join a network of 21 Bay Area school districts

Program Objectives

• In one year (30 credits), meet standards for the PASC while attaining mastery of the California Administrator Performance Expectations ( CAPE ) competencies 
• Acquire mastery of leadership skills needed to serve as a school administrator in K-12 public schools
• Achieve readiness to submit the  CalAPA exam  assessment to outside reviewers during the final two semesters of the program

Career Outlook

Graduates of the program are employed in 21 Bay Area school districts, including those in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that California is the state with the fifth highest annual mean wage for kindergarten through secondary administrators, at $128,280 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2022). California elementary teachers earn an annual mean wage of $86,470, middle school teachers earn $92,350, high school teachers receive $94,600, and early childhood special education teachers earn $78,310 (BLS, 2022). For teachers seeking opportunities to earn a higher salary while working in a school-based position, continuing their education in an Administrative Services Credential program to secure employment as an administrator can significantly increase their wages.

Testimonials

—miles greene (class of 2020), high school principal at holy names high school in oakland, —sundown collins (class of 2023), educational leadership program, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education Ask about scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and external funding resources.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Letters of recommendation (2-3)
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Personal statement
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exam scores for applicants whose native language is not English

Program Prerequisites and Application Requirements

For those pursuing the PASC:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Passed all portions of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
• At least five years  of full-time teaching experience as a  credentialed teacher  with the credential issued by California or issued by another state or with a designated subjects services credential (e.g., counseling, librarianship, school health,  etc. )
• Students in their fourth year of teaching can apply

Learn more from the CTC  here.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Clinical/Fieldwork Experience

Clinical/field experiences occur at a school site where novice administrators grow their leadership capacity and learn through performance.

With the support of experienced mentors, candidates will:

• Coach teachers.
• Watch videos of their coaching sessions to improve their coaching skills.
• Receive feedback from their field experience instructors who have the dual role as faculty and former school principals.
• Receive feedback from mentors at their school site placements.

Confidently navigate the legal, ethical, social, and fiscal demands educational leaders will confront.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Dana E. Wright

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Leadership Positions and Examples of Jobs Graduates May Hold

• Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs)
• Director of Assessment and Evaluation at NPOs and Nonprofit Intermediary Organizations
• Director of Learning and Curriculum at NPOs
• Director of Instruction, Assessment, and Planning at NPOs
• Director of Special Education Services
• Director of Elementary Education
• Director of Secondary Education
• Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Vice Principal
• Educational Consultant
• School District Superintendent
• Director of Evaluation and Planning

Related Articles

8 Careers You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Education

12 top careers in higher education administration.

Top Higher Education Conferences To Attend in 2024

• Request Info

• B.A. in Professional Studies
• B.S. in Business Administration & Leadership
• See All Business
• B.A. in Education Studies
• See All Education
• B.S. in Healthcare Administration
• See All Healthcare
• See All Leadership
• See All Nursing
• See All Bachelor's
• Business Programs
• Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training
• Certificate in Content Area Instruction
• Certificate in Principal Preparation
• Certificate in Teacher Leadership
• Certificate in Teaching English Learners
• Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education
• Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education
• Florida Educational Leadership Program
• Healthcare Programs
• Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study
• Certificate in Texas Educational Leadership
• Nursing Programs
• See All Certificates
• Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
• Ed.D. in Instructional Technology
• Ed.D. in Leadership
• Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction
• Ed.D. in Special Education
• Ed.D. in Public Health Education
• Ed.D. in Nursing Education
• See All Doctoral
• Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education
• Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
• Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction
• Ed.S. in Special Education
• Ed.S. in Public Health Education
• Ed.S. in Leadership
• Ed.S. in Nursing Education
• See All Education Specialist
• M.Ed. in Educational Business Administration
• M.S. in Organizational Leadership
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• M.A. in Elementary Teaching
• M.A. in Secondary Teaching
• M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training
• M.Ed. in Advanced Studies
• M.Ed. in Biology Education
• M.Ed. in Chemistry Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

• M.Ed. in Educational Technology
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education
• M.Ed. in English Education
• M.Ed. in Health and Wellness Education
• M.Ed. in Higher Education
• M.Ed. in History Education
• M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology
• M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum
• M.Ed. in Literacy
• M.Ed. in Mathematics Education
• M.Ed. in Science Education
• M.Ed. in Social Science Education
• M.Ed. in Special Education
• M.Ed. in STEM Education
• M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
• M.Ed. in Teaching English Learners
• Master of Public Health
• See All Master's
• Micro-Credential in Early Childhood Special Education
• Micro-Credential in Learning Behavior Specialist 1
• Micro-Credential in Public Health and Health Leadership
• Leadership Programs
• See All Micro-credentials
• Find Your Course
• See All Courses
• Multiple Degree
• Find Your Program
• Academic Calendar
• Payment Options
• Grants and Scholarships
• Virtual Open House
• Education Solutions
• K-12 Education Partners
• Academic Partners
• Community College Partners
• Healthcare Partners
• Business Partners
• Non-profit Partners
• Support Services
• Tuition & Tech Support
• Alumni Achievement Award
• Success Stories
• Current Catalog
• Internship and Student Teaching
• Commencement
• Accreditation
• History and Mission
• Rankings and Accolades
• Social Responsibility
• Student Right to Know
• Annual Reports
• Regulatory Affairs
• Content Resources
• Education Specialist
• Certificates
• Micro-Credential
• Current Students
• MyACE Student Login

$9,500*

NEXT START DATE

Sep 30, 2024

COMPLETION TIME

AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

SEMESTER CREDITS

High Quality Online Education You Can Afford

• High quality you expect
• Low cost you deserve
• Flexibility you need

Let’s Get Started

Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.

Currently there are no programs available in your state. Please email us at [email protected] or call us at +1-800-280-0307 with additional questions.

• Select Your State * (Required) Select Your State *
• Degree of Interest * (Required) Degree of Interest *
• Program of Interest * (Required) Program of Interest *
• Preferred Start Date * (Required) Preferred Start Date *
• First Name (Required)
• Last Name (Required)
• Email (Required)
• Phone Number (Required)
• Zip Code * (Required)
• By clicking “REQUEST INFORMATION,” express consent is given to be contacted by American College of Education (ACE) regarding educational services by email, telephone, or text at the email address(es), telephone number(s) provided. Message/data rates may apply. I consent to receive auto-dialed/pre-recorded telemarketing calls from or on behalf of ACE. I understand my consent is not a condition to enroll or acceptance into any ACE academic program. View Privacy Policy .
• By clicking “VIEW OPEN HOUSE,” express consent is given to be contacted by American College of Education (ACE) regarding educational services by email, telephone, or text at the email address(es), telephone number(s) provided. Message/data rates may apply. I consent to receive auto-dialed/pre-recorded telemarketing calls from or on behalf of ACE. I understand my consent is not a condition to enroll or acceptance into any ACE academic program. View Privacy Policy .
• Hidden CRMVal
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Toggle Navigation

Designed for aspiring principals, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership 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.

This program is approved for principal licensure in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas. If you are seeking licensure in another state, you are still welcome to apply to the program but you also may need to satisfy other requirements set by your state for licensure, such as years of service or internship hours.

Quality You Expect

Our accredited programs are designed for working professionals who want a quality education. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content and relevant application.

