Choose your path, lead the way

The Educational Leadership (MA/MEd) program prepares you to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners. You’ll learn to shape and inform policy, collaborate with stakeholders, build consensus, coordinate institutional services and be accountable for strategic outcomes.

Classes are offered online or in person on the Lincoln Park Campus. The degree program can be completed in two and a half years.

This program has eight concentrations:

General (MA or MEd)

You’ll be prepared to work in K-12 schools and other educational environments such as early childhood centers, after-school programs, museums and non-profit organizations.

Catholic Leadership (MA or MEd)

With the addition of courses in Historical, Philosophical and Theological Foundations of Catholic School Leadership and Spiritual and Administrative Leadership in Catholic Schools, you’ll be prepared to assume a leadership role in Catholic schools, Catholic charities and youth ministries.

Higher Education (MA or MEd)

Through coursework focused on the specific needs of higher education institutions, you‘ll be prepared to take on a variety of leadership, administrative, policy and management positions at colleges and universities.

Physical Education (MA or MEd)

Athletic administration is a special subset of school administration, and the Physical Education concentration will prepare you to be a successful athletic director.

Principal License (MEd only)

This concentration is designed to prepare you for a role as a P-12 school administrator or district level supervisor. This is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program for Principal Endorsement on the Professional Educator Licensure (PEL).

Principal License, Catholic (MEd only)

You’ll be prepared to meet the specific challenges of leadership in a P-12 Catholic school. This is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved program for Principal Endorsement on the Professional Educator Licensure (PEL).

Teacher Leader (MEd only)

If you’re interested in continuing your career in a leadership capacity, but don’t want to become a principal, this program will prepare you to take a peer leadership role (such as department chair or mentor) in your school or district. This program gives you the option to add a Teacher Leader endorsement to your Illinois Teaching License (PEL).

Teacher Leader, Catholic (MEd only)

If you’re interested in continuing your Catholic school career in a leadership capacity, but don’t want to become a principal, this program will prepare you to take a peer leadership role (such as department chair or mentor) in your school or district. This program gives you the option to add a Teacher Leader: Catholic endorsement to your Illinois Teaching License (PEL).

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Online Degree Option?

The online Educational Leadership (MA/MEd) from DePaul’s College of Education offers small class sizes and is taught by the same award-winning faculty you'll find on campus. Tailored to meet the needs of your busy schedule, you'll achieve the same learning outcomes as in-person classes through collaborative and engaged learning.

Real opportunities to learn and lead

DePaul is partnered with Chicago Public Schools, the fourth-largest public school district in the country, the Archdiocese of Chicago, the nation’s largest private school system and suburban public, independent and charter schools throughout the Chicago area. You’ll have access to leaders in the field who can help guide your career.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: August 15
• Winter: December 1

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, résumé, letters of recommendation, personal statement and copy of your state teaching license.

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Required Courses

You’ll complete three core courses, 10 courses in your chosen concentration and two internships. You’ll also complete an MA thesis or MEd capstone project.

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96%

of Educational Leadership graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

 

$53k

The average reported salary for Educational Leadership graduates was $53,000.

Faculty who are committed to your success

Study with Dr. Leodis Scott, who researches and publishes findings about Learning Cities. “Our municipalities and metropolitan areas have a vital role in supporting education and learning for all learners, regardless of age, level, or status. Learning Cities align very well to DePaul’s Vincentian mission, considering issues in poverty, inequity, and social justice.”

“The program is truly committed to preparing leaders that have a will and a desire to join the fight in helping improve educational outcomes, opportunities, and access for historically underserved populations and communities. Service, professionalism, and empathy for others are principles that I try to embed into all aspects of my work.”

Robert (MEd ’11)

Dean of Education, Dallas College 

Alumni Network

You’ll join a community of like-minded educators and administrators in schools of all shapes and sizes. With alumni serving in leadership roles in public and private grade schools, high schools, colleges and universities, you’ll be connected to the expertise and support necessary to become a transformational leader.

Scholarships

Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.

Admission Requirements

?Admission requirements for Educational Leadership MA/MEd

Educational Leadership MA/MEd
Educational Leadership MA/MEd - Catholic Principal
Educational Leadership MA/MEd - Principal
Educational Leadership MA/MEd - Teacher Leader??

Degree Requirements

We offer the Educational Leadership MA in two modalities: on-campus and fully online.

Degree requirements for each modality are unique. On-campus degree requirements are listed below, and online degree requirements are listed in the Academic Catalog.

View online requirements in the Catalog

On-Campus Degree Requirements

MA Degree Requirements

Specific degree requirements are determined according to the concentration chosen by the student. Master of Arts (MA) concentrations are available in General Concentration, Catholic Leadership Concentration, Physical Education and Higher Education.

Please review the concentration requirements pages for more information.

Please note: a Master’s Thesis is completed for all MA concentrations in conjunction with faculty advisement. Preparation for the writing of the Thesis should begin well in advance of the completion of coursework. Oral examination on Thesis required. Consult the MA Thesis Handbook for additional information. 

MEd Degree Requirements

Specific degree requirements are determined according to the concentration chosen by the student. Master of Education (MEd) concentrations are available in General Educational Leadership (degree only), Catholic Leadership (degree only), Higher Education (degree only), Physical Education, Principal License, Principal License (Catholic), Teacher Leader Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement  (Catholic).

Please review the concentration requirements pages for more information.

Please note: A Capstone project is completed for all MEd Concentrations in conjunction with faculty advisement, and students are required to take A&S 608 to complete the Capstone project.

Academic Standards

Students must maintain a 3.0 average or higher to continue in the program. Any grade below a C will not count for credit toward completion of the program. ????

Content displayed from this DePaul University catalog page.