Skip to Content Request Info
Master of Arts in Education | Masters Degree in Education | School Leadership | Graduate Degree Program

Master of Arts in Education | Masters Degree in Education | School Leadership

Master’s in School Leadership

Ottawa University's accelerated, master’s degree in Educational Leadership program will prepare you to become a school administrator. Enhance your leadership in education and management skills with innovative courses that cover educational law and school finances. Field experiences provide opportunities for you to apply learning in real-life situations. This master of educational leadership program is designed to meet the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards. Pathways are available for Kansas licensure and Arizona certification.

At Ottawa University, we focus on providing a supportive learning environment and small classes where students can get the instruction and assistance they need. With courses in instructional design and evaluation, clinical supervision and assessment, relations for leaders in diverse communication, and more, you will develop a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to excel in educational leadership positions.

School Leadership Curriculum

We have created an accelerated master of educational leadership degree focused on educational administration leadership. Upon completion of this program, you will have developed your leadership in education and management skills and will have the knowledge necessary to:

  • Become a better teacher
  • Develop more enriching learning experiences
  • Prepare for changes in education
  • Promote improvement through school and community involvement
  • Measure outcomes of school programs, curricula, services and activities
  • Become a leader in education
  • Continue your professional growth

School Leadership Courses

We understand the challenges that adult learners and busy students face, which is why we’ve made this program available online. Now you can earn this valuable online master’s degree in School Leadership on a schedule that works for you!

Courses may include:

  • Master of Arts in Education: School Leadership
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Part 1 
  • Data-Driven Instruction: Part 2 
  • Principalship 
  • School Finance 
  • Field Experience 1
  • Field Experience 2
  • Foundation Courses (18 credit hours)
  • Foundation of Learning Theory
  • Foundation of Education 
  • Foundation of Exceptionality
  • Foundation of Educational Research and Assessment
  • Foundation of Ethical Practices in Education 
  • Master's Research Project

Download a program overview.

Online Learning Blog

Please visit our Online Education Blog Spot for the latest trends in online learning.

Overcoming Challenges in Online Learning

Job Opportunities for Elementary Education Degrees

Why You Should Consider a Career in Teaching

For more information about earning your accelerated Masters Degree in Educational Leadership degree at Ottawa University, contact us today!

Education | Masters Degree in Education | School Leadership is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Overland Park, Kansas
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Online

The traditional route to becoming a public school teacher involves completing a bachelor’s degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a certificate/license in a specific state. Those who have a college degree in other fields may meet state guidelines by completing a teacher certification/licensure program. For supervisory or other advanced education positions, a master’s degree is often required.

Career Outlook for the School Leadership Major

An online master’s degree in education with a focus on educational leadership can prepare you for a career as a principal, assistant principal, athletic director, education coordinator, director of admissions, assessment coordinator, dean of students, or program director. School administrator positions are essential in private and public school systems, charter schools, colleges or universities, and state education departments. Consider your options as a postsecondary education administrator or principal.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

An online master’s degree in Educational Leadership can prepare you for a career as a postsecondary education administrator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Postsecondary education administrators typically need a master’s degree. The average salary of postsecondary education administrators was $97,500 in May of 2020. The career outlook is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Principal or Assistant Principal

Another employment opportunity with a master of educational leadership may include a principal or assistant principal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. Principals typically need a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. The average salary for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $98,490 in May 2020. The career outlook is expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Careers in School Leadership

  • Assistant principal
  • Dean of admissions
  • Dean of students
  • Department chair
  • Principal
  • Provost

Master of Arts in Education: School Leadership

(36 credit hours)

Educational Leadership Concentration Courses (18 credit hours)

Data-Driven Instruction: Part 1 | EDC 7501 (3 credit hours)
Examines how school leaders can develop and maintain an atmosphere for improved student achievement based on data-driven systems. Topics include increased external accountability and data demands, as well as the ability to accurately interpret the data and implement positive learning opportunities based on the analysis of said data. Particular emphasis is placed on continuous improvement modeling. 

Data-Driven Instruction: Part 2 | EDC 7502 (3 credit hours)
Investigates the background and current status of assessment principles, purposes, strategies, and procedures used to evaluate curriculum with attention giving to school improvement planning through continuous improvement and gauging student progress. Emphasis on effective interpretation of evaluative data and methods of recording and reporting progress to stakeholders.

Principalship | EDC 7733 (3 credit hours)
Explores the principal’s role and responsibilities as related to organizational development, information systems, faculty and staff selection, orientation supervision and evaluation, curriculum development and implementation, scheduling, budgeting, and plant/facilities use.

School Finance | EDC 7743 (3 credit hours)
Covers the economics of school finance relating to theories and principles of taxation, reimbursement, financial planning, and budgeting; governmental impact, court intervention and the effects on public and non-public schools. Practical applications using local school district situations are considered when possible.

Field Experience 1 | EDC 8453 (3 credit hours)
Individually designed course-offering opportunity to integrate course knowledge with practical experience in an educational setting. Approved written proposal required.

Field Experience 2 | EDC 8473 (3 credit hours
Individually designed course-offering opportunity to integrate course knowledge with practical experience in an educational setting. Approved written proposal required.
 

Foundation Courses (18 credit hours)

Foundation of Learning Theory | EDF 7110 (3 credit hours) 
Evaluate key learning theories and environmental factors in relationship to student motivation, along with the behavioral and academic success of students. 

Foundation of Education | EDF 7210 (3 credit hours) 
Explore the historical and philosophical foundations of education in order to evaluate educational trends and create a personal philosophy of education while practicing the profession with intentionality. 

Foundation of Exceptionality | EDF 7310 (3 credit hours) 
A comprehensive investigation concerning the identification, support, and resources necessary for supporting families and children/students with exceptionalities. Utilizing a team-based approach, candidates will construct strategies for creating programs that advocate for and sustain an instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth. 

Foundation of Educational Research and Assessment | EDF 7410 (3 credit hours)
Evaluate the relevance of educational research to curriculum improvement, federal and state policies, systematic processes, and instructional and assessment strategies. Apply various research methods within educational environments at multiple levels. 

Foundation of Ethical Practices in Education | EDF 7500 (3 credit hours)
Examines the ethical guidelines and professional educator standards. Analyze, engage in, and demonstrate aspects of reflective practice, critical perspectives, and making informed and ethical decisions. Candidates will learn about advocating for sound educational practices and policies.

Master's Research Project | EDF 8503 (3 credit hours) 
Prepare major culminating scholarly project directly relevant to the program of study. Approved project proposal required.

Download a program overview.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

Back to top
/Academics/Degree-Programs/Degree-Info