Low Cost You Deserve

Because we’re 100% online, you only pay for the cost of delivering your education, not infrastructure like buildings or dorms. In fact, our affordability allows most of our students to graduate with no debt. We also offer over $2.5 million in scholarships and grants every year.

Flexibility You Need

Complete your coursework any time and anywhere there’s an internet connection. You’ll have access to academic resources 24/7, and highly responsive faculty and librarians. You decide how we fit into your life, not the other way around.

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Find a plan that fits your budget.

When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

Western Governors University

Walden university, purdue global, southern new hampshire university, university of phoenix, grand canyon university.

Source: Internal Research Completed on June 2023

Program Details

Focus of study.

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program instructs aspiring school administrators in current scientific research, pedagogy, and instructional technology. Students are empowered to maximize school effectiveness and improve supervision and leadership skills in diverse P-12 school settings. Students will develop the strategies required to lead for learning, including creating a school-wide vision and using data to inform decision-making. The program is aligned with Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) for effective leadership and is designed to create culturally aware and competent administrators.

Program Outcomes

• Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a school mission, vision, and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community.
• Understand and demonstrate the capacity to advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate and enact professional norms.
• Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive school culture.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems, supports, and assessment.
• Engage families, community, and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement, and advocate for the needs of their school and community.
• Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies, and regulations.
• Build the school’s professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture, and improve systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support, and professional learning.
• Conduct, synthesize, and apply research to promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult in the school.

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

September 30, 2024 Term

Sep 27, 2024

Payment Due

Application Due

Oct 04, 2024

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Nov 03, 2024

November 11, 2024 Term

Nov 08, 2024

Nov 11, 2024

Nov 15, 2024

Dec 15, 2024

January 06, 2025 Term

Jan 03, 2025

Jan 06, 2025

Jan 10, 2025

Feb 09, 2025

January 27, 2025 Term

Jan 24, 2025

Jan 27, 2025

Jan 31, 2025

Mar 09, 2025

February 17, 2025 Term

Feb 14, 2025

Feb 17, 2025

Feb 21, 2025

Mar 23, 2025

April 07, 2025 Term

Apr 04, 2025

Apr 07, 2025

Apr 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

May 19, 2025 Term

May 16, 2025

May 19, 2025

May 23, 2025

Jun 22, 2025

June 09, 2025 Term

Jun 06, 2025

Jun 09, 2025

Jun 13, 2025

Jul 27, 2025

July 07, 2025 Term

Jul 02, 2025

Jul 07, 2025

Jul 11, 2025

Aug 10, 2025

Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

Featured Faculty

Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.

Jason Cohen

Dana Kaminski

Michelle McCraney

William Smith

Erick Aguilar

Joeseph Clark

Audrey Donaldson

Deborah Lee

Amy MacCrindle

Marsha Phelps

Admission requirements, ace general admission requirements.

• Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
• Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
• Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
• Minimum Grade Point Average 2.75 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission
• Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission*
• Documentation of at least an initial teaching license (in the state the applicant resides), school service personnel license, or a school services certificate
• If applicants do not have a teaching certificate, they may document their teaching status by providing evidence of full-time teaching assignment from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resources official of the school at their current employment

*Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program

Arizona Specific Admission Requirements

• Submit an essay that describes desire to lead and leadership potential. 
• Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation 
• Acknowledge the requirement of having three years successful teaching experience to be eligible for Arizona principal licensure.

Florida Specific Admission Requirements

Submit an essay that describes desire to lead and leadership potential.

Submit two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s principal or direct supervisor. Both recommenders must include an evaluation of the applicant’s leadership potential. The supervisor’s recommendation must include an evaluation of the applicant’s instructional practice and performance of students at an “effective” or “highly effective” rating as evaluated by their two most recent performance evaluations through official district documentation or verification.

*If unable to receive supervisor verification of instructional experience and performance of students, applicants can submit their the last two years of performance evaluations showing a rating of  “effective” or higher in instructional practice and performance of student sections. 

Illinois Specific Admission Requirements

• Must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License
• Must have two years of teaching experience in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education or
• Four years of Support Personnel experience in the following area in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of Education in the following capacity:
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• School Nurse
• School Social Worker
• School Marriage and Family Counselor

Ohio Specific Admission Requirements

• Submit an Educational Leadership essay
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation with a written signature (or sent directly from the person’s email address) and a date

Texas Specific Admission Requirements

Texas Applicants: In addition to the applicable general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:

• Valid classroom teaching certificate.
• Complete an interview.
• Submit an Education Leadership essay.
• Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Teacher Service Record.
• Acknowledge the requirement of having two years of creditable teaching experience, as a classroom teacher, under a valid classroom teaching certificate to be eligible for Texas principal licensure.

The minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale for full admission is 2.50. To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements provisional admission is not permitted.

Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. Or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C)

To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, applicants who have been admitted, must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer.

Notes for Texas Educational Leadership Students

• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program performance over the past five years is available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Educator Preparation Compliance Reports website.
• Information about the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce can be found on the EPP website and from Texas Workforce Commission
• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program accreditation status is available on the EPP website and on the TEA Educator Preparation Data Dashboard.
• A criminal background check is required prior to employment as an educator (Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083) and candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching or practicum (Per TEC, §22.0835).
• Individuals who have been convicted of an offence as listed in Section 249.16. Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21 may be ineligible for issuance of a certification on completion of an educator preparation program. An individual has the right to request a copy of the criminal history evaluation letter as provided in Chapter 227, Subchapter B (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).
• Texas Educational Leadership Students who wish to seek principal licensure in Texas will need to achieve an 80% or better on a practice examination within six months of testing approval request as outlined in the Texas Approval to Test Policy.

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

• Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES -recommended agency.
• Texas applicants may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency .
• International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

• Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
• Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
• The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
• The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
• The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
• Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C) .

Texas Admission Requirements

• Complete an interview
• Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Teacher Service Record
• To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, admits must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer
• Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. Or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C)?

        Notes for Texas Educational Leadership Students ?

• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program performance over the past five years is available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA)  Educator Preparation Compliance Reports  website. 
• Information about the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce can be found  on the EPP website  and from  Texas Workforce Commission
• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program accreditation status is available on the  EPP website  and on the TEA  Educator Preparation Data Dashboard.
• A criminal background check is required prior to employment as an educator (Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083) and candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching or practicum (Per TEC, §22.0835).
• Individuals who have been convicted of an offence as listed in  Section 249.16.  Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21 may be ineligible for issuance of a certification on completion of an educator preparation program. An individual has the right to request a copy of the criminal history evaluation letter as provided in  Chapter 227, Subchapter B  (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).
• Texas Educational Leadership Students who wish to seek principal licensure in Texas will need to achieve an 80% or better on a practice examination within six months of testing approval request as outlined in the  Texas Approval to Test Policy .?

Master of Educational Leadership

Top 50 Globally in education and fourth in Australia. (Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022)

Course information for - 2025 entry Are you an Domestic International

Offered at 1 locations location online mt.

Are you looking to lead and influence change in education?

The Master of Educational Leadership is for aspiring educational leaders with an appetite to develop and expand lead effectiveness. Designed to support participants with varying leadership and career ambitions, this tailored degree is taught by active researchers and experienced practitioners integrating theory, theology, ethics, philosophy and research to enable you to improve your educational leadership practice.

