online programs for educational leadership

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.

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Courses and certificates.

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• Communications – B.S.
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• 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)

Master's Degrees

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• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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• Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed. (from the School of Education)

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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.
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• 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)
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• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
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• MBA Information Technology Management (from the School of Business)
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• 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)
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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Earn Your NYU Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation.

Organizational change starts with an online doctorate in leadership and innovation from NYU. Leverage your knowledge and skills in transformational leadership roles to create new, sustainable solutions to systemic institutional challenges with your EdD.

The application for the January 2025 cohort is now open. Extended deadline is September 2.

Our online leadership and innovation doctorate at a glance

Blending academic theory and real-world practice, NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than an online degree. It’s a unique program that provides working professionals with the tools to harness transformative change in their organizations and beyond.

three-day immersive residency at a global NYU site

hours per week

Average time commitment, including classes, will vary

total credits at the doctoral level

per credit hour

Based on 2024–2025 tuition rates

Minimum time to degree completion 1

EdD program overview

NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than a doctorate program. It’s a cohort of professionals, faculty , and distinguished cross-sectoral leaders from spaces such as:

• For-profit companies
• Higher education
• Nonprofit and philanthropic organizations
• Public and governmental organizations

We examine the most important issues cross-sectoral leaders face today and discover solutions that make change possible for tomorrow. We apply an academic lens to myriad sectors so students graduate from the doctoral program with the core competencies for impactful director and executive-level career options.

The research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking involved in students’ strategic design and implementation of a change management project are assets that students will bring to current and future employers.

The Problem of Practice

While many doctoral programs require students to complete a dissertation, NYU Steinhardt challenges students to examine and create an academically informed solution to a persistent organizational problem throughout the EdD program. This unique project is called the Problem of Practice (POP) , and it enables students to create real value for their organizations.

“We want students to have a collaborative experience in which they ignite a transformation in education from across sectors.” DR. NOEL S. ANDERSON FOUNDING FACULTY

Explore the cohort model design

When students work together, they leverage their unique leadership skills and professional experiences to develop new ideas and effect sustainable change. That’s why the cohort model is a defining feature of NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation program. Traveling the curriculum together, students develop a common problem-solving language and discover new solutions to old challenges. Best of all, since courses run continuously through Summer and January terms, students earn their degree in 24–28 months, a duration that’s among the shortest in the country relative to other education doctorates.

Great minds, thinking differently

Our program unites experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds who share their unique perspectives on real-world challenges. By giving them the space to question, explore, and take risks, we foster innovation, resulting in new solutions to persistent organizational problems.

A collaborative system of support

For the duration of the program, faculty serve as mentors, supporters, challengers, and advocates, bringing decades of leadership experience to their partnership with students.

Built for immediate action

Students can complete their degree in as few as 24 continuous months, preparing them to create sustainable and scalable change at their organizations in their leadership roles.

Who is this program for?

The NYU online Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation is different by design. More than an educational leadership program, it’s a global cohort of cross-sector professionals motivated to create real change in their fields. Diverse leaders from the worlds of business, government, nonprofits, healthcare, and education seek out our program to be challenged to think beyond their areas of expertise – and to create new solutions and catalyze change in their organizations.

Current and former students’ employers include:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• The World Bank
• NYC Department
of Education
• The Millennium School – Dubai

Current and former students’ job titles include:

• Chief executive officer
• Chief learning officer
• Senior director of global security
• Head of diversity, equity & inclusion
• Program manager, behavioral health
• Military officer
• Director, office of educational assessment
• Adjunct faculty

Students represent a global cohort whose diverse voices are informed not only by the work they do, but from lived experiences around the world. 

The NYU EdD addresses the needs of full-time working professionals with a rigorous online Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation program that can be completed in as few as 24 months.

Three-day immersive residency

At the beginning of the program, your cohort will convene at NYU to meet, discuss your professional experiences, and examine the persistent challenges you face in your organizations. The residency will deepen students’ connections with peers and faculty and help serve as a foundation for the EdD curriculum.

Designed as a cohort model, our 42-credit curriculum includes 17 consecutive courses that can be completed in as few as 24 months. Students continue working while earning their degree, examining and solving a persistent challenge in their organization throughout the program.

Problem of Practice (POP)

Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, you will identify a persistent problem in your organization and examine it through an academic lens throughout the program, emerging with a thoroughly researched, actionable solution that creates real value for your organization.

Frequently asked questions

Finding the right EdD program to expand and leverage your leadership skills is essential to your success. To aid in this decision-making process, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about eligibility, tuition, courses, and more.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for the EdD in Leadership and Innovation program, you must hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. You must also have seven years of work experience in a leadership role. The GRE is not required for admission.

Learn how to solve institutional challenges with NYU’s EdD

1 Total time to complete the program may vary based on the number of credits taken each semester.

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Master of Education in Educational Leadership

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Fall 2024 graduate scholarship award.

The Master of Educational Leadership program at the University of Cincinnati Online 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, 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.

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.

Quick Program Stats:

• Graduation rate: 98%  (2022)
• Historical licensure exam pass rates: 96% (2021).

What Will I Learn in an Online Master of Educational 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

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

• School Principals
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• Special Education Specialists

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

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Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation

Arizona State University’s online Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation is designed for practicing educator-leaders looking to transform their practice and create better learning opportunities for all students. Delivered in a collaborative, cohort model, this program incorporates academic and personal support through leader-scholar community groups made up of your peers and a faculty member.

Quick facts

Next start date: 01/13/2025

Total classes: 20

Weeks per class: 7.5–15

Total credit hours: 90

Degree questions, answered

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Transform education and learning opportunities for students of all ages

• Higher education change leadership.
• Pre-K–grade 12 change leadership.
• Systems, professional and reimagined change leadership.

Collaborate with faculty and fellow students

Who’s a good candidate for this online edd, will my diploma say ‘online’.

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online EdD in leadership and innovation courses

This program features a curriculum that encourages both self-reflection and collaboration with your leader-scholar community group. In your courses, you’ll build competencies in continually evaluating your professional practice, making informed decisions and understanding the implications of educational innovation. The program culminates in completing and defending your dissertation.

The jobs this Doctor of Education prepares you for

As a graduate, you can put your action-research experience into practice in your workplace and contribute to positive outcomes for learners. You’ll also be equipped to excel in advanced education leadership roles in settings ranging from pre-K–grade 12 to higher education. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Today’s educators supporting tomorrow’s change leaders

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Online doctorate in education leadership admission requirements

Applicants to the Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

This program has a highly competitive admission process.

Application requirements

Applicants must currently hold a position related to education that will allow them to implement change in their workplace.

All applicants must show proof of a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master’s degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Official transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement.
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
• Writing sample.

Application review criteria

The online program admits students two times a year in the spring and fall semesters. Your application will be rated and ranked based on the following:

• What interests you about this particular doctoral program, given your current or prior professional experiences?
• The extent to which your local problem of practice is unique, important and worthy of investigation as part of your action research projects and dissertation.
• How you envision the program helping you address your identified problem of practice and achieving your professional goals.
• How you see the program improving your commitment and ability to engage with issues of diversity and inclusion.
• Your overall fit, given the goals and objectives of the program.
• The overall quality of your writing.

Personal statement

For the committee to gain a better understanding of your fit for the program, you must submit a three-page, double-spaced (1" margins and 12-point font) personal statement that answers the following three topics:

• In approximately 250 words, explain why you’re interested in pursuing an EdD in MLFTC’s leadership and innovation program. Describe how your professional goals intersect with the values and action research methodologies of the program.
• In approximately 200 words, describe a local problem of practice in your current professional work. Focus on why this problem is significant to you and others, and the change you hope to see. This is explored more deeply in your writing sample — here you should focus on how this problem captured your attention and what motivates your interest or passion for addressing it.
• In approximately 300 words, share how your background and experiences demonstrate your commitment to and exemplify the ASU Charter, which states: “ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.” Discuss how those commitments might be reflected in your research should you join our program.

The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and clarity demonstrated in your answers to these questions.

Guided writing sample

To allow the admissions committee to best evaluate your qualifications for entrance into the EdD program, please submit a 3–5-page essay to address the following question:

What is action research and how can it be used to address problems of practice?

Your essay should be between 800 and 1,200 words (not including references). The writing sample must be double-spaced, use 1" margins and written in 12-point font.

We have made three articles available to you to read and consider when formulating your response (see below). We encourage you to refer to these resources and other literature in your essay. You must ensure all literature is appropriately cited and referenced following APA 7th edition style guidelines.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or need assistance.

Provided research literature:

• Rasmussen, H. T. (2018) . Getting to maybe: Improving the education doctorate in an era of uncertainty. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 3 (2), 24-29.
• Hammond, M. (2013) . The contribution of pragmatism to understanding educational action research: value and consequences. Educational Action Research, 21 (4), 603-618.
• Buss, R. R. (2018) . Using Action Research as a Signature Pedagogy to Develop EdD Students’ Inquiry as Practice Abilities. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 3 (1).

Recommendations

For a complete application, you’ll need three professional references. The admission committee prefers to review a reference from each of the following categories:

• Your current supervisor or someone in a supervisory position with whom you’ve worked.
• Someone in an academic position with whom you’ve studied or worked, such as a professor or someone who can write about your ability to undertake graduate studies.
• A person of your choice, such as someone who you know professionally and who can write about your qualities that will contribute to your success in a practice-focused doctoral program.

Your recommenders will receive a form that asks them to explain your qualities and fit for the program with respect to the following desired professional attributes:

• Collaboration with others.
• Dedication to equity access and inclusiveness.
• Initiative.
• Overall potential for graduate studies.
• Perseverance.
• Potential for leadership.
• Professionalism.
• Receiving and using feedback.
• Research aptitude.
• Writing ability.

Please provide the recommenders’ names, current places of business, and email addresses when submitting your application. Recommenders will receive a form to complete and provide their feedback.

Additional admission information

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

best online master’s in educational administration programs.

best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.

best online master's in education programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

You might also be interested in

Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) (MA)

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Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Program summary.

Broaden your leadership potential as a teacher or administrator and meet your professional development goals with one of the three educational leadership options offered in this online master's degree program.

Flexible Format

Complete most courses 100% online, with the option for an in-person internship.

Application deadline

Credits and costs, nationally recognized.

Prepare for Your Role as an Education Leader

Inspire and encourage fellow teachers and students.

Expand your knowledge about schools, teachers, and student learning.

Integrate your teaching experience while honing your leadership skills.

Renew your passion to work on behalf of public education.

