Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership Online
Prepare for certification in these educational leadership roles: school principal, curriculum coordinator, or administrator or assistant administrator of special education.
Program Overview
Insights Into Our Master's Degree in Educational Leadership Online Program
Gain the credentials to serve in expanded PK-12 leadership roles such as school principal, curriculum coordinator, or administrator or assistant administrator of special education with the Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine (USM).
Aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), this MSEd program offers you a rigorous in-depth study of proven leadership skills and practices. Throughout the program, you will learn to apply research-based instructional techniques, establish clear learning standards and multiple forms of assessment, delve into the holistic role of teaching, and reflect on current best practices, learning strategies, and growth mindsets in your chosen field of education.
As part of the curriculum, you will be able to apply your learnings in real-world scenarios through an embedded internship. This includes 240 hours of field experience and features a research project. The 240 hours is the requirement for the state of Maine. Your state's certification may require additional hours.
In earning the MSEd in Educational Leadership, you will achieve the academic qualifications needed to satisfy Section C of administrator requirements, instead of taking a formal assessment.
Graduates of the administration strands leading to certification as a school principal, curriculum coordinator, or administrator or assistant administrator of special education will be able to:
- Understand the culture of schools, leadership theories, and the impact of the leadership function
- Assess school climate and culture and develop a positive organizational environment for adult and student learning
- Understand the politics of decision-making and how to make decisions that promote the school-wide agenda for teaching and learning
- Fulfill the daily operations and management requirements of the principalship or directorship
- Supervise and evaluate teacher performance and provide positive mechanisms for the improvement of practice
- Understand and apply knowledge about adult learning and teacher development
- Understand the culture of schools, leadership theories, and the impact of the leadership function
- Assess school climate and culture and develop a positive organizational environment for adult and student learning
- Understand the politics of decision-making and how to make decisions that promote the school-wide agenda for teaching and learning
- Fulfill the daily operations and management requirements of the principalship or directorship
- Supervise and evaluate teacher performance and provide positive mechanisms for the improvement of practice
- Understand and apply knowledge about adult learning and teacher development
Choose from these certification strands
- School Principal - Maine Building Administration Certification (040)
- Curriculum Coordinator - Curriculum Coordinator Certification (078)
- Special Education Director - Administrator of Special Education Certification (030) or Assistant Administrator of Special Education (035)
- School Principal - Maine Building Administration Certification (040)
- Curriculum Coordinator - Curriculum Coordinator Certification (078)
- Special Education Director - Administrator of Special Education Certification (030) or Assistant Administrator of Special Education (035)
Accreditation
The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Need More Information?
Call 888-728-7054
Call 888-728-7054
Tuition
Learn More About Our Affordable Tuition
Our goal is for you to earn a high-quality degree that will help improve your career and income without taking on considerable financial debt.
Tuition breakdown:
Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Program |
---|---|---|
MSEd in Educational Leadership | $443 | $15,948 |
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Our Application Deadlines and Class Schedules
The MSEd in Educational Leadership online program offers convenient multiple start dates each year to accommodate your professional and personal schedules.
Now enrolling:
Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline* | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 1 | 8/28/23 | 8/9/23 | 8/9/23 | 8/28/23 | 8/15/23 | 10/13/23 |
Fall 2 | 10/23/23 | 10/4/23 | 10/4/23 | 10/23/23 | 8/15/23 | 12/15/23 |
Spring 1 | 1/16/24 | 12/27/23 | 12/27/23 | 1/16/24 | 1/15/24 | 3/1/24 |
Spring 2 | 3/18/24 | 2/28/24 | 2/28/24 | 3/18/24 | 1/15/24 | 5/3/24 |
Summer 1 | 5/13/24 | 4/24/24 | 4/24/24 | 5/13/24 | 5/15/24 | 6/28/24 |
Summer 2 | 7/1/24 | 6/12/24 | 6/12/24 | 7/1/24 | 5/15/24 | 8/16/24 |
* The payment deadline for the second session of each term is the same as the first session deadline or ten days from the date of registration.
Now enrolling:
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Admissions
Read the Details of Our Admission Criteria
The MSEd in Educational Leadership online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Admission Requirements:
- 2.5 Minimum GPA
- Teaching Certificate
- 2 Years of Teaching Experience
- 3 Professional References
- Online application
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts (submitted directly from the granting institution) from all colleges/universities attended
- Valid teaching certificate (exceptions can be made for applicants with strong justifications)
- At least 2 years of teaching experience (student is expected to complete third year of teaching throughout the program)
- Contact information for three professional references (in the online application)
- Statement of purpose/essay (in the online application)
- Upload your essay in PDF format in the online application or email your essay to [email protected]
- Type a brief essay (300-500 words) on the following prompt: Teaching is a learning profession. "When teachers stop learning, so do their students." –Roland Barth. How do you envision yourself as a teacher and a learner in the Professional Educator program?
Official transcripts (submitted directly from the granting institution) and other supporting documents may be mailed or emailed.
Mailing Address:Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
Advance Your Knowledge in These Educational Leadership Online Classes
For the MSEd in Educational Leadership online program, you will complete a total of 10 courses equaling 36 credit hours.
Students will register for 3 hour segments of their chosen course in three consecutive starts and must complete 240 hours

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