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Online Master's in Educational Leadership

Make an Impact With an Educational Leadership Master's Degree

Get ready to make an impact by developing your leadership, management, and analysis skills in the online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Help others reach their full potential as educational and corporate leaders.

21st-century students have unique technological, social, and developmental needs. Their success begins with effective school leadership. As an educational leader, you’ll need to know how to guide others as they prepare increasingly resourceful, intelligent students for challenges no one can fully foresee.1

But learning and development don’t stop in the classroom. Every industry and organization needs passionate leaders who help their employees thrive. As a training and development specialist or manager, you can infuse new media and technology into programs that employees learn from and enjoy.2

“The emphasis of the program focuses on equipping the student with skills of enhanced communication, problem-solving strategies, decision making aptitude and viable approaches toward sound team building procedures.” – Craig Sundberg, Program Director

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33

credits

$590

per credit

2

year completion*

Sept•Jan•May

start dates

Online

33

credits

$590

per credit

2

year completion*

Sept•Jan•May

start dates

Online

Thrive as an Education Leader

Saint Mary’s tailored the online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership to provide the right expertise for leadership roles, including mentorship, staff development, coordinator, Dean of Students, and more. The courses delve into the foundations of educational leadership with a focus on coaching, team building, and change, enabling you to become a thoughtful, effective educator. You’ll complete the coursework in a convenient online format that works well for busy professionals.

Program Highlights

  • Gain Education and Corporate Leadership Training
  • Distinguished Faculty of Administrators
  • Curriculum emphasizes leadership strategy both in and outside of the education industry
  • Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.

 

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Course List & Requirements

View the courses and requirements for the online Master’s in Educational Leadership.

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Testimonial

“While I benefited significantly from the content of each course, I am most impacted by the thoughtfulness, flexibility, and competency of my instructors. Their actions have taught me how to be a better communicator, risk-taker, leader, agent of change, student advocate, collaborator, and just a stronger and more optimistic version of myself.”

– Vanessa Stultz, MA in Education Leadership Graduate

Share Your Success

Saint Mary’s supports your success by providing you with the tools necessary to not only achieve your professional goals but to share them with the world—especially the digital world.

As part of our commitment, Saint Mary’s offers an opportunity for you to be awarded digital badges. Digital badges are a graphic verification representing your achievement after completing a specific online course or program.

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Admissions

When you apply for an online master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, you’re taking the first step in building a successful leadership career online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership admissions requirements ask for more than your undergraduate GPA and transcripts because these scores don’t represent you as a whole. The additional requirements help us learn about your unique abilities and experience, as well as your future career goals.Take the first step in advancing your career in educational leadership by preparing your admissions application with these requirements.

    • An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
    • If your overall GPA is below 2.75, you may receive conditional status in the program at the discretion of the program director
    • The language proficiency to succeed in graduate-level classes

     

    • Prerequisite courses do not count toward the degree. No prior experience is necessary beyond an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Our online master’s in educational leadership program is designed for those currently working in education or leadership positions looking to advance their career

  • No GMAT/GRE requirements (Need a minimum 2.75 GPA).

    • You can transfer a maximum of six credits you’ve earned before admittance to Saint Mary’s online M.A. in Educational Leadership program
    • Transfer credits are subject to graduate school and program criteria, as well as the recommendation of the program director and approval by the dean
    • Note that work experience is not accepted as credit for this program

  • Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.

    Saint Mary’s accepts the:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
    • Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
    • International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
    • Duolingo with a minimum score of 100

  • Applicants must submit the following:

    1. Completed application form, and
    2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits.
    3. A personal statement which includes:
      • brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience; and
      • statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
      • statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
      • personal information the applicant wishes to share.
    4. Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
    5. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.
    6. Applicants with international transcripts may require an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or MELAB accepted.)

    Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities Campus.

    Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

    Office of Admission
    2500 Park Ave S
    Minneapolis, MN 55404

    Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu

    Please reach out with any questions about the application process.