Course Work That’s Applicable to Your Career

The course work in this program is designed to prepare you to be an outstanding leader who:

• is committed to continual improvement in education
• believes higher levels of learning are possible for all students
• supports the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and social justice

Relevant Course Work

Penn State's 30-credit online master of education degree in educational leadership emphasizes the knowledge and skills that you need as a teaching professional to achieve a supervisory role in your school. Each course in the program focuses on helping you to integrate your teaching experience while honing your leadership skills.

Once you are accepted into the program, you may begin your course work at the start of an academic semester. The typical student course load is expected to be three to four courses per year.

Collaborative Experience, Practical Applications

The master's degree curriculum uses a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility without sacrificing professor and student interaction.

Communication tools, including bulletin boards and email, are used to foster a collaborative environment, providing you with the opportunity to learn from one another. The curriculum and course format can help you develop practical applications of the topics you study. Learn online when it is convenient for you, and immediately apply what you've learned to your job.

Teacher Leader Emphasis

Course work in the teacher leader emphasis for the master’s program in educational leadership provides for core knowledge and skills to be explored through five required courses (15 credits) and for individualized program study to be explored through five elective courses (15 credits).

Teacher Leader Required Courses (15 credits)

This course focuses on understanding teacher leadership and its function with the school system.

This course focuses on understanding schools as learning organizations and how teacher leadership works in such organizations.

Focuses on several general models developed for school improvement purposes.

Provides aspiring leaders with learning opportunities and activities authentic to school leaders and leadership roles in educational organizations.

Completion and public presentation of an inquiry project reflecting an understanding of the five leadership strands. Taken in the final semester of the program.

Teacher Leader Electives (15 credits)

Selected by the student with support from their program adviser.

• Two EDLDR electives (6 total credits) at the 500- or 800-level 
• One EDLDR elective (3 total credits) at the 500-level
• One open graduate elective (3 total credits) at the 500- or 800-level
• One open graduate elective (3 total credits) at the 500-level

School Leader Emphasis

School leader required courses (30 credits).

The course work for the school leader emphasis is based on Pennsylvania standards and can help prepare you to become an effective school administrator. You will take specially designed courses along with a dedicated internship with a mentor from the field of education.

The analysis and use of the foundations which underlie models of curriculum design.

Development of educational leadership. Relationships among local, state, and federal agencies. Introduction to current concepts and theories.

This course serves as an exploration of the school leaders' role in promoting equity and diversity for all members of the school community.

Focuses on the development of skills related to data use that will help inform administrative and leadership decisions in school settings.

The principalship course provides students with knowledge specific to the role of the principal in K–12 schools.

This course gives students an overview of the values and policies shaping school finance in the United States, with a special emphasis on the relationship between education funding and equity.

Provides an overview of major issues in school law. The course will focus primarily on case law including U.S. Supreme Court decisions as well as relevant state and federal lower court opinions.

Required field experience across a calendar year for students in order to receive their principal certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students earn 1 credit for each of 3 consecutive semesters for a total of 3 credits.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Advance Your Career

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

• Education Coordinator
• Education Director
• Lead Teacher
• School Administrator
• Student Services Director

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary, education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare, career services to set you up for success.

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources  

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Learn more about this program

Ready to take the next step toward your penn state master's degree, costs and financial aid.

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities , as well.

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements, select “World Campus” as the location on the  tuition site .

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

The educational leadership curriculum is part of a larger portfolio of professional graduate degrees and certificates. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a graduate certificate along with their master’s degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

Earn the certification needed for educational administration and principal positions in Pennsylvania. This 18-credit online program meets the current requirements established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council.

Develop the professional knowledge, skills, and competencies required of candidates for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Leaders Endorsement. Continue teaching in the classroom while you pursue additional roles such as lead teacher, mentor teacher, or department head.

Customize Your Program

Quality educational leadership is vital to the overall success of an individual school or entire school system. As a strong academic leader, you can help orchestrate school reform, serve as a motivator to fellow teachers and students, and be key to high-performing schools.

Switching from one emphasis area to another is not permissible once you’ve been accepted into a specific program emphasis. Choose from three emphasis areas:

Teacher Leader

You can continue teaching in the classroom while you pursue alternative roles, such as a lead teacher, mentor teacher, or department head. In your course work, you will explore topics that include learning theory, teacher leadership, teacher inquiry, and curriculum design. Interested in Teacher Leader Endorsement in Pennsylvania ?

School Leader

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the school leader emphasis meets Pennsylvania state educational requirements for school principal certification and offers an internship under the supervision of an approved on-site mentor principal. The internship allows you the opportunity to integrate the specialized knowledge learned through course work into the field and must span a full calendar year.

School Leader (without Principal Certification)

This emphasis area does not include the principal certification and is best aligned to students in international and private schools, domestic and abroad. The internship, which is the capstone assignment for the degree, is modified accordingly.

Benefit from an Internship

You'll have the chance to gain real-world experience thanks to an immersive internship experience.

Internship Requirements

If you are applying for the principalship certificate or the school leader emphasis of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and you are interested in becoming a certified principal, please note that there are additional considerations regarding your internship.

Pennsylvania-Certified Educator

Your mentor needs to be a Pennsylvania-certified principal who has practiced in Pennsylvania as a principal (not an assistant principal) for at least 3 years.

Who Should Apply?

At this time, only Pennsylvania-certified educators are eligible to apply for the school leader emphasis of Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Our teacher leader and school leader (without principal certification) emphases are open to educators from other states and countries.

Act 48 Approved

Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership may count toward your professional development hours.

Set Your Own Pace

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

• Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

• Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

• Take 1 course  each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Professional Licensure / Certification

Disclosures.

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification for employment. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map for more information.

How to Apply to Penn State

Apply by November 1 to start January 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and important dates.

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

Spring Deadline

Summer deadline, fall deadline, steps to apply, 1. review the admission requirements..

For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates. 

GPA  — A successful undergraduate record with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Prior to submitting an application for the program, please be aware of the following:

• If you are considering applying to the School Leader emphasis, you will need to have a minimum of three years of school related experience by the time you start or complete the program. 
• At this time, only Pennsylvania-certified educators are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate for Principalship and/or the School Leader emphasis of Master of Education in Educational Leadership. You must have the capacity to  complete a required, (calendar) year-long internship  with a qualified mentor principal (who has been a Pennsylvania principal for at least three years) for the School Leader emphasis.
• Our Master of Education in Educational Leadership program with the Teacher Leader emphasis is open to educators from other states and countries. Please note that switching from one emphasis area to another is not permissible once the student has been accepted into a specific program emphasis.

2. Gather your required materials.

You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official transcripts from each institution attended , regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

Test Scores — No tests scores are required.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page . Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

Ask for letters from recommenders who can make a strong case for your commitment to success in an online program of graduate study. At least one of these recommenders should be your current school principal/supervisor. Remaining references should include individuals who have supervised you in an academic or professional setting, who can speak to your intellectual ability, communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, sensitivity to others, and educational leadership potential.

Ask for recommendations (completion of an online form and an attached recommendation letter) well in advance of the application deadline. Notify all recommenders that they must submit their recommendation in order for your application to be complete.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Statement of Purpose — Write a brief statement, of about 1000 words, describing your reason for applying for the Penn State World Campus Master of Education in Educational Leadership program and any experiences that have contributed to your commitment to education.

Writing sample

• Select an article from a current education journal or peer reviewed journal, such as Education Policy/EPX (Sage), Educational Administration Quarterly (UCEA), International Journal of Educational Policy and Leadership (electronic journal), Educational Leadership (ASCD), or another similar option.
• Briefly summarize, in a maximum of three pages , the main points of the article and then critique the content from the vantage point of your experiences as an educator.
• Your critique can include agreement as well as disagreement with author's perspective.
• Include a complete citation for the article in your writing sample.

3. Create a Penn State login account.

To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

Create a New Penn State Account

If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected] .

Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

4. Read the application instructions.

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

• Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
• Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

Checking Your Status  You can  check the status of your application  by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

Technical Requirements   Review the technical requirements  for this degree program. 

Applying as a Nondegree Graduate Student

To begin taking courses right away, you may apply as a "nondegree" graduate student. You may take up to 6 credits in nondegree status before submitting your application portfolio. Only students matriculated into the educational leadership program as a student completing a degree or certificate program are permitted to take the EDLDR 595, Internship for Principals course.

Note:  If you apply and enroll as a nondegree graduate student,  you must re-apply to the degree/certificate program  to be considered for admission into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program. This new application includes a second application fee . Application/enrollment as a nondegree student does not  guarantee admission to the program. Acceptance to the educational leadership degree program is contingent upon approved (by faculty panel) application to a selected program. If you plan to enroll as a nondegree student, you must contact an adviser in the program for guidance prior to beginning course work . No more than two courses (6 credits) are permitted in nondegree status before acceptance to the program is required.

In the graduate school application:

• Select "Nondegree Admission"

5. Complete the application.

Admissions help.

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected] .

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, fill out the form below.

For questions regarding the program and how to apply, please contact:

Mark Ivicic Administrative Support Assistant Educational Leadership Program The Pennsylvania State University Phone: 814-865-1487 Email:   [email protected]

Learn from the Best

Offered by Penn State's College of Education and delivered online through Penn State World Campus, this program is taught by the same nationally recognized faculty who teach our rigorous, high-quality residential program.

Gerald K. LeTendre

• Degree Ph.D., Education, Stanford University
• Degree M.S., Sociology, Stanford University
• Degree B.A., Sociology, Harvard University

Dr. Gerald K. LeTendre is the Harry Lawrence Batschelet II Chair of Educational Administration at Penn State and co-editor of the  American Journal of Education . His current research focuses on the impact of online learning and other information technologies on teacher-led professional development and teacher work roles. Dr. LeTendre has published on a broad range of topics in educational policy and comparative/international education. He is co-editor (with Motoko Akiba) of the  International Handbook of Teacher Quality and Policy  (Rutledge, 2017).

Tiffany M. Squires

• Degree Ph.D., Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation, Syracuse University
• Degree M.S., Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation, Syracuse University
• Degree M.S., Education, Canisius College
• Degree B.S., Elementary Education, State University of New York at Fredonia

Dr. Tiffany M. Squires is an assistant professor and serves as assistant director of Online Programs for Education Leadership. Dr. Squires has more than 15 years of experience in K–12 education as a teacher, principal, and professional development facilitator. Her dissertation research focused on the perceptions of principals regarding the role of the school leader in the implementation of curricular and instructional change associated with standards-based reform. Her research continues to focus on school systems reform/improvement and highly effective leadership practice.

Explore Other Academic Programs

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

The USC Rossier EdD in Educational Leadership online (EDL online) program prepares you to be a leader in various sectors of education.

Designed to accommodate your schedule as a working professional, the three-year program will train you to become a critically conscious leader with the skills to address inequities in education.

