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M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Outcomes
A Master's in Educational Leadership offers graduates many career options in education. They can become school principals or assistant principals, leading K-12 schools. They might also work in district administration as superintendents or curriculum directors, overseeing programs.
Some graduates become education policy analysts or researchers, helping improve education policies. Others work as education consultants, advising schools on leadership. There are also roles like special education coordinators or assessment directors, focusing on specific areas. With their degree, graduates can make a positive impact on schools and student success.
Career Outlook
- Average Salary: $118,410
- Job Postings: 339
Average salary is based on a school principal position from Salary.com. Job posting data is for school principal positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.
Courses
To earn your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, you’ll complete a total of 33 credits.
Summer Year 1
Online courses
EDU521
Curriculum Develop & Design
(3.0 s.h)
EDU531
Legal Foundations of Education
(3.0 s.h)
EDU501
Professional and Ethical Leadership
(3.0 s.h)
EDU551
Professional, Student and Staff Development
(3.0 s.h)
Summer Year 1 or Fall Year 1
Online courses
EDU585
Research Methods
(3.0 s.h)
Fall Year 1
On campus 1x per month (option to join synchronously via Zoom)
EDU595
School Leader Internship (A)
(3.0 s.h)
Spring Year 1
On campus 1x per month (option to join synchronously via Zoom)
EDU596
School Leader Internship (B)
(3.0 s.h)
Summer Year 2
A mix of online and on-campus courses (option to join on-campus courses synchronously via Zoom)
EDU562
Diversity and Inclusion in Education
(3.0 s.h)
EDU561
Mgmt School/Community Resources
(3.0 s.h)
EDU566
School Finance for Bldg-Level Leaders
(2.0 s.h)
Fall Year 2
On campus 2x per month (option to join synchronously via Zoom)
EDU589
Critical Issues Research Seminar /Internship
(2.0 s.h)
Spring Year 2
On campus 2x per month (option to join synchronously via Zoom)
EDU589
Critical Issues Research Seminar /Internship
(2.0 s.h)
In the above chart, some classes marked as online are considered remote, meaning designated synchronous online class meeting times are expected, and some are considered asynchronous, meaning no designated meeting times. Remote components to classes have the benefit of regular virtual access to fellow graduate students, the instructor, and a community feel, and asynchronous components allow for great flexibility for personal and professional schedules. Please contact education.web@usiouxfalls.edu with specific course questions. All USF instructors are trained in online pedagogy.
Requirements
You’re eligible for USF’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program if you meet the following criteria:
- You already hold a valid teaching certificate
- You have a 3.0 grade point average shown through prior degree
- You have at least one year of teaching experience
- You submit an application. Applications include a personal statement. Using your best writing skills, you will explain in 250-500 words your long-term education and career goals, stating any areas of specific interest and experience that may be relevant to your graduate program.
When can I start?
This program is designed to begin in the summer (late May) because this is when most prerequisite courses are offered. Depending on exact dates and circumstances, the program can offer extra flexibility, so please contact USF to discuss the next starting opportunity. We are here to help!
Virtual Office Hours
For bachelor's degree holders interested in earning teacher certification in just 17 months or interested in working in a post-secondary institution, adult learning organization or business industry talk to USF Director of Graduate Studies Becky Thurman. Ask questions, talk through interests and more! Affordable, competitive tuition under $400/credit hour. Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.
Check back for office hours coming soon!
For more information contact:
Becky Thurman
605-575-2083
becky.thurman@usiouxfalls.edu
Tuition and Financial Aid
| M.Ed. | Credits | Cost Per Credit 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Education in Educational Administration (Adult and Higher Education) | 33 | $415 |
| Master of Education in Teaching* | 34-35 | $415 |
| Master of Education in Educational Leadership | 33 | $415 |
*Please note that K-12 majors (music, foreign language, physical education and art) will need an additional credit in methods
Indirect Costs
Books & Supplies: $500
Housing & Food: $13,500
Transportation: $2,475
Personal Expenses: $4,500
Average Loan Fees: $215
Total Indirect Costs: $21,190
As you go through these steps, don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or are unclear about any part of the process.
- Apply for admission and receive a letter of acceptance into the Master of Education or Education Specialist Program at the University of Sioux Falls.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and have the results sent to USF (school code 003469). The FAFSA form must be renewed on an annual basis.
- Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 4.5 credit hours per semester in courses required to complete the Master of Education or Education Specialist degree. At USF, students need to be enrolled in a minimum of 2 courses per semester to meet this requirement.
- Students will receive an award letter from the USF Financial Aid Office each semester in which the student has completed the above steps and is eligible to receive financial aid.
- In the Master of Education and Education Specialist programs, students follow a pre-established schedule of coursework. Students who follow this schedule of coursework will not be eligible for federal financial aid every semester.
- Students needing financial assistance to complete one of these programs have other financing options for semesters when federal loans are not available. Students can apply for a private alternative bank loan or an interest free payment plan. See the Alternative Funding Sources page for further details on these options.
Ready to Apply?
Your future awaits at USF. Learn more about the application process or request more information to get started. Our admissions counselors are ready to connect to help you navigate the college application process.
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