You will delve into new ways of thinking about the purpose and task of education, and contemporary Catholic education in particular, utilising philosophical and ethical tools and processes, exploring theories of educational leadership, management and administration, and how to apply them appropriately to your own school culture and context.

Students will graduate with the skills, knowledge and networks required to connect, inspire and shape changing educational environments in positive and inclusive ways.

The Master of Educational Leadership is not an initial teaching qualification.

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

• management and administration
• educational leadership
• policy development

Course details

Course structure.

To complete the Master of Educational Leadership, a student must complete 120 credit points (cp).

View course rules

Please note : Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

Year 1 semester 1.

• Specified Units EDLE650 Foundations: Vision and Mission of Catholic Education in the Contemporary World 10 cp
• Specified Units EDLE654 Leadership in Context: Educational Narratives and Literacies for Learning Communities 10 cp
• Specified Units EDLE652 Educational Leadership as Vocation and Service 10 cp

Year 1 Semester 2

• Specified Units EDLE651 Leading Learning in Catholic Educational Communities and Cultures 10 cp
• Specified Units EDRS651 Educational Research Methods 10 cp
• Specified Units EDLE653 Integrating Capabilities for Renewal and Sustainability in Leadership 10 cp

Year 2 Semester 1

This unit must be taken in the final semester of the course.

Commencing Semester 2

Year 2 semester 2, year 2 summer term, graduate statement.

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Exit points.

A student who has completed 40 cp with 20 cp from specified units in the Schedule of Unit Offerings may exit with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership

A student who has completed 80 cp with 20cp from Specified Units and at least 20 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership.

Additional course information

On-campus units may be offered during regular semester or school holiday periods.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

• A recognised teaching qualification and a minimum of 3 years teaching experience; OR
• A Bachelor degree and a minimum of 3 years relevant leadership experience. 

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

View transparency admission information

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 7.0. Individual score of 6.0 in all tests.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of the course or unit.  Learn more about inherent requirements  and how they affect you, and explore the requirements for your course.

Further study

Graduates of this course may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs and/or research higher degree, doctoral programs.

Course costs

All costs are calculated using  current rates  and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• the number of units studied per semester;
• the choice of major or specialisation; and
• elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options  

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

Direct application

How to apply, domestic applicants.

Deferment is available for one year. Some specialisations may not run every year.  Find out more about deferment.

Staff Profile

Dr Paul Kidson

Course coordinator, national school of education.

Dr Paul Kidson is Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership and the Head of Postgraduate Studies in the National School of Education. He has extensive school leadership and governance experience, including 11 years as a school principal, which informs the highly practical orientation of his academic research. In addition to his academic research and leadership, he is a member of Australian Council for Educational Leaders (NSW) Executive Committee, a Fellow of the Institute for Managers and Leaders, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.

His research adopts holistic and interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on a range of academic disciplines and insights. Through this, he explores how school leaders work effectively within, and critically transform, their complex professional lives. This encompasses broader systems and policies which govern the work of educational leaders, as well as how school leaders develop and sustain their personal experience of leadership. He is part of a large-scale research projects on school leadership, and one of the lead researchers on Australia’s largest and longest running principal well-being research project, the Australian Principal Occupational Health and Well-being Survey. 

Professor Amanda Telford

Head of discipline postgraduate education, national school of education.

Professor Amanda Telford is a teacher and researcher in health, wellbeing and educational leadership within the National School of Education. She is currently the National Course Coordinator of the Master of Education and has over two decades experience in senior learning and teaching leadership roles as a former secondary teacher and academic across four universities including: Associate Dean (Education) Deputy Head of School (Learning & Teaching), Interim Associate Dean (Partnerships) and Director/course coordinator across three universities. These senior academic leadership positions have enabled her to develop a deep understanding of policy, processes and regulatory requirements of universities and governing bodies. Prof. Telford is a multi- award-winning teacher, researcher and author, she has co-authored over 100 learning and teaching publications including over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 45 textbooks and book chapters used nationally and internationally at secondary and tertiary level. She has collaborated on more than 40 research projects with a learning and teaching, physical activity, physical education and/or wellbeing focus. The CLASS instrument she developed as part of her PhD to assess children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour is used in over 40 countries. Prof. Telford was a Chief Investigator on the ARC funded 'Girls Get Going' study and more recently the NHMRC funded 'TransformUs' project designed to revolutionize the classroom through movement which has already reached over 500 schools. 

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT, Monday to Friday If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time answers to your questions.

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly asked questions.

For students

• Current Students website
• Email web access
• Make a payment
• MyExeter (student app)
• Programme and module information
• Current staff website
• Room Bookings
• Finance Helpdesk
• IT Service Desk

Popular links

• Accommodation
• Job vacancies
• Temporary workers
• Future Leaders & Innovators Graduate Scheme

New and returning students

• New students website
• Returning Students Guide

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture

• Wellbeing services for students
• Wellbeing services for staff
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East

Postgraduate Taught

MA Education Leadership and Management

• Postgraduate Taught home
• Education and Teacher Training
• Education Leadership and Management MA

Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.

Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »

• Explore and develop your understanding of education leadership and management theory, practice and research in relation to a range of local, national and international contexts
• Particular focus on the leadership of learning and the assorted technologies and techniques that seek to change and enhance learning outcomes and processes
• Our Education Studies module will provide you with a thorough grounding in education research, theory and practice
• Join a friendly, supportive community and learn from academics who are experts in their field and passionate about sharing the latest research
• Suitable for students from a range of subject, professional and career backgrounds including teachers, lecturers, administrators, education advisors, or other related professions

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Open days and visiting us

Get a prospectus

Programme Director:  Professor David Hall

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact*

Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021*

Top 150 in the world for Education

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Home to one of the largest Education libraries in the UK

Elective modules covering a variety of areas such as creative arts and special educational needs

Through taking this programme, I genuinely understand what educational leadership is and how to improve leadership effectiveness.

The facilities on campus are fabulous and each student has a personal tutor who can help us with almost everything which I appreciated! My dissertation supervisor gave me a lot of support, encouragement and advice which really helped me throughout the process.

Read more from Jiang

Entry requirements

For admission to the programme we would normally expect that you EITHER hold a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) combined with extensive post-graduation professional experience in an educational setting OR hold a 2:1 in a directly relevant subject area such as education, management sciences or one or more of the social sciences. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you have a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above, or more than three years relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Applicants are expected to have either previous experience of leadership and/or management roles within educational and related institutions and agencies or to have studied management, and/or leadership in previous undergraduate or postgraduate study.

We welcome applications from students who hold qualifications and degrees that are not in education. These may include degrees and qualifications undertaken in the social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, arts or business studies. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and every application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would encourage applicants to use their personal statement to indicate their interests in education and any relevant work experience.

Some modules require Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements .

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2 . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

This MA offers the opportunity to study the fascinating and constantly evolving field of education leadership and management. You will examine education leadership and management theory in relation to a range of local, national and international contexts and explore some of the major global trends in the field.

You will critically examine policy developments and undertake a study in this area within a setting with which you are familiar. The dissertation introduces you to educational research and supports you in designing and completing a small-scale research project on an educational topic of your choice.