Students pursuing their online doctorate in education must have a master’s degree, a minimum of three years of relevant full-time work experience and leadership experience. The EDL online program offers four concentrations for students to develop knowledge and expertise in a specific discipline: 

• K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings 
• Leading Instructional Change
• Higher Education Administration
• Educational Psychology

Request information about the EdD in Educational Leadership online program.

Become a Leader in Education

The EdD in Educational Leadership online program will prepare you to: 

• Critically reflect on the way your position in society and worldview supports or impedes your ability to lead effectively.
• Analyze institutional oppression and develop strategies to advance equity. 
• Drive organizational improvement and ensure compliance with laws, policies and mandates. 
• Use evidence-based research to improve practice for all learners. 
• Model high standards of ethical practice. 

Learn more about our online EdD.

Online EdD Curriculum

To earn your online doctorate in education, you must complete coursework consisting of four components: core courses, concentration courses, research methods courses and the dissertation in practice. 

The dissertation in practice is a doctoral dissertation with a more practical focus than a traditional dissertation. Under the guidance of faculty in your concentration, you will apply relevant research methods to tackle a problem of practice that impedes access to equitable educational opportunities and outcomes.

The purpose of the dissertation in practice is to equip students earning their online EdD with the knowledge and skills to address existing problems in the workplace well beyond your completion of the program.

Program Specifications

The EdD in Educational Leadership online program requires a minimum of 43 units. The program can be completed in three years with two courses in most semesters. 

Online Learning Experience

Classes are conducted live in a real-time virtual classroom environment. The live sessions are facilitated by faculty and include highly interactive, engaging and collaborative discussions. Prior to attending live sessions, you will complete assignments submitted through the learning management system.

Take the next step in your career. Request information about our online EdD program in educational leadership.

Related Online Graduate Programs

Online Educational Leadership, MA

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Program at a Glance

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Harness modern instructional practices and spearhead change.

The world of education is dynamic, and it requires bold leadership to continue to advance. With an ever-changing landscape that demands constant innovation and positive change, a higher degree in educational leadership will allow you to solve big problems and transform lives.

When you earn your online master’s in educational leadership from UCF Online, you’ll use your insight, research and knowledge to weigh in on the shifting paradigms within the field. This program will equip you with the distinct skills you need to emerge as a true leader, including an understanding of contemporary concerns, evaluation practices, diversity in education, legal aspects of school operation and more.

Regardless of whether you’re establishing your career within charter and private schools, corporate human resource environments, museums and experiential learning settings, or any other context, you’ll be prepared to step into a dynamic role on the forefront of transformative educational growth. You can complete your degree from UCF Online in as little as two years. Get started today.

This program does not lead to Florida Educational Leadership Administration Certification Level 1.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, leadership in educational organizations.

This course addresses leadership, organization, and administrative knowledge and skills needed by leaders, directors, and management.

Personnel and Education Related Law

This course includes up to date national laws, legal cases, and federal policies related to personnel, students, and education organizations.

Digital Leadership and Systems Management

Addressed in this course are leadership for learning, teaching, data analysis, communication, and decision making across geographic boundaries.

Skills You'll Learn

• Interpret law and policies focusing on different education settings.
• Understand and manage education funding.
• Recruit and retain high quality education professionals.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

• College Provost
• Dean of Students
• District Administrator
• Instructional Coordinator
• Human Resources Administrator

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• Doctor Education Leadership Innovation

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation

Admissions requirements.

• Ways to Save on Tuition
• Career Outcomes

Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation Overview

It’s time to take your education career even further. Become a change agent ready to make a difference in your workplace. Earn an EdD degree online in leadership and innovation.

• Prepare for leadership roles within all areas of education, including postsecondary, government, corporate, and nonprofit institutions.
• Take doctoral courses 100% online and complete a research project you can apply to your workplace, community, or area of expertise.
• Get the credit you deserve. Save up to $12,600 (or 33%) on tuition and graduate in 2 years by transferring up to 30 credits from your master’s.
• Find resources and support every step of the way, including a Faculty Advisor and Consultant, access to a comprehensive online library, writing support, and more.
• Gain leadership, diversity and inclusion, and research skills to create innovative and transformative learning environments.

Review College Scorecard data for this program .

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC ( HLCommission.org ) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

What Courses Will I Take?

The 100% online courses for the EdD degree build your skills in leadership and innovation, with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles integrated throughout. Topics include diversity, equity, and inclusion; transformative learning; ethics and accountability; and more. Your studies culminate in an applied research project, which you can complete at your workplace or in your community.

Sample Courses

• Trends, Patterns, and Ethical Issues That Impact Education
• Research in Responsive Curriculum Design and Development Learning and Professional Practice
• Transformative Learning Environments
• Creativity, Innovation, and Intrapreneurship in Education

Program Requirements

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

A master’s degree in a related field is required to enroll in a postgraduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Develop with Faculty Expertise and Support

Our faculty are pioneers and leaders in online higher education and are dedicated to supporting you on your educational journey. You will be assigned a faculty member who will guide you. A Faculty Advisor will review your master’s degree and discuss your career goals to ensure alignment of your EdD cognate electives.

During your final four applied research courses, a Faculty Consultant will be there to assist you in choosing a research project that focuses on a practical application in your field of expertise. The Consultant will help you with completing the Institutional Review Board process, choosing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and defending your research project.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and, 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for administrators in postsecondary education is expected to grow through 2032. Opportunities for training and development specialists and instructional coordinators are also expected to grow during this timeframe. The online doctorate in education at Purdue Global equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead education-related organizations in a fast-changing landscape.

Average Salary

In Your State

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Join an Extensive Alumni Network

Upon graduation, you’ll become part of the Purdue Alumni Association, a vast and prestigious network of professionals. You’ll be able to make connections and access alumni benefits.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a doctoral degree in education.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Credit for Prior Learning: Estimate based on maximum cognate open elective credits available in degree plan. The EdD program is a new offering and thus historic data on credit for prior learning are not available. Exact transfer amount may vary. All credits must be validated on official transcript(s) to be eligible for transfer. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Growth and Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Training and Development Specialists and Instructional Coordinators Job Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm ; Instructional Coordinators, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Educational Leadership

Instructional leaders make a difference.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form below to get in touch with an enrollment counselor.

Educational Leadership Certification, M.Ed. Overview

The Educational Leadership Certification Program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Florida Department of Education, is designed for students who have a minimum of two years (three years preferred) of teaching experience and wish to prepare for administrative and supervisory positions, such as principal, assistant principal, district supervisor, in-service director, curriculum developer, or dean in public and private elementary and secondary schools. The degree emphasizes the eight Florida Principal Leadership Standards and associated competencies and seeks to prepare students for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE). Passing scores on the FELE are required prior to graduation.

Students will be assigned a faculty mentor who will provide career advice and advisement concerning professional issues. The Educational Leadership Certification Program has a field experience embedded in each course. Students must have access to and work with an administrator in a school or educational setting.

Hear from our faculty and a former student on the details and benefits of enrolling in UWF’s Educational Leadership, M.Ed. program: View the video here.

In our online educational leadership master’s program, you will study key topics such as:

• Theories and practices used to increase human relations and communications in an educational institution
• Improving learning programs through effective human resources
• The various laws and policies related to education
• Principles, trends, practices and financial support systems used in financing public education
• Issues, practices and theories relevant to school administration
• The tools and concepts used to evaluate student learning outcomes and progress
• Foundations of curriculum development
• Usage of student achievement data to develop curricula and learning environments that will further enhance student learning

Candidates for This Program Include:

• Those wanting to improve the educational experience for their school’s students
• Current teachers who wish to pursue an administrative role, such as principal, dean or district supervisor
• Students seeking an educational leadership role in Florida

Learning Outcomes

1. Candidates analyze data and develop a plan to enable continuous improvement to promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

2. Candidates evaluate the comprehensive systems that cultivate a caring, rigorous, and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of all students.

Critical Thinking:

3. Candidates design effective plans to build the collective and individual professional capacity of school personnel by creating support systems and offering professional learning to promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

4. Candidates evaluate current systems to manage school operations and resources to cultivate a safe school environment and promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

Communication:

5. Candidates design effective plans to collaborate with parents, students, and other stakeholders to develop, communicate, and enact a shared vision, mission, and core values to promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

6. Candidates integrate appropriate technology, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques to utilize multiple means of reciprocal communication to build relationships and collaborate with parents, families, and other stakeholders to promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

Integrity and Values:

7. Candidates critically reflect on the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession to act ethically and according to professional norms to promote the academic success and well-being of all students.

8. Candidates analyze systems that cultivate, support, and develop other school leaders to promote the academic success and well-being of all students

Accreditation

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through Spring 2025. CAEP is the only CHEA recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.

CAEP’s annual outcome and impact measures and their trends, candidate performance data, and additional accreditation information is available on the UWF School of Education web page .

Courses and Requirements

UWF’s online educational leadership master’s program includes a total of 30 credit hours, through which you’ll explore the advanced skills including school finance, law and curriculum development.

3 Credit Hours

Leadership in Education: Theory and Practice

Leadership theories and planning models which have been developed through studies in education, business, industry, and the military will be examined. The subject matter, class activities, and skill developments of this course were selected to assist your personal growth. The success of educational leaders is conditioned largely by their ability to lead faculty, staff, and other constituencies through appropriate human relationships and leadership techniques. Application will focus on both personal and professional leadership development.

Introduction to Educational Leadership

An introduction for graduate students to the educational leadership program. Major topics will be leadership, William Cecil Golden Modules, code of ethics, verbal and nonverbal communication and interpersonal skills. Permission is required.

Administration of School Personnel

Focus is on the improvement of educational programs through the proper management of human resources. Emphasis is upon recruitment, selection placement and evaluation of school personnel.

Law and Education

Examines law and its relationship to education. Students study constitutional law, legislative enactments, school policies and the relationships among these aspects of school law as they pertain to administration. Tort liability, due process for students, corporal punishment, teacher contracts and other law relating to authority and responsibility of teachers and administrators are included.

Introduction to School Finance

Focus is on principles, trends and practices in financing public education, including federal, state and local financial support programs. School finance as related to taxation and other areas of school finance is included. Fiscal policies, planning and management as related to the total education program are central themes.

The Principalship

Students will focus on problems, practices and theories pertinent to the success of building level administrators in elementary, middle and high schools. This course includes planning, staffing, implementation and evaluation techniques necessary to administer an effective school program. Practicum experiences are designed to provide a clinical setting for the demonstration of theory applied to practice and will be an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: EDA 6063.

