The M.A. in Educational Leadership program is a 36-credit, cohort-based program that is completed over two years. Upon successful completion of the program and a passing score on the SLLA Praxis, students will be eligible for a standard certificate as a supervisor and a certificate of eligibility as an assistant principal, director, and principal.

Candidates for the principal's certification also must document at least three years of certificated teaching experience, as well as provide evidence that a fourth and fifth year will be completed during the course of studies. The work includes an administrative internship experience and an action research project.

This program is offered off-site in schools in or partner districts or in an online format. Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA in order to continue in the program.

Program Goals

The goals of the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree are to:

• Provide opportunities for candidates to acquire the knowledge, skill, and dispositions necessary for growth and development as school leaders based upon the Professional Standards for Education Leaders.
• Provide future school leaders with the opportunities to demonstrate an understanding of how to develop a vision of purpose, use information to frame a problem, and exercise leadership processes to achieve common goals..
• Prepare candidates to function as ethically and socially responsible school leaders within a caring community of learning dedicated to teaching and learning excellence.
• Prepare school leaders who are humane, confident, and professionally involved.

See Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Completed application
• Official Transcripts
• Current Resume
• 500-word personal statement (1-2 pages) as to why you are interested in obtaining a graduate degree, what are your long-term goals and how will a graduate degree help you achieve them.
• Two letters of recommendation. Recommendations can be from a faculty member, professor, or from a professional reference.
• Applicants must be certified professional educators.

*Unofficial transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation and the essay can be submitted as part of the online application. The application fee is waived if you apply online.

Unique Elements of This Program

• Cohort-based program offered fully online.
• A sequenced 36-credit program over a two-year time frame.
• Connects our students with nationally respected leaders in the field.
• Meets N.J. requirements for initial certification as principal and/or supervisor.
• Combines theoretical knowledge with substantive opportunities for field-based application.
• Aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL).
• Offered at a reduced tuition rate.
• Certification Application processed by the University.

Frequently Asked Questions