Optional modules enable you to tailor your degree according to your academic or professional interests. You ‘ll choose from a range of topics such as technology or creativity in education and reflecting on educational practices or debating the big questions in education.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

A - Students must take either EFPM308 Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation OR EFPM331 Preparing for Education Inquiry Portfolio

Optional modules

Choose 1 of the following:

2024/25 entry

Uk fees per year:.

£10,300 full-time

International fees per year:

£24,300 full-time

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding »

Teaching and research

Teaching and learning.

Learning methods vary across our wide range of modules and may include:

• Personal tutorials
• Research supervision

Our Education Studies module provides a grounding in education research, theory and practice. Every other week students participate in activity sessions such as:

• A discussion and practical activity with a range of psychology practitioners
• Designing your own materials which might help to address racial inequalities in school
• Working with an expert in young people's relationships education
• Short series of pedagogy-focused sessions for students who want to work with young people in educational settings in the future

Facilities and support

You'll be assigned a personal tutor and have access to module tutors via face-to-face and/or email or online tutorials. You'll also have access to a range of support including lecture notes, presentations, film clips and reading materials through our online learning environment.

Campus-based modules are taught at the School of Education at the St Luke's Campus in Exeter, which offers an excellent range of specialist facilities and one of the UK's largest Education libraries.

Research-led teaching

You will join a vibrant postgraduate community at the School of Education, studying with some of the leading scholars in their disciplines.

You will benefit from our active research culture, which promotes the sharing of ideas and knowledge to encourage innovation. Our   research centres   provide a focus for research and discussion for academic staff, researchers and practitioners, and organise   seminar series , visiting speakers, conferences and other events.

The flexibility of this programme means it is ideal for students from a range of subject, professional and career backgrounds including teachers, lecturers, administrators, education advisors, or other related professions. 

Students considering an academic career and progression to PhD are advised to undertake the   MSc Educational Research .

Graduate destinations

The University has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and our students compete very successfully in the employment market. Our graduates have gone on to a range of careers in the UK and overseas with examples given below.

Please note that, due to data protection,   the job titles and organisations listed below are independent and do not correspond .

• Subject Specialist Teacher (including music, arts, drama)
• Special Needs Teacher
• Head of Department
• Arts Manager
• Educational Therapist
• Education Officer
• Dyslexia Assessor
• Headteacher/Principal
• Education Consultant
• Dean, Faculty of Arts
• Devon Education Authority
• Jersey States Education Department
• Plymouth City Council
• FEA Training and Development Centre
• Exeter College
• Hong Kong SAR Government
• Danish National School of Contemporary Dance
• Ministry of Education, Cyprus
• Saltash Community School
• University of Reading

Career support

Careers support including skills training, internships, jobs vacancies, employment fairs and other events is available through the   Career Zone .

Related courses

Creative arts in education ma.

St Luke's Campus

International Education MA

Technology and education futures ma, special educational needs ma.

View all Education and Teacher Training courses

Connect with us

Information for:

• Current students
• New students
• Alumni and supporters

Quick links

Streatham Campus

Penryn Campus

Truro Campus

• Using our site
• Accessibility
• Freedom of Information
• Modern Slavery Act Statement
• Data Protection
• Copyright & disclaimer
• Cookie settings

Streatham Campus in Exeter

The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

Find out more about St Luke's Campus.

Penryn Campus near Falmouth, Cornwall

Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

Find out more about Penryn Campus.

Module details

Info for Morgan State University

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Parents & Families
• Alumni & Friends
• For the Media

Search Morgan State University

Commonly searched pages.

• Payment Plan
• Housing Application
• Comptroller
• Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy
• Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Community College Leadership
• Comparative and International Education
• Higher Education and Student Affairs
• Mathematics & Science Education
• Urban Educational Leadership
• PhD in Education - Overview
• Program Delivery

The Ph.D. in Education equips students to systematically examine the theoretical and practical challenges evident across the P-20 educational pipeline to address the issue of inequity. The degree program will prepare individuals for careers in academia, research, and policy centers, as well as for high-level administration and curricular positions at educational institutions and agencies.

The program offers seven concentrations:

• Comparative and International Education 
• Higher Education Leadership
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education

The educational objectives for the PhD in Education are the following:

• To advance research on inequity issues within the full P-20 educational pipeline.
• To prepare students to use original and existing research to transform educational practice.
• To equip future educational researchers with innovative teaching experience and cutting-edge transdisciplinary research experience to become attractive job candidates on the academic market.
• To prepare candidates to create a collaborative learning community that integrates all the various educational contexts.
• To prepare candidates to be critical thinkers who focus on leadership, policy, ethics, and social justice.

Candidates for the PhD in Education degree must complete a minimum of 54 academic credit hours, pass the comprehensive exam, and submit and successfully defend a research-based dissertation. All students in the program will be expected to complete academic core and research courses of 27 credits and concentration courses of 27 credits. The concentration courses are presented on the the relevant pages and in the PhD Program Handbook .

The Core 27 credits consist of the following:

Academic Core (9 Credits):

• ASLP 600 Introduction to Doctoral Studies and Academic Writing (3)
• ASLP 640 Race and Public Policy in Education (3)
• ASLP 642 Equity and Social Justice in Education (3)

Research (15 Credits)

• ASLP 620 Introduction to Educational Research (3)
• ASLP 700 Methods of Inquiry (3)
• ASLP 710 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
• ASLP 712 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• *Students will complete an additional 3 credits of advanced research electives related to their chosen methodology.

Dissertation (3 credits)

• ASLP 997/998 (3)

The department offers different delivery options for each concentration. For a full listing please click here .

Students in concentration areas that offer both the High and Low Residency option will be required to select their delivery mode upon admission into the program. Students who wish to switch their delivery option will need to make a formal request to the program direction with an acceptable reason.

Prospective students should complete this brief interest form to be connected to a faculty member for more information.

Admissions Deadlines:

• Priority deadline for those seeking graduate student funding : January 15
• Assessment, Evaluation, and Research: March 1
• Community College Leadership: July 1
• Comparative and International Education: March 1
• Higher Education Leadership: March 1
• Mathematics Education: July 1
• Science Education: July 1
• Urban Educational Leadership: March 1

The School of Graduate Studies coordinates the application process. 

Our program offers three types of funding:

• Graduate Research Assistantships
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Tuition Awards

Many of our students also leverage their Tuition Remission benefits from local institutions like the   USM schools ,   JHU , or   Morgan State . Tuition Remission is determined and coordinated by your institution. We encourage you to speak with your HR representative about how to use these benefits. 

Contact Information

Dr. Frimpomaa Ampaw Chair Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy Banneker Building #315J

P: (443) 885-1908 E: [email protected]

Interested in Our Programs? Please contact us: https://forms.gle/YU6U6CcEDYyhSraj8

• Student Services Online
• Class search
• Student email
• Change my password
• MyCDES+ (job board)
• Course outlines
• Learning essentials
• Libraries and Learning Services
• Forms, policies and guidelines
• Campus Card
• Enrol in courses
• Postgraduate students
• Summer school

AskAuckland

• Student Hubs
• Student IT Hub
• Student Health and Counselling
• Harassment, bullying, sexual assault and other violence
• Complaints and incidents
• Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)
• Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS)
• Rainbow support
• Emergency information
• Report concerns, incidents and hazards
• Health and safety topics
• Staff email
• Staff intranet
• ResearchHub
• PeopleSoft HR
• Forms register
• Careers at the University
• Education Office
• Early childhood centres
• University Calendar
• Opportunities
• Update your details
• Make a donation
• Publications
• Photo galleries
• Video and audio
• Career services
• Virtual Book Club
• Library services
• Alumni benefits
• Office contact details
• Alumni and friends on social media
• No events scheduled for today You have no more events scheduled for today
• Next event:
• Show {0} earlier events Show {0} earlier event
• Event_Time Event_Name Event_Description
• My Library Account
• Change Password
• Edit Profile
• My GPA Grade Point Average About your GPA GPA not available Why can't I see my GPA?
• My Progress
• Points Required Completed points My Progress Progress not available All done!
• Student hubs
• Health and counselling
• All support
• Health, safety and well-being

Education and Social Work

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership PGDipEdLd

Grow your leadership capabilities to lead learning and provide high-quality, equitable learning opportunities for children and young people.