Instructional Leadership

This course focuses on problems, practices, and theories pertinent to the success of building-level administrators in elementary, middle, and high schools. Students will have the opportunity to learn through real case studies, role plays and simulations reflecting the real work of school principals. By aligning the specific knowledge and skill dimensions, candidates will learn to contextualize theories and how they will apply as future instructional leaders.

Principles of Curriculum

Emphasis on school curricula, underlying theories, and strategies for improvement make up the foundation for curricular reform. Students intending to meet FDOE certification requirements should select specialization areas. The specialization areas are (a) early childhood/ primary education, (b) middle school education, (d) secondary school education, and (e) exceptional student education.

Data Driven Decisions Using Standardized Student Achievement Data

Using data to drive decisions is a critical component of the accountability system currently in place in Florida. Participants will develop skills in determining data needed to make certain decisions; in analyzing data and in communicating information about the decision making process to stakeholders. This course is designed specifically for administrators in the K-12 educational setting.

Human Relations and Communication in Education

Theoretical and experiential framework for maximizing human relations and communication within the educational domain including principles of persuasion, public information management, effective communication strategies and personal effectiveness with staff and the public.

Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the applicant must meet the following minimum departmental admission requirements for provisional admission:

• Have a valid professional teaching certification issued by Florida or another U.S. state
• Have a minimum of two years (three years preferred) of k-12 teaching experience
• Have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 on a bachelor’s degree*
• Submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: your professional background, short- and long-term goals, contributions you would like to make to your field of education, and strengths you bring to the program
• Submit contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for two professional references
• Submit evidence of minimum “instructional expertise” and “leadership potential” standards as defined by 6A-5.081 by providing recent teacher evaluation ratings or evidence:
• “Instructional expertise” means documented successful demonstration of the core standards for effective educators outlined in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) and a documented track record of achieving student gains. Acceptable documentation of instructional expertise must include a rating of “effective” or higher on the “Performance of Students” and “Instructional Practice” sections of the candidate’s two most recent performance evaluations per Section 1012.34, F.S. For candidates who are not employed by a Florida public school district, a post-secondary institution or school district may accept alternative equivalent documentation demonstrating two years of effective instruction with a record of student learning gains.
• “Leadership potential” means the critical skills and dispositions that a candidate must demonstrate prior to entering the program. At a minimum, these qualifications must include an analysis of the candidate’s relentless focus on improving student achievement in their own classrooms and contributing to the demonstrable improvement of teaching effectiveness in the classrooms of colleagues.
• Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement but meet all remaining admission requirements may be conditionally admitted to the program. Specific academic requirements will be established by the School of Education and monitored by the Graduate School (see Conditional Admission in the Admissions section of the catalog).

All approvals for admission to the Educational Leadership program are subject to reevaluation as students progress through the program. Students denied admission or removed from the program may appeal the decision to the Dean of the School of Education.

School of Education students are expected to adhere to the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida and national standards of conduct associated with professional, accreditation, and state agencies. Students will receive additional support, as needed or requested, through the Educational Leadership Remediation Plan.

Degree Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership must meet the requirements listed below.

• Be admitted to the program
• Complete degree requirements compliant with the time-to-degree policy
• Be recommended for graduation by the School of Education
• Successfully complete any additional requirements of the selected specialization

How to Apply

To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:

• Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
• Submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: your background, short- and long-term goals, contributions you would like to make to your field of study and strengths you bring to the program
• “Instructional expertise” means documented successful demonstration of the core standards for effective educators outlined in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and a documented track record of achieving student gains. Acceptable documentation of instructional expertise must include a rating of effective or higher on the Performance of Students and Instructional Practice sections of the candidate’s two most recent performance evaluations per Section 1012.34, F.S. For candidates who are not employed by a Florida public school district, a post-secondary institution or school district may accept alternative equivalent documentation demonstrating two years of effective instruction with a record of student learning gains.
• “Leadership potential” means the critical skills and dispositions that a candidate must demonstrate prior to entering the program. At a minimum, these qualifications must include an analysis of the candidate’s relentless focus on improving student achievement in their own classrooms and contributing to the demonstrable improvement of teaching effectiveness in the classrooms of colleagues.

To be fully admitted to the program, the following requirements must be met in addition to the requirements for provisional admission (above). Full admission is required by the fifth week of the first semester. Students will be unable to register for a second semester of coursework until full admission has been granted.

• Purchase and activation of a subscription to the College of Education and Professional Studies assessment system within the first week of the first semester
• Completion of the Professional Education Applicant Disposition Scale by each person identified as a professional reference.
• Completion of the Professional Education Applicant Disposition Self-rating Scale.

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.

Costs & Financial Aid

Time to completion for the master’s in educational leadership degree varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to four semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information .

Refer to UWF  Cost of Attendance Estimates  and  Financial Literacy  for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Military Students

UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.

Financial Aid

Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.

Career Outcomes

Upon completion of our educational leadership master’s program, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.

* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Assistant Principal — Elementary, Middle and High School

Assistant principals are largely responsible for carrying out a principal’s decisions. They’re heavily involved in administrative tasks as well as disciplinary issues with students, helping them replace negative behaviors with positive actions and attitudes. According to PayScale.com, the average assistant principal salary is $72,823.

Education Administrator, K–12

Administrators are responsible for a school’s operations and instructional leadership. You’ll develop learning resources, academic programs, procedures, budgets and reports while working closely with teachers, counselors, and other support staff to ensure learning objectives are being met. The mean annual wage for education administrators is $102,610.

Literacy and Reading Coach (Instructional Coordinator)

Instructional coordinators develop curricula and instructional material and manage teaching standards. They analyze student data, evaluate curriculum effectiveness, and train teachers and staff on new school programs. Through 2032, employment is projected to increase 2 percent, and the median annual wage is $74,620.

Get started with UWF online

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Educational Leadership, Ed.S.

Become a leader and stay ahead of new developments in education by earning the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership with IU Online. This program is designed with ample opportunity for you to apply what you've learned in the classroom to solve real-world challenges.

• Request Info

Course Delivery : 100% Online

Total Credits : 60

In-State Tuition Per Credit : $350.00

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit : $490.00

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

The IU Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares you to take on leadership roles in your school, district, or educational organization. In this program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge such as:

• Applying your knowledge and skills to collaboratively lead, design, and implement a district mission, vision, and process.
• Evaluate, design, cultivate, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems, supports, assessment, and instructional leadership.
• Engage families, communities, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and advocate for district, student, and community needs.

As a student in the program, you’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have bachelor's degree.

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:

• Official transcripts from every college or university attended (except Indiana University)
• Statement of purpose (750-1000 words)
• Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead from current administrators (may include vice-principals, principals, and superintendents) addressing applicant’s potential for leadership
• Licensure information or documentation of at least two years of teaching experience

Application Dates:

Fall semester:   August 1

Spring semester: January 1

Summer I semester: May 1

Summer II semester: June 15

This doctorate is available at IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU Indianapolis, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast.

Career Outcomes

Your IU Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares you for such careers as:

• Director of education, academic director
• Director of student services
• Library director
• Department chair
• Health services director

Transfer Credits

Applicants with an advanced post-baccalaureate degree can apply up to 30 credit hours of coursework toward the requirements of this program. Applicants holding a post-baccalaureate degree from Indiana University may apply up to 36 credit hours.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, you must complete 60 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

• Building-level administrator requirements (24 credit hours)
• District-level administrator requirements (24 credit hours)
• Electives (9 credit hours)
• Leadership seminar (3 credit hours)

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool .

Find the answers you need or start your application. We’re here to help!

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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (online)

This program is designed for working professionals with leadership experience who desire to lead K-12 schools, universities, community colleges or other educational settings.

To address the existing gaps in education, the EDL online program empowers students to lead change through an equity and social justice lens. The program will prepare students to improve academic opportunities and outcomes.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online (EDL online) program prepares you to be a critically conscious leader equipped with strategic thinking, evidence-based research skills, and the ability to create equity and foster continuous organizational improvement. The online program offers four concentrations: K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings, Leading Instructional Change, Higher Education Administration, and Educational Psychology.

Through this program, you will:

• Earn a doctorate recognized by employers in the field of education.
• Be able to maintain a full-time work schedule while taking two courses one night a week.
• Learn alongside a cohort of experienced educational professionals nationwide.
• Become equipped to address critical issues in historically marginalized communities and make a lasting impact.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EDL) program will equip you with knowledge and skills in six core competencies:

• Accountability
• Critical reflection
• Diversity and equity
• Learning organizations
• Research and data

In the first year of the program, you will complete core courses that reflect USC Rossier’s mission and the program’s purpose. Explore the dynamics of power and privilege in education, leadership, and addressing inequities in learning opportunities. Subsequent coursework will build on this foundation and prepare you to become a leader in schools, colleges and universities or educational settings.

Online Concentration

Each concentration path includes four courses and a concentration-specific format for the dissertation in practice. A faculty member in your chosen concentration will provide guidance throughout your dissertation completion. Relevant career experience is a requirement for the concentration you select.

The K-12 leadership concentration will prepare you to become a leader in classrooms, schools or school districts. The courses help develop an understanding of how to create high-performing schools that address the diverse needs of all students regardless of school setting. The course sequence culminates in either EDUC 720: Leadership for Principals or EDUC 721: Leadership for Superintendents, an integrated composite of effective leadership practices that result in more effective organizational outcomes, including increased student achievement.

Recommended career background for this concentration:

Teacher, administrator or education professional in PK-12 education at the local, state and federal levels.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a traditional five-chapter dissertation.

Career Outcomes: The K-12 leadership concentration prepares you for employment as an educational leader in the K-12 field. This includes school site leadership, district leadership and systems leadership. Roles include teacher leaders, district office leaders, superintendents and CEOs of independent schools and charter schools.

Alumni have held positions such as:

• Superintendent, Covina-Valley Unified School District
• Director of community partnerships, Long Beach Unified School District
• Chief innovation officer, National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
• Superintendent, Garden Grove Unified School District

The higher education administration concentration focuses on administrative theory and best practices for leading higher education institutions. Courses in the concentration address policy, economic issues, assessment, student learning and the history and major philosophical assumptions that undergird the system of higher education.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in higher education administration at a two- or four-year college or university (including student, academic and administrative affairs) or secondary and postsecondary college advising.

Career outcomes: The higher education administration concentration prepares you for employment in senior administration in two- and four-year colleges, academic executive positions, key leadership roles in education-related organizations, and more.