    Phone: (612) 728-5100
    Toll-free: (866) 437-2788

    E-mail: tcadmission@smumn.edu

  • Upcoming application deadlines for Saint Mary’s online M.A. in Educational Leadership:

    • Spring: December 20, 2024
    • Summer: April 21, 2025
    • Fall: August 19, 2025

  • Notice of acceptance within 2 weeks.

Tuition & Fees

A college education is invaluable. You can take it wherever you want to go or as far as you want to go. The cost of quality education should not get in the way of reaching your goals. Here at Saint Mary’s, we are committed to providing an accessible, quality education that is focused on enhancing your personal and professional growth.

Explore cost breakdowns for tuition and other fees of the Educational Leadership program.

Explore Tuition & Fees

Careers & Salary

The M.A. in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s prepares educators for administrative roles in schools, districts, and higher education institutions. Common job titles include:

Assistant Principal

-

Dean of Students

-

Educational Policy Analyst

-

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

-

Education Program Manager

-

For more information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, bls.gov/ooh, or professional organizations such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Explore Educational Leadership Careers

What You'll Learn

As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:

  • Provide educational leadership through the use of leadership principles and techniques applicable to educational organizations
  • Communicate effectively to facilitate professional learning communities
  • Evaluate and design curriculum and instruction to ensure and enhance the growth of all learners, especially adults
  • Foster cultural competency by leveraging diversity to assure the growth of the educational organization
  • Manage safe and effective learning environments by utilizing creative supervisory principles and research-based management styles
  • Embrace ethical values to act with responsibility and accountability
  • Assess educational effectiveness by utilizing data-driven practices and technological strategies
  • Examine ways to improve education through quality data collection and analysis
View All Program Outcomes

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. In most states, a master's degree is the preferred minimum level of education for top-level leadership candidates in early childhood, higher education, or corporate training environments. The online master's in educational leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota contains the ideal combination of courses in ethics, policy/law, leadership development, and communications training to give you the well-rounded skills you need to pursue your career goals.

No. The degree you earn online from Saint Mary's University is identical to the degree offered on campus.

You may apply for admission to Saint Mary's online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking online classes at the start of any semester: spring, summer, or fall.

You may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with the approval of the dean. Your transfer credits are subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.

No. As long as you submit your assignments by the time they are due, you can work and study when it is most convenient for you.

All the information about eligibility and admissions requirements can be found on the admissions section.

Absolutely. Many different types of financial aid are available to those who qualify. To discuss tuition rates and a number of different financial aid options, call 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor.

Administrative licensure requirements vary by state. If your goal is to become a principal, director of special education, or superintendent of a K-12 public school in Minnesota, you will need to complete an education-related master's degree plus complete an administrative licensure preparation program such as our Ed.S. in Educational Administration which includes the coursework and field experience necessary to prepare to become an administrator in Minnesota. If you are looking to become a K-12 public school administrator in another state, it is your responsibility to check with the administrative licensing body in your state for specific licensure preparation requirements.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

To earn your online master's degree, you will complete 33 credit hours of program work. If you stay on the recommended course schedule of two online Educational Leadership classes per consecutive semester, you will complete your coursework in about 22 months. Advisers are available to help you stay on track.

The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary's on-ground campuses.

No, these are instructor-led courses. While there are no set class times, there are assignments with set due dates.

All of the support systems available to on-campus students at Saint Mary's University are available for online learners as well. If you need academic support, a team of advisers is ready to assist. Professors are just a phone call or email away, and every online Saint Mary's University student is paired with a dedicated student services coordinator who will make sure your educational and professional goals stay on track. Technical support is also available to online students 24/7 at 877-308-9954 ext. 3.

Your journey to a more rewarding educational leadership career starts by calling 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor, or you can request more information and we'll reach out to you.

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Sources

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Instructional Coordinators.” Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm.
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Postsecondary Education Administrators.” Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm.
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Social and Community Service Managers.” Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Training and Development Managers.” Retrieved September 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm.

*Completion times may vary