Educational Leadership (M.S.)

Learn to Lead in Education

The M.S. in Educational Leadership provides educators with an opportunity to develop leadership skills through relevant coursework and experiences. It is delivered 100% online. Rolling admission allows flexibility to begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer. Educators can expect to complete the program in six semesters or less and participate in internship courses without teacher-release time.

Coursework in this program aligns with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Standards, ensuring educators completing all requirements will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to serve as leaders in an evolving educational landscape.

Delivery Format

Online

Program Cost

$555/credit hour

Program Length

24 Months

Program Overview

This program cultivates educational leaders committed to fostering positive change within their schools and communities. It prepares aspiring leaders to serve diverse student populations with integrity, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in today’s educational landscape. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making, collaborative leadership, and the ability to work with families, staff, and stakeholders to drive meaningful improvements in school outcomes. Delivered in a flexible online format, this program ensures that future school leaders can learn while continuing to serve their current roles. The Educational Leadership (M.S.) has two tracks: Principal Preparation and Teacher Leader.

Competitive Curriculum

Tailor your degree to fit your career goals! The Educational Leadership (M.S.) program at the University of St. Francis includes a competitive curriculum, with several concentrations to choose from, including:

Principal Preparation Concentration
This concentration prepares educators by developing the leadership skills necessary to serve as a school or district administrator. School building roles may include assistant principal, principal, deanor director.

Consists of 33 credit hours and can be completed in six (6) semesters. Courses are offered online and provide consistent communication and support between faculty mentors and fellow students.
There is a year-long internship with the support of a Mentor Principal and Faculty Supervisor. The administrative work can be completed in the fall and spring before and after school and in the summer, so there is no teacher release time required.
The degree leads to the P-12 Principal Endorsement. It is intended for teachers and school support personnel who want to serve as school building administrators.
Candidates may be eligible for a focused program to earn the Principal endorsement only.

Teacher Leader Concentration
This concentration provides educators with the tools to be successful as a school leader in roles such as curriculum specialist, department chair, and program leader.

Consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in five (5) semesters. Courses are offered online. No teacher release time is required.
The degree leads to a Teacher Leader Endorsement. It is intended for teachers who want to be a school leader other than a principal or assistant principal, such as department chairs, program leaders, curriculum specialist, and others.
Candidates may be eligible for a focused program to earn the Teacher Leader endorsement only.

RELATED PROGRAMS
Bridge Program:
Graduate Certificate:

What You’ll Learn

Demonstrate leadership skills needed to assume prominent roles in the field of education.

Analyze ongoing issues, theories, and trends by focusing on applications in classroom settings that can improve student learning.

Develop the skills of reflective and critical thinking to explore the larger purposes of education for the individual and society.

Accredited

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe.org). College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).

Respected

Our programs are top-ranked! U.S. News & World Report has placed the University of St. Francis on several of its annual listings, year after year, including its “Best National Universities,” “Best Value Schools” and “Best Online Programs” lists.

“Like my cohort peers, I began the Educational Leadership program at the University of St. Francis with an array of leadership skills built upon intrinsic values and previous experiences. However, the program, its respective courses, and knowledgeable professors guided me toward shaping these skills into applicable tools and strategies for future leadership positions. Grounded in ideals and centered on service to others, the entire experience allowed me to become the professional administrator that I am today.”

Clayton Theisinger, Program Graduate

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Online Learning & You

The University of St. Francis offers more than 120 online courses and serves more than 1,500 student registrations per semester.

Curious to know more about online learning and what it entails? USF prides itself on delivering a practical, real-world curriculum and faculty expertise in a medium proven to be conducive to the needs of working adults. Explore USF’s online learning environment here!

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Continuing and adult students are eligible for some aid and scholarships. Review our scholarships page to see what’s available to make financing your education easier.

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