• Associate dean of students and director, Stanford University
• Executive director, undergraduate advising and programs, School of Business, George Washington University
• Director of intercollegiate athletics, California State University, Northridge
• Vice president for student affairs and dean of students, University of Texas, Austin

The leading instructional change concentration focuses on theories, practices and policies supporting curriculum and instruction that foster equitable educational opportunities for students from historically marginalized groups in urban PK-12 and higher education settings. This concentration is designed for individuals interested in leading and teaching teachers (pre- and in-service) and faculty (higher ed) so that they are prepared to provide their students with high-quality instruction that is anti-racist, culturally relevant and LGBTQ+ inclusive.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Teacher or administrator in PK-12 or higher education, instructional leader or designer, curriculum developer or professional in non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Conduct action or participatory action research addressing the relationship between leadership and instructional improvement in PK-20 educational settings and complete a non-traditional written product (not a five-chapter dissertation) and public presentation.   Career outcomes: The leading instructional change program prepares you for positions such as university faculty member, professional development specialist, curriculum developer/administrator and more.   Alumni have held positions such as:

• Director, metrics and LCAP, Azusa Unified School District
• Director, student support and intervention, Antelope Valley Union High School District
• Senior director of teaching and learning, Los Angeles Education Partnership

The educational psychology concentration* focuses on research and practice in the areas of learning, motivation and development in diverse social contexts. Courses in the concentration explore how people learn, what motivates them, which instructional and motivational strategies are most effective within varied cultural systems and how the social context of instruction affects learning.

*The educational psychology concentration does not meet the requirements for licensure as an educational psychologist.

Recommended career background for this concentration: Professional in K-12, higher education, or counseling, special education, social services, instructional technology, non-profit organizations, or other non-traditional educational settings.

Dissertation in practice: Study an existing problem of practice and complete a five-chapter dissertation or design curriculum to address an existing problem of practice.

Career outcomes: The educational psychology concentration prepares you for employment in areas such as instructional design, human performance personnel, school/community counseling and more.

• Innovation program manager, Applied Materials
• Managing director, school performance accountability and research, California Charter Schools Association
• Dean of innovation, The Derryfield School
• Vice president of education, Fusion Education Group

Dissertation in Practice

The dissertation in practice prioritizes real-world application, using relevant research methods to address practical issues in equitable education. It equips you with skills to tackle workplace challenges. Format options for the dissertation will vary based on concentration.

Scholarships

Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000, without needing a separate application. However, scholarship availability may be limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, commitment to the USC Rossier mission, and other factors. All scholarships are awarded upon admission.

For additional scholarship opportunities, consult the Scholarship Finder . Please note, separate applications and deadlines may apply.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Services provides information regarding student accounts, tuition payment plans, campus-based loans, payment options and tax credits.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Program Details

Degree awarded, estimated length, program cost.

$2,354 per unit (estimated)

Estimated cost of attendance

Next Deadline

December 1, 2024

See all deadlines

August 25, 2025

Class Times

Prior to the dissertation phase, students are assigned to one evening of classes per week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5:00 to 9:50 p.m. in the Pacific Time Zone.

More in this program

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Program Outcomes

Sitting superintendent alumni , of edl alumni said their usc rossier education prepared them to be more effective in their career, of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them well for future employment, of edl alumni said their studies at usc rossier prepared them to understand research, from our alumni.

As a change agent for underrepresented students, my time at USC sharpened my mind and equipped me with the tools necessary for success. As I was taught by the USC Rossier world class instructors and surrounded by top-tier educational professionals, there was never a wasted moment or opportunity.

David D. Smith, EdD ‘’

Chief Technology Officer, Tustin Unified School District

Is an EdD worth it? Leaders share insights and experiences

Those wondering if an EdD is worth it often want to make a positive impact while advancing their career. A doctoral degree in education can be an effective way to land leadership positions in K–12 schools, higher education and other industries as well. Because doctoral programs require rigorous study and professional experience, an EdD represents the highest level of preparation for many roles in education and related fields. 

PhD vs. EdD in education: nine expert tips to help you choose

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

News and Insights

August 22, 2024

Jessica DeCuir-Gunby named president of the APA’s Educational Psychology Division

In the new role, DeCuir-Gunby aims to expand the group’s membership, improve the integration of DEI into the field and better connect research to practice.

Featured Faculty

• Jessica T. DeCuir-Gunby

August 20, 2024

New USC study sheds light on adolescent mental health crisis in the United States

Results emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health, attendance and school grades—a necessary reality for schools to grapple with.

• Morgan Polikoff

August 14, 2024

Roger Rossier MA ’63, EdD ’72, lifelong educator known for his significant contributions to educational research and policy, passed away at 92

The namesake of the USC Rossier School of Education passed away on Aug. 11, 2024.

• Pedro Noguera

August 1, 2024

Copur-Gencturk receives $6.7 million in federal funding to continue work to improve elementary math instruction by improving teacher knowledge

Largest ever USC Rossier NSF grant will create content-focused professional development programs that focus on the key knowledge and skills that matter in quality teaching and student learning.

• Yasemin Copur-Gencturk

July 31, 2024

New research shows that transcendent thinking can increase teens’ sense of purpose

In a study of an intergenerational community program, CANDLE researchers found that adolescents who engaged in transcendent thinking increased their sense of purpose.

• Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
• Xiao-Fei Yang

Research Centers

Center for education, identity and social justice.

Established in 2017, the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice has a compelling interest in eradicating all forms of discrimination based on the intersection of an individual’s identities that include religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and disability. Using rigorous research and legal analysis, we empower educators to utilize laws and policies in order to identify and extricate bias and unequal distributions of power within educational institutions.

Website  |  Brochure

The University of Southern California Race and Equity Center

Established in 2017, the Race and Equity Center is the epicenter for interdisciplinary scholarship, resources and meaningful activities on racial equity that significantly benefit the University, other institutions of higher education and the broader society.

Program Contact

Callah Darmali

Associate Director, Office of Admission and Scholarships

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• (213) 205-0609

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Related Programs

Educational leadership.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Organizational Change and Leadership (online)

Global executive, school leadership academy, school business management.

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Best College Rankings

10 Best Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate Degrees

Quick Highlights:

• University of the Cumberlands and Tiffin University are two top online organizational leadership doctorate degree programs .
• In an Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate program, you learn advanced leadership theories, strategic decision-making, and how to drive organizational change effectively .
• Graduates can pursue careers as executives, consultants, or academic leaders, leading teams and organizations to achieve long-term success.

Are you thinking about taking your leadership skills to the highest level? An online doctorate in organizational leadership might be just what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll show you the top 10 online programs that can help you become an expert in leading organizations. We’ll tell you what makes each program special, how long they take, and what kind of jobs you might get after graduating. Whether you’re already a leader or want to become one, these programs can help you reach your goals while studying from home. Get ready to explore some great options that could take your career to new heights! This online doctorate in organizational leadership ranking was created in August 2024 and the data was accurate at time of publication.

• Should I get a Doctorate in Business Administration?
• Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs
• Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

What is an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

An online doctorate in organizational leadership is the highest level of education you can get in this field, and you can earn it from home. This program teaches you how to be an expert leader in any kind of organization. You’ll learn advanced ways to solve problems, make big decisions, and help businesses or groups work better. The courses cover topics like how to lead during tough times, how to make smart plans for the future, and how to help teams work well together. You’ll also do your own research project to add new ideas to the field of leadership. This degree can take about 3 to 5 years to finish, and it’s designed for people who want to become top leaders, teach at universities, or be experts that other leaders turn to for advice. The best part is, you can do all this studying online, which means you can keep working while you earn your degree.

What are the Best Schools for an Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate Degree?

At CollegeRank, we start with data and evaluation informed by experience. Our trusted team of professional researchers, writers, and editors develop each ranking and resource with future learners in mind. We are invested in highlighting degree programs and options that are known for quality, affordability, accessibility, and return on investment. Our rankings and resources are continually updated with the most recent available data and information on trends in higher education.

In ranking the top online organizational leadership doctorate programs, we faced a challenge since our data sources don’t track the same metrics for doctoral programs. To ensure a fair comparison, we highlighted programs based on their professional accreditation, quality curriculum, opportunities for students to tailor the program to meet their professional goals, and support services available to help students advance in their careers. All the programs we selected meet our criteria and would be a great choice to consider for your organizational leadership journey.

At  CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Per Credit Hour Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.

University of the Cumberlands

$415/credit hour

Accreditation

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, designed to help students become effective leaders in various settings, such as education, business, and nonprofits. This program focuses on teaching strategic leadership skills. Students will learn the skills they need to guide organizations and make a lasting impact. The program requires 66 credit hours and offers flexible online learning, allowing students to balance their studies with full-time work.

Program Highlights:

• Total Credit Hours: 66
• Format: Online
• Strategic organizational leadership
• Program planning and assessment
• Global leadership trends
• Ethical decision-making in leadership

The program offers an opportunity for educators to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification by transferring credits from an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as university administrators, top executives, and management analysts, with salaries ranging from $95,290 to $189,520 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This program is a great choice for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to their field through research and practice.

Tiffin University

$800/credit hour

Tiffin University offers a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change. This online program prepares students for leadership roles in today’s complex and multicultural environments. This program focuses on global leadership, helping students develop the skills needed to lead and manage in diverse settings. The program is particularly suited for working professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing their jobs.

• Program Length: Typically 3.5 to 4.5 years, with up to 6 years allowed to complete the dissertation.
• Format: Online with limited residency requirements.
• Leadership and Change Theory and Practice
• Academic Writing
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
• Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Motivation

The Ph.D. program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will focus on learning skills like:

• leadership in cross-cultural environments
• ethical decision-making
• strategic innovation

Students have access to robust support services, including academic advising, library resources, and research webinars. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, such as business consultants, university administrators, nonprofit directors, and more. Admission to the program requires a relevant master’s degree, and students can transfer up to 12 credit hours from previous graduate work.

Johnson University

$715/credit hour

Johnson University offers an online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. This 60-credit hour program is designed for working adults who want to deepen their understanding of leadership across individual, organizational, and societal levels. The program is interdisciplinary, blending biblical, theological, and ethical perspectives with leadership theory. Students can choose from six concentrations, including:

• Educational Leadership
• Organizational Leadership
• Ministry Leadership

These concentrations allow students to tailor their studies to their career goals.

Program Overview:

• Total Credit Hours: 60
• Delivery Format: Online
• Leadership in higher education
• Christian ethics in leadership
• Global leadership and cultural contexts
• High-quality research and original contributions to leadership

Graduates will be equipped to lead effectively in various settings, such as higher education, ministry, and nonprofit organizations. Students are also expected to complete a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Application deadlines are July 15 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester, with a scholarship deadline of July 1.

Concordia University Chicago

$753/credit hour

Concordia University Chicago offers a Ph.D. program with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This program is designed for students who want to make significant contributions to their organizations by becoming focused and innovative leaders. The curriculum is both modern and practical, aligning contemporary leadership theories with the best practices in the field today.