Breadcrumbs List.

• Ngā akoranga | Study
• Study options
• Find a study option
• You are currently on: Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership

Programme overview

This programme is designed to develop the knowledge and skills that aspiring and current educational leaders need to meet the need for high-quality, equitable learning opportunities for all children.

The courses are taught by nationally and internationally respected academic staff whose research has had a considerable impact on New Zealand’s educational policy and practice.

• Equips you with skills and knowledge to advance your leadership, career and salary prospects.
• Includes opportunities for workplace projects.
• Can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway into the Master of Educational Leadership.

Programme structure

• Entry requirements
• Fees and scholarships

Most courses are delivered through weekly lectures and on-campus block courses. Some courses are offered online as flexible self-directed study.

Requirement: 120 points

• 30-point core course: EDPROFST 738 Educational Leadership
• An approved Research Methods course (30 points): EDUCSW 700 Research Methodologies or EDUC 787 Māori and Indigenous Research.
• Two 30-point courses (60 points total) from recommended elective courses below or other 700-level courses approved by the Programme Head:

Elective courses

• Special Topic: Leadership for Learning (EDCURRIC 718)
• Special Topic: Accelerating Learning (EDCURRIC 740)
• Early Years Pedagogy (EDPROFST 716)
• Education Law: Policy Implications (EDPROFST 737)
• Educational Policy and Organisations (EDPROFST 739)
• Educational Leadership in the Electronic Age (EDPROFST 740)
• ECE Curriculum Issues (EDPROFST 751)
• Mentoring Teachers EDPROFST 762)
• Developing Mentoring Expertise (EDPROFST 769)
• Education and Empowerment (EDPROFST 774)
• Educational Change (EDPROFST 782)
• Special Topic: Culturally Responsive Leadership (EDUC 732)

See taught courses available at the faculty for your programme .

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment .

2024 entry requirements

Programme requirements.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution) and a professional qualification in teaching (or similar profession).

Note: If you already hold the same or a substantially similar qualification, you may not be admitted to this programme. This includes the Master of Education in Educational Administration, the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Management and the Master of Educational Management at the University of Auckland.

You will also need at least three years’ practical experience in teaching (or in a related profession) including experience in a formal or informal leadership and/or management role.

Further programme requirements

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements .

How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership cost per year?

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Start dates.

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year , including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

View our study pathways guide to help you decide whether this programme is right for you . 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your study options, please get in touch with our dedicated postgraduate coordinator:

Postgraduate Taught Coordinator Email: pgt@auckland.ac.nz Phone: +64 9 623 8899 ext. 48732

Where could this programme take you?

This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an outstanding leader in the education sector.

Jobs related to this programme

• Education consultant
• Policy development manager (education)
• Professional development facilitator
• School head of department
• School principal
• School senior leadership team member
• Senior teacher

Further study options

• Master of Educational Leadership
• Master of Education
• Master of Professional Studies

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services .

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Do you need help?

Your online help and support centre. Search our frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Need to speak to someone.

You can phone us directly.

Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership - Education Policy and Leadership Specialization, M.A.

Full-time, Part-time

March 4, 2025

June 30, 2025

• In-State - $12,540
• Out-of-State - $26,490

The  Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership - Education Policy and Leadership Specialization, M.A. program is an exploration of education policy, encompassing its development, implementation, and societal impacts on citizens, children and educators. The program was developed because what happens in schools directly impacts the world at large. In a time marked by rapidly changing education landscapes and pressing social needs, understanding and shaping education policy is crucial for creating equitable and effective learning environments. Ideal for aspiring scholars, researchers, policymakers, and educational leaders, this course of study equips you with the skills needed to address complex challenges and drive positive change.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Policy Studies : Cover various aspects of education policy, from its inception to its outcomes, across federal, state, and local government roles.
• Interdisciplinary Perspective : A curriculum that draws on diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives from social sciences and humanities.
• Flexible Program Structure : Tailor your program by including relevant courses from other specializations or programs, allowing for a customized learning experience suited to your career goals and interests.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge relevant to education policy and leadership, enabling critical analysis and evaluation of complex issues
• Develop proficiency in research methodologies and practices, empowering you to engage as a producer and critical consumer of education research
• Demonstrate professional competencies essential for effective leadership, including the ability to apply knowledge, critically assess research, and provide leadership within educational contexts
• Prepare students to pursue a Ph.D. in education policy related fields

This specialization opens the door to many dynamic careers, such as:

• Education Researcher
• Policy Analyst
• Educational Leader

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

Admission Requirements           Guide to Applying

Timothy F. Bryson, student

Courses in this program are carefully selected to give you a strong foundation and provide flexibility for your interests.

Degree Requirements          EDPL Graduate Student Handbook

Sep 17 Graduate Fair Expo Sep 17, 2024 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Sep 25 COE Open House Sep 25, 2024 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Benjamin Building Courtyard

• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to page content

Health and Physical Education

• Faculty & Staff
• Health Education
• Physical Education
• Leadership in Physical Education and Sport Coaching
• Homeschool Program
• Program Accreditation

The online M.Ed. in Leadership in Physical Education and Sport Coaching program prepares physical education teachers, sport coaches, and sport leaders who wish to extend their content, pedagogical, and leadership knowledge for improved professional practice in physical education, coaching, and sport settings.  Course work is designed to prepare physical educators and coaches to be leaders of, and advocates for quality physical education and sport or recreation programs.  The program emphasizes academic excellence, the pursuit of knowledge, the development of critical and analytical abilities, and the application of theory into practice so students will assume positions of leadership within the profession.

The degree prepares students to be master teachers, head coaches, department heads, and activities directors at the interscholastic level; assistant coaches, lecturers, and assistant or lead directors at the intercollegiate level; and to become actively engaged in leadership roles within professional organizations.  In essence, this degree is designed for those individuals who wish to improve and expand their professional teaching and coaching skills, acquire self-assessment skills, and develop supervision and leadership competencies.

The entire curriculum for this program is presented online via distance learning.  The online approach features course content presented in BlackBoard as well as readings from selected textbooks and journals.  Additionally, BB Collaborate, chat room sessions, and e-mail discussions of current topics and issues will be used throughout the program.

This mode of delivery provides students with the flexibility to complete course assignments and activities within their individual settings at a time when their job duties and responsibilities allow them to focus on the course work.

