Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Administration Online
Grow as an effective educational leader in today's diverse learning environments.
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Program Overview
See where our online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration can take you
$13,497*
Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
33
Credit Hours
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Administration online program from Worcester State University is designed to develop your educational leadership expertise and prepare you for more rewarding opportunities supporting academic excellence within the school system and beyond.
This online master's in educational leadership and administration program helps you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective educational leader. The online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration program prepares students to become innovative leaders that are ready to elicit change in educational systems and organizations. As a student, you will gain knowledge about finance and budgeting, law and governance, strategic planning, curriculum design, and collaborating with the community. The areas of study include instructional leadership, family and community engagement, professional culture, and management and operations.
While this program does not lead to initial licensure, graduates may complete an apprenticeship program to pursue principal/assistant principal licensure in the state of Massachusetts.
As a graduate of the program, you may pursue a career in educational leadership including, but not limited to, curriculum coordinator, private school administrator, educational researcher, curriculum and instructional leader at educational sites and museums, director at private learning institutions, administrator for educational programs (such as tutoring centers and after-school programs), community liaison, and more. If you are residing in Massachusetts and you are interested in pursuing principal/assistant principal licensure in Massachusetts, you may inquire about our apprenticeship program for more information.
Have questions or need more information about online programs?
"Professors are integrated into Worcester Public Schools, so I'm getting firsthand knowledge of the district I'm currently working in."
-Chelsey Fernandes
Worcester State online class of 2024
Worcester State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
In this online master’s in educational administration, you will learn how to:
- Instructional Leadership: Promote learning and growth by cultivating a shared vision that makes effective teaching and learning the central focus of a school or organization.
- Management & Operations: Promote learning and growth by ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, using resources to implement appropriate curriculum, staffing and scheduling.
- Family & Community Engagement: Promote learning and growth through effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support the mission of an organization or school.
- Professional Culture: Promote success by nurturing and sustaining a culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff.
- Instructional Leadership: Promote learning and growth by cultivating a shared vision that makes effective teaching and learning the central focus of a school or organization.
- Management & Operations: Promote learning and growth by ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, using resources to implement appropriate curriculum, staffing and scheduling.
- Family & Community Engagement: Promote learning and growth through effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support the mission of an organization or school.
- Professional Culture: Promote success by nurturing and sustaining a culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff.
Educational leadership and administration career outcomes:
- Teacher Leader or Teacher Coach
- Curriculum Coordinator or Instructional Coordinator
- Dean of Students
- District Administrator
- Private School Teacher
- Teacher Leader or Teacher Coach
- Curriculum Coordinator or Instructional Coordinator
- Dean of Students
- District Administrator
- Private School Teacher
Have questions or need more information about online programs?
Online M.Ed. degrees also available:
Worcester State University offers a variety of quality education degree programs online. Explore all our online education programs.
Tuition
Stay on track with pay-as-you-go tuition
Worcester State University tuition is extremely affordable. Plus, you can pay by the course—making it easy to budget. Worcester State is committed to offering a high-quality education that is accessible to students at all levels of financial need.
$409
Per Credit Hour
$13,497*
Tuition
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Program | Per Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration | $409 | $13,497 | $1,227 |
Additional Fees
Application: $50
*Tuition and fees as of Fall 2024. Worcester State reserves the right to change tuition and fees at any time. Accelerated online programs are not eligible for tuition remission benefits, waivers and vouchers.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office at Worcester State is here to assist you with the guidelines and process of financing your education. We will work with you to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your financial aid options while attending Worcester State.
Worcester State online programs are eligible for financial aid, which is available for those who apply and qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Worcester State's Federal School Code is 002190.
Contact the financial aid office at:
Financial Aid Office
Shaughnessy Administration Building
Academic Mall, 1st floor
Office 150
508-929-8056
508-929-8194 (fax)
[email protected]
Calendar
Milestones to help you reach your education goals
It's always a good time to earn your educational leadership and administration degree from Worcester State University online. We offer six start dates during the year so you can begin your program when it's most convenient. Check out the chart below for important dates.
Now enrolling:
6/27/25
Next Application Due Date
7/14/25
Next Class Start Date
| Session | Start Date | Application Deadline | Registration Deadline | Document Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 5/19/25 | 5/2/25 | 5/14/25 | 5/9/25 | 5/14/25 | 7/6/25 |
| Summer 2 | 7/14/25 | 6/27/25 | 7/9/25 | 7/4/25 | 7/9/25 | 8/31/25 |
| Fall 1 | 9/8/25 | 8/22/25 | 9/3/25 | 8/29/25 | 9/3/25 | 10/26/25 |
| Fall 2 | 11/3/25 | 10/17/25 | 10/29/25 | 10/24/25 | 10/29/25 | 12/21/25 |
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Worcester State University?
Admissions
Take the first step to start your online education graduate degree
The admission process is the first step toward earning your degree at Worcester State! Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Work Experience
two years or more in instructional or related role in a PreK-12 educational setting
Bachelor's Degree
from a regionally accredited (or equivalent) institution
Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $50 application fee
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA
- Provisional admittance for 2.5 to 2.74 GPA, pending faculty review
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
- Minimum of two years of experience in an instructional or related role in a PreK-12 educational setting
- Submit two academic or professional references
- Submit a career essay
Official transcripts may be mailed or emailed directly from the granting institution(s) to:
Mailing Address:
Graduate Admissions Office
Worcester State University
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
Email: [email protected]
Students residing in Massachusetts who are interested in pursuing principal/assistant principal licensure in Massachusetts may inquire about our apprenticeship program for more information.