• Specialization: Organizational Leadership
• Leadership theory and best practices
• Ethical decision-making and strategic forecasting
• Organizational change and development
• Analyzing social and political contexts in organizations

Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead high-performing organizations. They’ll learn to:

• apply leadership theories
• conduct strategic research
• implement organizational reforms

The program also emphasizes the importance of creating adaptable learning organizations that promote creativity and effective performance. This degree is ideal for individuals who aspire to take on leadership roles that require advanced strategic planning and ethical decision-making. Graduates will be prepared to lead initiatives that foster organizational growth, manage change, and drive innovation.

Anderson University

$785/credit hour

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership: Business program at Anderson University is designed for individuals aiming to become leaders in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. This online program equips students with the skills needed to develop and implement leadership models that enhance organizational culture. The program consists of 48 credit hours and can be completed in 2 to 4 years, depending on the student’s pace.

• Total Credit Hours: 48
• Location: Online
• Duration: 2-4 years
• Start Dates: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
• Leadership strategies
• Organizational culture analysis
• Workplace and team culture development
• Leading organizational change

Graduates of this program are prepared for high-level roles such as:

• corporate strategists
• leadership consultants
• executive coaches
• executive leaders

Admission requires a master’s degree and official graduate transcripts. Students should also submit three letters of reference. Anderson University is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, highlighting its commitment to integrating technology into education. The program emphasizes both professional and personal development, preparing students to be impactful leaders in their fields.

Southeastern University

$875/credit hour

Southeastern University offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, designed to develop leaders who can make a significant impact in various organizations. The program combines online coursework with short, in-person residencies. This provides a flexible learning experience for working professionals. It covers 60 credit hours, focusing on key areas that equip students with the knowledge and skills to become influential thought leaders in the field.

Program Details:

• Credit Hours: 60
• Format: Online with in-person residencies
• Organizational systems and management
• Leadership models and teamwork dynamics
• Cultural intelligence in leadership
• Research methods (quantitative and qualitative)

Students will engage in advanced research and contribute to the field through a major doctoral dissertation. The program is also affiliated with the International Leadership Association, allowing students to present their research at academic conferences and contribute to scholarly journals. Graduates are prepared for careers as:

• university professors
• researchers
• consultants in business, education, and government

The program’s flexible format and comprehensive curriculum make it a great choice for students who want to build their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.

Indiana Wesleyan University

$890/credit hour

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership designed for individuals who want to lead change and improve performance in their organizations. The program is fully online, making it flexible and accessible to working professionals. It takes about 48 months to complete, with courses focused on leadership theories, organizational design, and global perspectives.

Key Features:

• Duration: 48+ months
• Format: Fully online
• Advanced leadership theory
• Organizational design
• Global leadership perspectives
• Faith-based leadership integration

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• executive leadership
• higher education

IWU’s program emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum, encouraging students to apply Christian principles to their leadership practices. Tuition is set at $890 per credit hour, with financial aid options available. Students benefit from strong support services, including counseling and tutoring, through the Center for Student Success.

National University

$1,241/credit hour

National University (NU) offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership designed for working professionals. This degree is a great choice for students who want to deepen their understanding of leadership and advance their careers. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring a high standard of education. It is entirely online, allowing students to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

• Ethical leadership practices
• Organizational development and capacity building
• Research methods (both qualitative and quantitative)
• Strategic decision-making in leadership

Students in this program will engage in rigorous coursework that prepares them for leadership roles in various industries including healthcare, finance, and technology. The program includes a dissertation that allows students to explore a leadership topic in depth and contribute original research to the field. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as human resources managers, business consultants, and more. With flexible scheduling and weekly course starts, the program is designed to fit into the busy lives of adult learners.

Eastern University

$1,115/credit hour

Eastern University offers a PhD in Organizational Leadership designed for individuals looking to become transformative leaders in business, education, and nonprofit sectors. The program blends online coursework with three in-person residencies each year at the St. Davids campus. These experiences provide a flexible yet engaging learning experience.

• Business management and leadership
• Educational administration
• Nonprofit and public administration
• Christian faith-based leadership

Students progress through the program in small cohorts. The cohort structure fosters a strong sense of community and support. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, integrating various leadership domains and emphasizing Christian values. Students can typically complete their degree in about five years, followed by a dissertation phase where students contribute original research to the field.

Eastern University’s PhD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and has earned recognition as one of Forbes’ top online doctorates in Organizational Leadership. The program is known for its affordability, offering financial aid and alumni discounts. Graduates are prepared to lead and transform organizations effectively, making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Liberty University

$650/credit hour

Liberty University offers an online PhD in Organization and Management with a specialization in Leadership. This program is designed for individuals who want to advance in leadership roles or pursue careers in academia. The program emphasizes advanced leadership principles and research. Students will leave with the skills needed to tackle complex organizational challenges and lead effectively.

• Organizational Theory
• Strategic Leadership
• Leadership Theory
• Research Methods and Dissertation

Students will engage in rigorous coursework that prepares them to contribute original research to the field of leadership. The program includes a comprehensive research component, culminating in a dissertation. This piece of work allows students to explore and present new ideas. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership positions in various sectors, including business, education, and nonprofit organizations.

Liberty University’s PhD program is accredited, ensuring that it meets high academic standards. The flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with full-time jobs and other commitments. It’s a great choice for working professionals who want to further their education and make a significant impact in their organizations and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PhD in Organizational Leadership can be worth it if you’re passionate about leading and improving organizations, want to advance to top leadership roles, or aim to teach at the university level. However, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money, so it’s important to weigh these factors against your career goals. If you’re aiming for practical leadership roles, a master’s degree might be enough, but a PhD is great if you’re interested in research or academic work.

With a PhD in Organizational Leadership, you can become a top leader in businesses, non-profits, or government agencies. You might also teach at universities, conduct research on leadership topics, or work as a consultant helping organizations improve their strategies and operations.

The job outlook with a PhD in Organizational Leadership is generally positive, especially in education, business, and consulting. You can pursue high-level roles like university professor, corporate executive, or leadership consultant. These positions are competitive, but the demand for skilled leaders and educators is steady, and with a PhD, you’ll have advanced expertise that can help you stand out.

• Best Online Doctorate In Educational Leadership Programs

Best Online Doctorate In Educational Leadership Programs Of 2024

Updated: Nov 16, 2023, 9:36am

The educational ecosystem involves many moving parts. To ensure students, instructors, schools and districts receive the resources they need, leadership is key.

Doctoral programs—the highest degrees in educational leadership—prepare students to make a profound impact on the education field through direct action or research. If you want to make a difference in education, consider earning an online doctorate in educational leadership .

To find your ideal degree type, consider which career in educational leadership you plan to pursue. A Ph.D. focuses on research and academia to advance educational leadership policy, while an Ed.D. more commonly leads to hands-on administrative roles in education.

This in-depth guide explores online doctorates in educational leadership and ranks the top 10 U.S. schools offering these degrees. Find information about tuition costs, accreditation, common classes and course delivery methods for a doctorate in educational leadership.

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.

• 6,290 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

Our Methodology

We scored 182 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctorate in educational leadership programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 89% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Should you enroll in an online doctorate in educational leadership program, accreditation for online doctorates in educational leadership, how to find the right online doctorate in educational leadership for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about educational leadership doctoral programs, fairfield university, loyola marymount university, drexel university, immaculata university, florida state university, indiana wesleyan university-national & global, northwest nazarene university, alverno college, william woods university, minnesota state university moorhead.

Graduate Tuition

$1,085/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

At Connecticut’s Fairfield University , students can pursue an online doctor of education in educational leadership with available concentrations in higher education administration and teacher leadership. Fairfield opts for asynchronous coursework delivery, allowing working professionals and people with familial obligations to complete assignments amid their busy schedules.

The university divides its curriculum into three categories: foundational core, inquiry in action and concentration classes. Coursework is available entirely online, but each student must complete two one-week residencies over two summers.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Creating a culture for continuous improvement, moving from strategy to action
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two residencies

$1,922/credit

Loyola Marymount University (LMU), located in Los Angeles, California, features an educational leadership doctoral program with online delivery. To qualify for this Ed.D. program, each candidate must have two years of full-time educational leadership experience. LMU combines asynchronous and synchronous coursework for flexibility and networking purposes.

The curriculum approaches education from sociocultural, legal and political viewpoints to foster advocacy among its graduates. Students explore the intersection of theoretical coursework and evidence-based outcomes to become inclusive leaders in equitable education settings.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 46 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Situated inquiry in education, leadership for social justice in education
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,438/credit

The online Ed.D. in educational leadership from Philadelphia’s Drexel University features primarily asynchronous coursework with no in-person requirements. Students can choose from 10 concentrations to focus on a subset of the field that aligns with their professional goals.

Learners advance through the program as a cohort to collaborate with peers and make lasting network connections. Drexel’s Ed.D. in educational leadership and management holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, signaling high quality for its rigorous curriculum.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Educational research design, creative strategies for educational leaders
• Concentrations Available: Creativity and innovation; educational administration; education policy; global and international education; higher education leadership; human resource development; learning technologies; nursing education; special education leadership

$955/credit

At Immaculata University , located in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania, learners can pursue an online educational leadership and administration Ed.D. with live virtual classes on weekday evenings. Immaculata uses accelerated delivery, allowing full-time professionals to complete the program in three years.

The curriculum focuses on professional and ethical standards through classes like personnel management and labor relations; communication theory and practice; and school leadership in teaching and learning. Before completing and defending a dissertation, each student completes three research courses.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Staff development, curriculum management

$444/credit (in state)

Tallahassee’s Florida State University (FSU) offers students an online doctorate in educational leadership focused on policy and practice. Coursework does not require regular login times, but each student must complete a three-day summer institute experience in person each year. Graduates can pursue administrative roles in higher education or at the K-12 levels to craft effective, inclusive policies.

The program’s award-winning and experienced faculty members hold positions within various advisory boards and diversity networks. Each FSU student can receive assistance from targeted writing support services and student advisors.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 69 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Data use in educational settings, public policy in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for summer institute experiences

$650/credit

The online Ed.D. in educational leadership at Marion-based Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is fully online with no residency requirements, extending the program’s reach to learners across the country. Coursework uses asynchronous delivery, but IWU encourages students to engage in synchronous communication through its virtual platform.

Students make incremental progress on their dissertations as they complete the program. IWU’s Ed.D. culminates with each student presenting their research to a panel of university reviewers.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Statistics for education, ethical leadership in education

$625/credit

At Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), located in Nampa, Idaho, students can pursue an online Ed.D. in education leadership that holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. For admission, each student must have completed an Ed.S. degree or other relevant doctoral credits. NNU also offers several online Ed.S. programs.