The courses in this program have been specifically designed to inform teachers and coaches about best practices to contemporary teaching, coaching, and leadership.  The underpinning philosophy requires that course assignments be mainly case study, project based, and relevant to practicing professionals in order that they can apply knowledge gained to their individual settings or other appropriate contexts.  This does not mean that some courses will not have exams.  Most courses will use a project-based format where students read and discuss content online and then apply what they have learned in authentic action projects that are shared online with others.  Some courses may require projects or field experiences related to observing, assessing, or teaching/coaching in K-12 or university settings.  There is no required course sequence.  Each individual student's program is developed in consultation with an assigned graduate advisor.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Admission requirements are as follows: 

• A 3.0 is needed to be considered for full acceptance into the LPES program.  Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be considered for conditional acceptance and will have to complete 6 graduate credit hours with grades of at least B to be considered for full standing.  Meeting these criteria does not guarantee automatic acceptance.
• Undergraduate degree in physical education, coaching, sport management, education, or related field.  Applicants with relevant expereince that hold other degrees will also be considered.

PLAN OF STUDY Required (9 credits): HPER 700   Research in Physical Education and Sport (3 credits) HPER 701   Leadership and Supervision (3 credits) HPER 712   Principles of Management (3 credits)

Electives (21 credits): HPER 705   Analysis of Sport Skill Instruction and Acquisition (3 credits) HPER 707   Sport in American Society (3 credits) HPER 708   Positive Youth Development Through Sport (3 credits) HPER 709   Laws of Leadership (3 credits) HPER 711   Physical Education Curriculum (3 credits) HPER 714   Legal Liability in HPER (3 credits) HPER 715   Teaching Concepts-Based Fitness (3 credits) HPER 731   Governance in Sport (3 credits) HPER 736   Ethical Leadership (3 credits) HPER 737   School-wide Physical Activity Promotion (3 credits) HPER 738   Adapted Physical Education HPER 739   SEL via the Adventure Education Instructional Model HPER 745   Organization and Administration of Coordinated School Health Programs

HPER 790  Graduate Seminar HPER 793  Individual Study HPER 794  Internship

COURSE ROTATION

To Apply:   Please visit https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/apply  and follow the domestic and international procedures.  Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis and students may commence their studies in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.  Students should indicate on their application if they desire to begin their course work during fall, spring or summer semester.

RESOURCES Graduate Catalog Course Descriptions FAQ Tuition and Fees What Students Are Saying About the Program LPES Video

Contact Information: Dr. Jenny Linker, Program Coordinator HE/PE and LPES NDSU School of Education Phone: (701) 231-8676 Email:  [email protected]  

Master's Degree program at North Dakota State University recognized by President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition as NYSS Champion SM to Promote Participation in Youth Sports

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes the Leadership in Physical Education and Sport (LPES) Master's degree program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) as one of the first organizations to joing the National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion program.  The NYSS is the first Federal roadmap with actionable strategies to increase participation in youth sports, increase awareness of the benefits of youth sports participation, monitor and evaluate youth sports participation, and recruit and engage volunteers in youth sports programming.  As an NYSS Champion, NDSU's LPES program faculty have demonstrated their support of youth sports and a commitment to the NYSS vision.

Quick Links

• School of Education
• Admission to Teacher Education
• Office of Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admission
• Scholarships & Financial Aid
• Make a Donation
• Follow Us on Facebook

• Follow University of Limerick on Facebook
• Follow University of Limerick on X/Twitter
• Follow University of Limerick on Instagram
• Follow University of Limerick on LinkedIn
• Follow University of Limerick on YouTube
• Follow University of Limerick on TikTok
• Search University of Limerick website

School Leadership - Postgraduate Diploma

Course details.

• Share via twitter
• Share via facebook
• Share via brands/linkedin
• Share via whatsapp
• Share via email

Contact(s):

Read instructions on how to apply

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

Prepare to lead.

The  Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership (PDSL) / Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS)  is designed to prepare aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, confidence and qualifications for senior school leadership positions.

Progress your career

This programme addresses the areas of leadership capacity published by the Department of Education and Skills in Looking at our School (2016)

Learn from experienced educational leaders

Delivered by leading lecturers in Irish education as well as tutors with extensive experience in educational leadership

Robust mix of academic & practical learning

In addition to learning about the theory and practice of leadership, participants will also experience two situated learning opportunities (leadership visits) over the duration of the programme. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and apply the knowledge and skills acquired through situated learning experiences that provide opportunities to observe leadership in action

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

John F. Kennedy, former President, USA

Delivery partners

The programme is a collaboration between the Schools of Education at UG, UCD and UL - it is supported by Graduate and Professional Studies at UL and is taught by key academic team leaders and researchers.

The programme is jointly awarded by the University of Limerick, University of Galway and University College Dublin.

The  Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership  is a part-time, blended learning programme consisting of six taught modules delivered in 12-week semester-long blocks during the academic year. Students attend an induction day in University of Limerick before commencement in year 1.

Download full programme details

Download full programme details as Gaeilge

Course delivery

Flexible and progressive, blended learning model.

Online, asynchronous content - released once a week during each semester. Participants are expected to engage with this material in preparation for the face-to-face tutorial/ workshops (see below). This online material will typically involve readings, watching short videos, engaging with podcasts and other media on that week’s theme.

Linked to each module's lectures, and in keeping with our blended delivery model there will be 12 tutorials, approximately 60% face-to-face sessions and 40% online.

Sraith Gaeilge will differ and will be delivered predominantly online.

Sraith Ghaeilge an Chúrsa

Beidh sraith ar leith sa chlár do cheannairí uaillmhianacha i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge an Dioplóma Gairmiúil i gCeannaireacht Scoile (DGCS). I ndearadh agus i dteagasc na sraithe seo, beidh sé tábhachtach go mbeidh tuiscint dhomhain ag mic léinn ar na heochairchoincheapa agus saincheisteanna i litríocht na ceannaireachta agus go mbeidh ar a gcumas iad a chur i bhfeidhm i gcomhthéacs an oideachais trí Ghaeilge. Ceann de príomhaidhmeanna na sraithe Gaeilge ná éascú agus saibhriú a dhéanamh ar phlé na ceannaireachta ionas go ndéanfaidh rannpháirtithe an plé agus cumarsáid trí Ghaeilge sna ranganna teagaisc le feidhm a bhaint as a gcuid taithí sa chómhthéacs lán-Ghaeilge.

All modules and course activities will be scheduled during out-of-school hours i.e. evenings & weekends.

National programme

A partnership of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has been established to deliver this course, achieved by having distributed centres for the delivery of teaching and tutorial support nationally. All applications  must be made directly  to the University of Limerick.

Designated centres are located nationally.

Our 2024 centres:

• Sraith Ghaeilge Online
• Athlone Education Support Centre
• Cork Education Support Centre
• Dublin North (TU Dublin Blanchardstown)
• Dublin South (Blackrock Education Centre)
• Laois Education Support Centre
• Tralee Education Support Centre
• University of Galway (Programme Partner)
• University College Dublin (Programme Partner)
• Limerick Education Support Centre
• Monaghan Education Centre
• Online (restrictions apply)

Students will be asked to specify their 1st & 2nd preference centres when applying. ** Specific criteria apply to the online centre. These include the applicant's school must be at least 80 mins (one way) travel time by car

Expert lecturers and tutors

Our lecturers and practitioners are experienced professionals and experts, with a robust mix of both professional and academic backgrounds. Students are exposed to the latest and most relevant lessons and course content.

The Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership lecturers are supported by a team of practising educational leaders from the primary and post-primary sector

Patricia Mannix McNamara Course Director, Associate Professor of Education and Head of Education, University of Limerick

Gerry Mac Ruairc Professor of Education and Head of the School of Education, University of Galway

Paul Conway Professor of Teacher Education in the School of Education, University of Limerick

Mary Fleming Senior Lecturer in Education and recent Head of the School of Education University of Galway.

John O'Sullivan Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, School of Education, UCD

Semester 1:  September - December

•  Induction - University of Limerick
•  Leading Learning and Teaching in the Irish context
•  Professional Growth and Development
•  Leading International Expert in Leadership Webinar

Semester 2:  January - May

•  Leading School Development
•  Mentoring and Coaching
•  Situated Learning - School Based
•  Leading International Expert in Mentoring/Coaching Webinar

Semester 3:  September - December

•  Managing the Organisation
•  Developing Leadership Capacity
•  Situated Learning - Organisation
•  Leading International Expert in School Development/Leadership Culture Webinar

Participants are expected to devote time each week for engaging with module content and class interaction as well as independent study.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants for this programme must meet the following eligibility criteria and provide all required information by the  application deadline outlined in the FAQ .

Academic entry requirement

NFQ 8 (Hons) and Teacher Education Qualification.

Registration status

This course is open to all qualified teachers who hold a recognised post in a recognised primary or post primary school, and who are fully registered with the Teaching Council under the appropriate Teaching Council Registration Regulation i.e. Regulation 2 or 4 of the Teaching Council (Registration) regulations 2009 up to 25th July 2016 or Route 1 or 2 of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016 and The Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 thereafter.

Position and experience

Applicants must have a minimum of five years post-qualification experience as a practising teacher. and must have a teaching position in a primary or post-primary school recognised and funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

Declaration

Evidence in writing from the principal of the participant’s school confirming that the teacher (at the time of application) holds a teaching position in the school and is not on secondment.

This course is open to approximately 300 participants.

Ready to apply?

Upload documents and academic information.

Gather the required documents listed below and complete the GPS application form using the button below. You will have an opportunity to return to your GPS application and submit any outstanding documents if they become available later. Applications without all required information and documentation will not be eligible for entry to the programme.

 Documents to include:

Evidence in writing from the principal of the participant’s school confirming the school is in receipt of Department funding, that the teacher (at the time of application) holds a teaching position in the school and is not on secondment; Please note if you are a teacher you only need your Principal to sign the form.  If you are the Principal you need the Chairperson of the school to sign the letter.

Download the declaration letter.

• Certificate of your Teaching Council Registration  
• Results for examinations mentioned on your application form and/or confirmation of the award. Graduates of UL need only provide us with their UL Student ID number.
• Certified translations of your award and transcripts, if they are not in English.
• A copy of passport for verification of photo and full legal name.

Additional information request

Once your application has been received and verified by the Graduate and Professional Studies Department you will emailed a link to provide us with some additional information. This will allow you to identify your preferred regional centre(s) and confirm your acceptance of the programme's terms and conditions. Please be aware due to the volume of applications we receive for the programme it may take a week or more for your personalised link to be sent to the email address you provided in your GPS Application.

Once we have reviewed your application, we will be in touch.

The course is part funded by the Department of Education and Skills

Each participant pays  €2,000  towards the overall cost of the course  and the remainder of the programme fees  cost per participant is funded by the DES/CSL. Successful applicants who are offered a place are required to pay an acceptance fee of €250 to secure their place. This will be deducted from the €2000 student fee.

Where a teacher is accepted as a participant on a course on the basis of the above eligibility criteria and it subsequently becomes apparent that the teacher was not in fact eligible for participation, the teacher will be allowed to remain on the course on condition that they pay the balance of the course fees to the university.

When a participant withdraws from the course after the first two months, they will forego their fees and will not be eligible for future participation, except in exceptional circumstances.

• Follow University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies on facebook
• Follow University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies on twitter
• Follow University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies on instagram
• Follow University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies on youtube
• Follow University of Limerick Graduate and Professional Studies on tiktok

Graduate and Professional Studies

+353 (0)61 234377 University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Contact Us  | Download Prospectus |  Sign up to stay informed  |  Quality and Feedback

Cookie Notice

This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies.

International Fellowships

Funding: $20,000–$50,000 Opens: September 3 Deadline: November 15

International Fellowships have been in existence since 1917. The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. A limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country) to women who are members of Graduate Women International (see the list of GWI affiliates ). Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported.

Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and must have applied to their proposed institutions of study by the time of the application. Recipients are selected for academic achievement and demonstrated commitment to women and girls.  

Recipients return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, and the arts or scientific fields.  

Award Amount

Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000 Doctoral: $25,000 Postdoctoral: $50,000

September 3, 2024 Application opens.

November 15, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Deadline for online submission of application, recommendations, and supporting documents.

April 15, 2025 Notification of decisions emailed to all applicants. AAUW is not able to honor requests for earlier notification.

July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 Fellowship year

When a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the date will be observed on the following business day.

Eligibility

• International Fellowships are not open to previous recipients of any AAUW national fellowship or grant (not including branch or local awards or Community Action Grants).
• Members of the AAUW board of directors, committees, panels, task forces and staff, including current interns, are not eligible to apply for AAUW’s fellowships and grants. A person holding a current award is eligible for election or appointment to boards, committees, panels and task forces.
• International Fellowships are open to women, including people who identify as women, in all fields of study at an accredited institution of higher education or, for postdoctoral fellows, research. AAUW will make final decisions about what constitutes eligible institutions.
• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply.
• Have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. or possession of a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S. Women who are currently, or expect to be during the fellowship year, a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or dual citizen with the U.S. and another country are not eligible.
• Hold an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree completed by the application deadline .  
• Intend to devote themselves full-time to the proposed academic plan during the fellowship year.
• Intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career upon completion of their studies.  
• Be proficient in English and confirm proficiency by submitting one of the Required Components (see below), which include certain English proficiency exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement verifying English is the applicant’s native language. Applicants planning to take one of the accepted English proficiency exams should plan for and take the test as early as possible. Please direct questions about the tests to the test provider.
• Master’s/first professional degree and doctoral applicants must have applied by the AAUW application  deadline, to an accredited institution of study for the period of the fellowship year and must indicate the name of the institution in the International Fellowship application. While acceptance is not required at the time of application, fellows must provide official confirmation from the institution with their award acceptance materials.  
• Master’s/first professional degree fellowships are intended for master’s or professional degree-level programs such as J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., or medical degrees such as M.D., D.D.S., etc. Certificates, associate degrees, and undergraduate degrees are ineligible.
• Doctoral fellowships are intended for doctorate degrees classified as research degrees, such as Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Postdoctoral applicants must provide proof of their doctorate degree; hold a doctorate classified as a research degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D ., D.B.A., D.M .) or an M.F.A. by the application deadline ; and indicate where they will conduct their research.  
• Master’s/first professional degree and doctoral applicants must be enrolled in a U.S.-accredited institution located in the U.S. during the fellowship year.  
• A limited number of awards are available to Graduate Women International members for study or research in any country other than their own. Note that foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered outside of the U.S.
• Applicants can apply for the fellowship for any year of their program but must be conducting a full year of study or research. International Fellowships do not provide funding for a partial year of study or research. Programs ending prior to April of the fellowship year are not eligible.
• Distance learning/online programs: Master’s/first professional degree and doctoral fellowships support traditional classroom-based courses of study at colleges or universities. This fellowship program does not provide funding for distance-learning or online programs or for degrees heavily dependent on distance-learning components. Final decisions about what constitutes distance learning under these fellowships will be made by AAUW. AAUW will accept applications from applicants who are temporarily studying remotely due to COVID-19 precautions at their institution.