Along with online coursework, the curriculum includes a two-week residency that takes place on campus. The university charges a $150 fee per semester for online learning.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to educational research, effective leadership for change management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for a two-week residency

$1,043/credit

Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Alverno College offers students an online Ed.D. in educational leadership with three concentration options: teaching and learning in higher education, higher education leadership and K-12 leadership. Alverno administers most coursework through asynchronous online delivery, but each student must complete two weekend residencies on campus.

Instructors act as mentors, guiding learners through the dissertation process and integrating their experiences into class assignments. Students can also opt for an “all but dissertation” pathway, which functions as a doctoral-completion program for learners with past graduate credits.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Equity in diverse educational settings, scholarly communication
• Concentrations Available: K-12 leadership; higher education leadership; teaching and learning in higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for weekend residencies

$750/credit

The online Ed.D. in educational leadership at Fulton, Missouri’s William Woods University (WWU) blends evidence-based coursework and theoretical assignments to prepare graduates to become ethical problem-solvers in the workforce. Two weekend dissertation workshop courses take place on campus, but WWU delivers all other coursework online.

Students receive assistance from instructors throughout the dissertation process. Along with education credentials, each candidate must possess two years of experience as an educator to qualify.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Aspects of leadership, effective educational systems
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for dissertation workshops

$717/credit

At Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead), students can pursue an educational leadership Ed.D. program with online classwork. MSU Moorhead uses synchronous delivery to mirror the classroom environment and foster close interactions between peers and faculty. The curriculum includes two summer residency experiences at the school’s campus in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Students can opt for a healthcare concentration if they aim to work in nursing education or a similar sector. MSU Moorhead features flat-rate tuition, allowing out-of-state learners to pay the same per-credit rate as their in-state classmates.

• Application Fee: $35
• Degree Credit Requirements: 72 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Quantitative methods in educational research, building a compassionate community of scholars
• Concentrations Available: Healthcare
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Though the flexibility of distance learning can offer some distinct benefits over an in-person education, online programs require strong motivation, organization and time management skills to stay on top of assignments.

Before applying to an online doctorate in educational leadership, consider your availability and personal learning style. Research whether a school delivers its coursework through asynchronous, synchronous or hybrid delivery, as each method involves a different level of flexibility and interaction.

For example, if your program uses hybrid delivery, you must be able to travel to campus for your in-person requirements. Even programs with fully online coursework may mandate occasional on-campus residencies.

Synchronous coursework requires you log on at specific times to engage with peers and instructors in real time. Are you able to commit to a set schedule? Asynchronous delivery allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule, but it requires more careful management of your time and energy.

As you research online doctorates in educational leadership, keep these factors in mind, along with the following considerations.

Accreditation is a voluntary process through which schools—along with their programs and departments—undergo rigorous evaluation for their curricula, resources and student outcomes.

Institutional Accreditation

You should attend only institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you may be ineligible for federal financial aid, struggle to transfer credits to accredited schools and not qualify for professional credentials. The following agencies are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to deliver accreditation at the institutional level:

• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Higher Learning Commission
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

CHEA and ED approve other institutional accreditors, as well, but those listed above are the most common and reputable.

CHEA maintains a searchable directory of accredited schools . Use this tool to check any school’s or program’s accreditation status.

Programmatic Accreditation

Degrees, programs and departments within schools can receive program-specific accreditation. The primary accreditor for educational leadership programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP-accredited credentialing is typically not required for employment but demonstrates high quality preparation for the workforce.

Like institutional accreditors, CAEP’s provider search tool allows you to look up the accreditation status of any prospective program.

Ready to start narrowing down online programs? Here’s where to start.

Consider Your Future Goals

Consider your professional and personal aspirations to find the right online doctorate in educational leadership for your needs. For example, if you want to work as a professor or conduct research to grow the educational leadership field, a Ph.D. could be your best choice. Look for programs with research opportunities that align with your intended academic field.

On the other hand, if you plan to pursue administrative roles in education, government or nonprofit settings, an Ed.D. in educational leadership may be the best option. As you research schools, prioritize programs with experiential learning, like fieldwork, internships or residencies, in your preferred sector.

To work in a public school administrative position as a superintendent, principal or vice principal, you will likely need a state administrator license. Choose a doctoral program that prepares you for this credential.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Higher education doesn’t come cheap. As a potential doctoral student, you’re likely familiar with financial aid and paying for your education. However, when it comes to financial aid, doctorates function a bit differently from bachelor’s and master’s degrees in educational leadership .

Some doctoral programs are “fully funded,” meaning the school covers your tuition and may provide a stipend in exchange for adjunct professor work or assistantships. It’s more common for Ph.D. programs to be fully funded than Ed.D. programs.

Among the programs ranked on this page, the average total tuition for a doctorate comes out to about $55,470, with program costs ranging from about $31,000 on the lower end to nearly $90,000 for the most expensive.

Whether your program is fully funded or not, you can seek financial aid from several sources. Start by submitting a FAFSA, which will provide information on whether you qualify for government-sponsored aid such as grad PLUS loans and direct unsubsidized loans.

Federal loans require repayment with interest, so you should also research grants and scholarships. These sources do not require repayment, making them an ideal form of aid. Grants and scholarships often come from independent organizations and higher learning institutions, which may distribute gift aid based on financial need, academic merit or identity.

Is a doctorate in educational leadership hard?

Yes, many students find educational leadership doctoral programs challenging. As the terminal degree in the field, a doctorate in educational leadership entails a rigorous curriculum of in-depth coursework, a dissertation and fieldwork.

What does a doctorate in educational leadership do?

A doctorate in educational leadership qualifies you for administrative roles in education, such as dean of students, principal, chief academic officer and academic department chair. Depending on your degree type, you can also pursue employment as a professor or researcher.

What is the difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in educational leadership?

The primary difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in educational leadership relates to typical career outcomes. People with Ed.D. degrees typically work in practical, administrative roles in education, while those with Ph.D. degrees find employment in academia or research.

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

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Educational Leadership and Policy Studies M.Ed.

Type of degree.

M.Ed., Accelerated Entry into Master's Program

School or College

Area of study, program format, credit hours to graduate.

Cultivating innovative leaders to build and strengthen communities in a variety of educational and social service settings.

Program Overview

Fully online coursework for your convenience.

Broaden and deepen practical knowledge as a way to improve or expand your professional contributions in the field. Through our research-informed program, you will learn to think and act creatively, responsibly, and effectively in leadership roles that make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, adults, families, and communities.

Our interdisciplinary approach caters to professionals in education, health and human services, government, policy, law enforcement, and other fields. 

Funding and Tuition Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

UVM undergraduate students can save time an money by starting graduate coursework early through our Accelerated Master's Pathway .

"The mentorship and education I received were absolutely incredible and priceless. Courses are interesting and impactful, faculty are experts in the field, and the program sets students up for success. My niche research interests were supported and encouraged, and I have UVM to thank for many of the opportunities I have taken advantage of since graduation." – Benjamin C. Kennedy, M.Ed.

Coursework and Degree Requirements

Program Themes

• Leadership theory and practice
• Social justice
• Teaching and learning
• Organizational renewal and change
• Communication and collaboration
• Social institutions, diversity and equity
• Systems context and management
• Inquiry, reflection and action
• Policy, law and finance
• Understanding alternative perspectives on leadership that support the development of more just, humane, and diverse organizations.
• Constructing effective ways to demonstrate caring and collaborative leadership.
• Creation of networks that support transformative leadership and change.

Meet Our Faculty

Visit our faculty profiles to learn about our teaching, research and service collaborations.

Application Information

With your application, you will need to include a statement of purpose, three letters of reference, and copies of all official transcripts.

• May 1  for summer or fall semester admit
• November 1  for spring semester admit

Transfer Credits: Up to nine credits of relevant coursework may be transferred into the MEd. program with the permission of your advisor and the Graduate College. Courses must be completed within five years. An extra six credits may be transfer if taken at UVM the immediate preceding semester to matriculation.

International Students: UVM is not able to issue an immigration document for participation in this online program.

Sign up for an online information session to meet our faculty and learn more about the program.

If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.

• Email: [email protected]
• Reach out to our Graduate Student Services Office .
• Submit the inquiry form below.

• Online Degrees & Certificates
• Organizational Leadership with Positive Organization Development

Organizational Leadership with Positive Organization Development Online Master's Degree Program

Can be completed in as little as.

*2 terms per semester; each term is 8 weeks

$595/credit

$1,785 3-credit course

Active Duty Military

truED Preferred Tuition

Credit Hours Required

Spring A: Dec. 20

Classes Start

Spring A: Jan. 6, 2025

Lead with Vision and Positive Change

Position yourself as a leader who can drive transformative and positive change within your organization by combining the strategic insights of a Master’s in Organizational Leadership with the specialized knowledge of a Graduate Certificate in Positive Organization Development. This program equips you with the leadership skills and philosophies needed to champion positive organizational development, ensuring your ability to foster a thriving and resilient workplace culture. You’ll learn to apply systems thinking and appreciative inquiry to address challenges and create sustainable, positive outcomes.

Plan for a Brighter Future 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop essential skills in strategic transformation and strengths-based leadership to guide organizations through complex challenges. 
• Positive Organizational Development Expertise: Gain a deep understanding of the philosophies, theories, and practices of positive organizational development to drive meaningful change. 
• Ethical Leadership: Lead with integrity, fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes positive change and ethical practices. 
• Systems Thinking: Approach organizational challenges with a systems-thinking mindset, creating holistic solutions that benefit the entire organization. 
• Appreciative Inquiry: Learn to apply appreciative inquiry to identify and build upon organizational strengths, driving innovation and resilience. 
• Holistic Approach: Combine leadership and positive organizational development competencies to become a key player in transforming your organization into a thriving, positive environment.

Take the next step

• Request Info

Apply  (It's FREE & FAST!)

Call 802.357.5188

Schedule Admissions Call

Academic Excellence and Recognition

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com

How Can an MS in Organizational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Positive Organization Development Help Your Career?

The combination of leadership and positive organizational development skills positions you for roles where you can have a significant impact on organizational culture and effectiveness. This dual focus prepares you for leadership positions that require both strategic oversight and the ability to foster a positive, resilient workplace, such as organizational development manager, human resources director, or change management consultant. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of development managers is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032 . Graduates of this program are well-equipped to lead initiatives that drive positive change and build thriving organizational environments, potentially earning a median salary of $125,040.* 

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Top Jobs for MS in Organizational Leadership Graduates with Positive Organization Development Expertise

• Organizational Development Manager
• Human Resources Director
• Change Management Consultant
• Organizational Culture Consultant
• Leadership Development Manager
• Talent Development Specialist

Program Details

Learn more about Champlain's 100% online Master's in organizational leadership degree program.

Champlain's online organizational leadership courses encompass the top skills needed by today's leaders.

The Leadership Ecosystem

Explore concepts and frameworks for how to lead effectively in today's ever-changing world. Using an integrative reflective practice approach, students examine their own approach to leadership and create an initial plan for their own leadership development, as well as the leadership development opportunities for their organization.

Cultivating Relationships & Teams

Examine how to cultivate meaningful relationships across an organizational system, from co-workers, to team members, to broader stakeholders. Attention will be given to how to leverage both formal and informal relationships to create positive impact. Topics include perceptions, motivation, emotional intelligence, building teams, and conflict management.

Strengths-Based Leadership

Explore how to accelerate organizational change by focusing on and leveraging the core strengths of individuals and the collective system. Learn how to challenge the traditional deficit mindset that pervades organizations, and how to use evidence-based appreciative practices to cultivate shared leadership across a system.

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Explore organizational dynamics from a holistic viewpoint and how leading ethically and socially responsibly results in enhanced performance at the individual, group and organizational levels. Special focus will be given to exploring one's own ethical orientation, issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as how leading with a higher purpose can result in both accelerated organizational and broader social impact.

Communication and Negotiation

Students use a framework to explore the dynamics of human interaction within and between organizations. Throughout the course, they will use a perspective that a key function of management is to negotiate for resources and use that perspective to develop collaborative relationships with employees, vendors, suppliers, and interested communities.

Leading for Strategic Transformation

Explore how to strategically lead continual organizational evolution and apply new business models needed for success in today's ever-changing world. Attention will be given to leading sustainable growth with an intraprenurial mindset, managing disruption, the implications of the digital transformation on organizations, and the power of leading with a purpose.

Design Thinking & Leadership Innovation

Explore how to uncover creative insights and innovative solutions for today's organizational challenges. Learn about the systematic process of design thinking from a human-centred approach, including how to cultivate creativity in others and create a culture of innovation.

Leadership in Action Capstone Project

This course culminates in an applied leadership capstone project to support the translation, application and synthesis of core concepts from previous courses to a final capstone project, through action research and reflection. The project will reflect a real-life situation and will include a description of the situation, stakeholder mapping, identification of key leadership opportunities and challenges, and conceptual basis for recommendations derived from data collection as well as prior learnings and content from the Leadership Program.

Prerequisites

Complete at least 24 credits in the MS in Leadership, or MS in Digital Transformation Leadership program

Foundations of Positive Organizational Development

Positive Organization Development (POD) is the intentional approach to change that emphasizes what elevates and inspires individuals and organizations. Whereas traditional approaches to change have focused on identifying and improving breakdowns and deficits within organizations, POD seeks to uncover positive deviance and assets and accelerate successes within a system. While not ignoring problems, students will explore how to create optimal organizational states by drawing upon the theory and science of Appreciative Inquiry, positive organizational scholarship, positive psychology, and sustainable enterprises.

Advanced Applications of Appreciative Inquiry

Students will explore the theory and practice of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as a specific philosophy and specific action-research framework for creating positive organizational change. Case studies will examine how AI has been applied in different sectors to create positive whole-system change. Students will be introduced to the practical tools and resources for engaging groups and organizations in AI, as well as applying the principles of AI to their own life.

Take POD-500 or permission by program director

Creating Cultures of Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing in organizations has been shown to impact not only individuals' mental health, but also their collaboration, engagement, productivity. Creating and sustaining a culture that supports the wellbeing of employees in today's continually disrupted and distributed workplace takes intentional design and commitment. This course is designed to provide students with not only the science behind wellbeing, but also practical tools and approaches for empowering organizations to cultivate an enduring culture of wellbeing.

Take POD-500 or permission of Program Director.

Graduates of the MS in Organizational Leadership will develop the following competencies:

• Adaptive Leadership in a Complex Work Environment. Leverage advanced leadership theory, practice, and innovation to lead an organization’s strategic transformation.
• Ethical and Purpose-Driven Leadership. Lead with ethics first and a commitment to social responsibility.
• Communication, Relationship Building, and Team Cultivation. Communicate effectively, negotiate fairly, and build meaningful relationships to cultivate high-performing teams and foster inclusive organizational cultures.
• Innovation, Design Thinking, and Action-Oriented Leadership. Apply design thinking and innovation principles to lead the construction and implementation of strategic transformational organization change.

Graduates of the positive organization development online graduate certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:

• Apply theories and methodologies of strength-based organization change including Appreciative Inquiry, positive psychology and positive organizational behavior to generate value within organizational systems.
• Develop strategic initiatives designed to create and sustain cultures of wellbeing within organizations.
• Design and implement Appreciative Inquiry-based interventions to create generative change from interpersonal to whole-system level within organizations.

Tuition & Costs

Graduate tuition fall '23 - summer '25.

*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits

** Starting Summer 2024, not retroactive

See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here

What To Expect at Champlain Online

Expect convenience.

Go to school wherever and whenever is best for you, on the device of your choice.

Expect A Career Focus

Relevant and immediately applicable coursework gets you ready for your next career move

Expect Support

Your dedicated academic advisor provides the support you need to meet your academic goals

Expect Superior Faculty

Learn from practitioner faculty working in the field, with real-world experience and knowledge.

Meet the Program Director

Albert orbinati, phd.

• Business (A.S., B.S., M.S., Certificates)
• Human Resource Management (B.S., Certificates)
• Leadership (M.S.)
• Management Information Systems (B.S.)
• Organization Development & Human Relations (M.S.)

Albert Orbinati, PhD, is Assistant Professor and Department Chair for the undergraduate and graduate business programs at Champlain College Online.

Prior to Champlain, Dr. Orbinati's roles have included Assistant Vice President of Online Learning and Continuing Education at Medaille University in Buffalo, NY; Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY; and Director of Online and Non-Traditional Programs at Utica University in Utica, NY. In addition to his career in higher education, Albert is a member of the U.S. military, and currently holds the rank of Major in the Vermont Air National Guard.

Dr. Orbinati holds a B.A. in Urban Planning from Binghamton University, an M.A. in Adult Education from Central Michigan University, an M.B.A from Champlain College, and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Capella University.

Why Champlain

Career growth.

"I had been wanting to take a management position in my organization, so the master's in executive leadership was a great fit for my goals. I was able to apply what I learned to my work, and it helped me shine. As soon as I finished the program, I was promoted!"

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UVA-Based National Education Leadership Program Continues to Build Momentum

Joint initiative of Darden and UVA Education School helps schools and systems improve educational outcomes

The University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education , a prominent national education leadership development provider, today announced its new cohort of school and district leadership teams.

A joint initiative of the Darden School of Business and the School of Education and Human Development, UVA-PLE is a multi-year engagement with superintendents, principals and other leaders that combines world-class executive education and thought partnership grounded in research. The UVA-PLE Core Partnership is the only remaining research-proven effort in the country supporting K-12 educators through leadership development, capacity building and collective problem-solving. This is UVA-PLE’s 21st cohort.

UVA-PLE provides regular engagement with education leaders over the course of over two years, including onsite visits and a series of hands-on professional development sessions in Charlottesville. Through tailored support and coaching, UVA-PLE helps leaders assess current gaps and conditions; establish and advance data-driven action plans; engage stakeholders at all levels; and ensure accountability at both the school and system levels for goals and commitments.

“We believe that transformative change starts with inspiring and empowered leaders,” said UVA-PLE Executive Director William Robinson. “Educators are hard-working, selfless and servant-minded; yet, they rarely have the opportunity to invest in themselves. By focusing on the human components of change, we empower our partners to ignite action via a compelling vision and willingness to disrupt the system. We welcome the passionate and courageous leaders of our 21st cohort and know they are ready to do big things for their students.”

The Summer 2024-Spring 2026 cohort includes leaders from 17 districts across 10 states:

Arizona : Sierra Vista Unified School District California : Visalia Unified School District Colorado : Aurora Public Schools, Burlington School District RE-6J, Cherry Creek School District, Colorado Springs School District D11, Denver Public Schools, Englewood  Schools, La Junta Schools Georgia : City Schools of Decatur Michigan : Eastpointe Community Schools M issouri : St. Joseph School District Pennsylvania : Chester Upland School District, School District of the City of York South Carolina : Berkeley County School District Texas : Waco Independent School District Wisconsin : Fond du Lac School District

Each partner works with UVA-PLE to identify challenges critical to their systems and schools that they will address, such as reducing absenteeism, strengthening tier one instructional supports, enhancing teacher recruitment and capacity-building and expanding access to post-secondary opportunities.

Long-standing disparities in achievement between Black and Hispanic students and their White counterparts persist, exacerbated by pandemic learning loss. In the face of such extraordinary challenges, UVA-PLE and its partner schools and districts have dramatically raised student outcomes.

Among the 175 districts and 815 schools from 32 states that have participated in UVA-PLE over more than two decades, the results are profound. Fifty percent of recent partners achieved double-digit gains in math or language arts in only three years, many outperforming pre-pandemic assessments contrary to national trends. Local examples include:

• The School District of the City of York, Pennsylvania, became the first district in the Commonwealth to successfully exit financial recovery, a program designed to help struggling school systems.
• Fulton County, Georgia, saw a 90% decrease in systemwide F-rated schools, reduced from 29 to three such schools in four years while concurrently improving industry certification pathways and increasing college admissions at three high schools by 50%.
• In Oklahoma City, the number of underperforming schools decreased from 30 to nine schools, while the district is now providing students greater access to post-secondary opportunities.
• Fond du Lac School District, Wisconsin – which has been a part of previous cohorts – realized dramatic gains with their high school meeting state report card standards for the first time in a decade and nine schools exceeding expectations, four more than at the start of the partnership.

“The real test of student success is when we see sustained results, and that is exactly what we’ve experienced since joining the partnership,” said Dr. Jeff Fleig, superintendent of Fond du Lac School District. “Participating in UVA-PLE provides fresh insights and fosters collaboration and innovative ways to solve our district’s biggest challenges.”

A core tenet of UVA-PLE is that lasting change starts with deliberate leadership development by helping education leaders to think and act like CEOs through the key foundations of action planning, learning organizations and data-driven instruction.

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact. Darden’s top-ranked faculty, renowned for teaching excellence, inspires and shapes modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area and a global community that includes 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Press Contact

Molly Mitchell Senior Associate Director, Editorial and Media Relations Darden School of Business University of Virginia [email protected]

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