Criteria for Selection and Application Review

The panel meets once a year to review applications for funding. Awards are based on the criteria outlined here. Recommendations by the panel are subject to final approval by AAUW. Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis according to funds available in a given fiscal year.

To ensure a fair review process, AAUW does not comment on the deliberations of its award panels. AAUW does not provide evaluations of applications. No provisions exist for the reconsideration of fellowship proposals. Applications and supporting documents become the sole property of AAUW and will neither be returned nor held for another year.  

• Applicants residing in their home country at the time of application, from developing/emerging countries, or from an underrepresented group in any region, will receive special consideration.
• Position on return to home country.
• Academic and/or professional qualifications.
• Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls in home country.
• Proposed time schedule.
• Quality and feasibility of proposed plan of study or research.
• Demonstrated evidence of prior community and/or civic service in home country.
• Applicant’s country’s need for specialized knowledge or skill.
• Financial need.
• Motivation for graduate study or research.

Regulations

International Fellowship funds are available for:

• Educational expenses.
• Living expenses.   Dependent child care.  
• Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars that do not exceed 10% of the fellowship total.  

International Fellowship funds are not available for:

• Purchase of equipment.  
• Indirect costs.  
• Research assistants.  
• Previous expenditures, deficits, or repayment of loans.  
• Publication costs.  
• Institutional (overhead) costs.
• Tuition for dependent’s education.  
• Grants-in-aid for less than a full academic year or travel grants.  
• Travel to or from a fellow’s home country.  
• Travel to or from the fellow’s research location, if abroad (does not apply to fellows who are GWI members with AAUW approval to study or research in a country other than their own).    

AAUW regards the acceptance of a fellowship as a contract requiring the fulfillment of the following terms:

• All International Fellowship recipients are required to sign a contract as an acceptance of the award. Retain these instructions as they will become part of the fellowship contract if the applicant is awarded a fellowship.  
• An International Fellow is expected to pursue their project full-time during the fellowship year (July 1–June 30). No partial fellowships are awarded. Fellowships may not be deferred.
• Any changes in plans for the fellowship year must have the prior written approval of AAUW. AAUW must be notified promptly of any change in the status of an application resulting from the acceptance of another award.  
• Fellows may spend up to two months traveling abroad for research related to their project plan with prior written approval of AAUW.
• Postdoctoral fellows cannot pursue a degree during the fellowship year.
• Up to five International Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowships are renewable for a second year. Fellows will receive application information for this competitive program during their fellowship year.
• Stipends are made payable to fellows, not to institutions.
• With some exceptions based on relevant tax statuses and treaties, the fellowship stipend is subject to a 14 or 30 percent tax. AAUW will withhold these funds for payment to the Internal Revenue Service.
• The determination of whether there is a tax obligation associated with the receipt of an AAUW award is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Specific questions regarding income tax matters should be addressed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the applicant’s financial aid office or a personal tax adviser. AAUW cannot provide tax advice. AAUW is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity founded for educational purposes.
• Responsibility for securing visas and other documents , and following policies associated with visas, rests solely with the fellow.  

Required Components*

Start the application process by clicking the Apply Now button below to access the application and create an account through our vendor site. Complete all required components in the following areas.

• Provide two recommendations from professors or professional colleagues well acquainted with the applicant, their work, and their academic background, in striving towards scholarly pursuits. When possible, recommenders should be professors or professional colleagues in the applicant’s home country who can speak about the applicant’s qualifications and about the country’s need for the specialized skill or knowledge they plan to acquire with their proposed study or research. AAUW does not accept references from dossier services, such as Parment or Interfolio.
• Transcripts** must include a list of courses taken and grades received.
• If the institution does not provide a transcript or a list of courses taken and grades received or the degree did not require coursework, an official letter from the institution where the degree was received that includes the degree completion date must be uploaded.
• Do not upload copies of additional certificates or other documents the applicant may have received during their education.
• Transcripts must include a list of courses taken and grades received.
• Many transcripts do not include current coursework. If fall 2023 semester grades are not available and are not on your transcript, a list of courses taken that semester must be provided by the institution’s Office of the Registrar.
• If the institution does not provide a transcript or a list of courses taken and grades received or the degree did not require coursework, an official letter* from the institution where the degree was received that includes the degree completion date must be uploaded.
• Transcript showing degree and date received (must be on or before application deadline ).  
• Official letter from institution where degree was received that includes the degree completion date.
• Copy of diploma showing date degree was received (must be on or before application deadline ).  
• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): 79
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
• Cambridge Assessment: 176  
• Written statement verifying the applicant’s native language is English.
• Secondary diploma or undergraduate degree is from an English-speaking institution.
• One semester of full-time study in the applicant’s discipline at an English-speaking institution between November 202 1 and November 202 3.

*A certified English translation is required for all components provided in a foreign language. Translations must bear a mark of certification or official signature that the translation is true and complete.

**All transcripts provided must include the applicant’s full name, the school’s name, all courses, and all grades, as well as any other information requested in the application instructions.

See More Fellowship and Grant Opportunities

For questions or technical support from ISTS, our technical consultant, please email [email protected] . Enter AAUW-IF if the website prompts you for a program key. We encourage applicants not to opt out of communications from ISTS, to ensure you receive important communications from AAUW.

Thanks to AAUW’s International Fellowship (1992-93), I graduated Harvard Kennedy School … then joined the UN working for democracy and gender equality. I really want to thank you.” Mikiko Sawanishi, deputy executive head, United Nations Democracy Fund and 1992-3 International Fellow

Meet a Recent International Fellow

Alexandra Semma Tamayo has worked as a forensic anthropologist at the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Villavicencio, Colombia. Her multidisciplinary approach to the identification of missing persons from enforced disappearance has helped bring justice to the families in armed conflict contexts. As an international fellow, her research in fracture patterns observed in gunshot wounds will be extremely helpful in improving the accuracy in trauma interpretation when working with human-rights violations.

Meet Our Alumnae

Tererai Trent

2001–02 International Fellow and scholar, motivational speaker and humanitarian. She founded Tererai Trent International, whose mission is to provide quality education in rural Africa. Oprah Winfrey named Trent as her all-time favorite guest. In 2017, Trent received the AAUW Alumnae Recognition Award.

Mahnaz Rezaie

2014–16 International Fellow and photojournalist, filmmaker and writer who advocates for the rights of Afghan women. She was honored at the 2014 Women in the World Summit for her short film exploring how wearing a hijab in the U.S. affected her relationships.

Sofia Espinoza Sanchez

2013–14 International Fellow and Peruvian molecular biochemist researching cancer and neurological disorders. She also co-directs the Research Experience for Peruvian Undergraduates program.

Subscribe to our newsletter

You must enable JavaScript to sign up.