Courses
View the course details for the master's in educational leadership and administration
For the online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Administration, you are required to take 11 courses for a total of 33 credit hours.
EA 912: Introduction to Educational Leadership
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce students to best practices and standards for school administrators and the theoretical underpinnings of educational leadership/ administration.
Students will be able to:
- Students will understand all requirements of this degree program.
- Students will evaluate and create a comprehensive educational program.
- Students will learn the dynamics of creating a collaborative school culture and understand how to create a meaningful and effective school improvement plan.
- Students will role play difficult conversations with faculty and staff common to the principalship.
- Students will become comfortable and experienced with public speaking.
- Students will evaluate and create a plan to effectively manage and support teacher/educator talent.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the department of education’s anti-racist leadership competencies and evaluate the commitment to anti-racist culture.
- Students will develop a deep understanding of the relationship between school leadership and school culture and how leadership affects culture.
- Students will begin the process of action research with the goal of investigating, analyzing data, and improving student achievement in literacy programs.
EA 913: Action Research for School Administrators
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course will focus on qualitative/quantitative research whereby the students will learn to carry out action research. Students will conduct research addressing educational best practices and standards. How to write case studies will also be addressed as a way to do research.
Students will be able to:
- Students will review library and research resources
- Students will be able to search on-line resources
- Students will be able to work in a collaborative learning environment
- Students will be given an overview of statistical and data analysis procedures
- Students will be able to write the Introduction, Literature Review & Methodology section of a research paper.
- Students will identify and research a problem of practice in one’s field by reflecting on teaching practices.
- Students will formulate a research question(s) (quantitative) or central question(s) (qualitative) related to the problem of practice and consider its relationship to the research paradigm and design.
- Students will design a valid qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods action research project using current research and literature as a foundation.
- Students will review and choose appropriate quantitative (survey, tests, etc.) and qualitative (focus groups, observations, interviews, etc.) data collection strategies.
- Students will review and choose appropriate data analysis strategies for a proposed study.
- Students will determine possible ethical considerations for a proposed study.
- Students will submit a proposal to the Internal Review Board and successfully complete the process.
EA 915: Economic and Operational Dimensions of Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on blending the skills required for effective resource allocation coupled with the need to make practical and strategic decisions that promote student achievement in a safe/orderly learning environment.
Students will be able to:
- Revise a current budget reflecting resources allocated to support student achievement
- Create a schedule intended to promote student achievement.
- Develop a plan showing where funds should be allocated based on available data regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment; school safety; and, SPED and ELL needs
- Analyze and modify school safety plans based on research of what contributes to the safe and orderly operation of a school
- Assess the level of safety and efficiency of building/grounds
- Discuss how to get school committees to negotiate (budgets) contracts that reflect and support the district's vision, mission, and goals.
EA 918: Family and Community Engagement
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus will be on ways to build strong working relationships and connections between families, community providers, and schools. How to effectively communicate and learn from families from diverse backgrounds and community members in order to promote student learning is emphasized.
Students will be able to:
- Develop a plan to use resources within their community or county to enhance children's ability to attain academic success 2. Identify and evaluate present school partnerships and stakeholders
- Assess the needs of caregivers and community members and involve them in decision making
- Develop a working model for school and community partnerships
- Communicate effectively with others to enhance the total welfare of all children; promote collaboration
- Develop a communication plan for working with parents and members of other systems which impact children directly or indirectly
- Create a school-community relations plan to enhance students' educational and emotional systems of support
- Plan ways to build public support for children and the services they need, including educational services
- Advocate for children within the educational system and beyond.
EA 923: Governance, Ethics, & Law in Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the myriad of legal, ethical, and mandated regulations that must be considered in creating and operating a school system.
Students will be able to:
- Research and analyze relevant federal and state regulations and guidelines, programmatic compliance requirements
- Research and analyze relevant case law and decisions rendered by the State Ethics Commission (or local ethics commission) and their implications for resolving school issues.
- Study and be able to explain the role of the school committee, superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal/assistant principal, special education administrator, business manager, mayor, city council, select boards, finance/advisory committees in the operation of a school district
- Examine educator contract agreements to gain an understanding of how specific language might impact its implementation
- Explain how employment practices, policies and procedures are affected by contractual obligations, state regulations and fiscal realities
- Determine how conflicts need to be resolved in an ethical and legal manner that promotes a positive professional culture.
EA 924: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Aspiring Leaders
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course seeks to engage aspiring leaders through a constructivist approach to teaching and learning with a focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment (CIA) that can positively impact the achievement of all students. CIA will be examined from a theoretical and practical perspective with a focus on the administrator's role in driving change that is grounded in research, data and equity for all.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate and demonstrate through their decision making the connection between curriculum, instruction and assessment in relation to the goals of a district
- Ensure the implementation of an effective curriculum that is aligned to curriculum frameworks
- Identify and promote instructional practices across all school settings that reflect high expectations around content and quality of effort and work, engage all learners and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning styles, needs, interests, and levels of readiness
- Identify and promote a variety of formal and informal methods and assessments for measuring student learning, growth, and understanding so as to inform their practice through Looking At Student Work (LASW) and data analysis to ensure that all students are learning
- Employ data analysis while using multiple sources of evidence related to student learning to inform school and district goals so as to close the achievement gap
- Identify a process to assess the impact of changes on curriculum and instruction
- Demonstrate an understanding of a comprehensive intervention system to meet the individual needs of each student
- Articulate a system for program evaluation that includes monitoring, evaluating, and revisions of curriculum, instruction and programs to assess their effectiveness in meeting school and district goals
- Use and identify, effective technology to enhance the curriculum and to support data analysis
- Value and ensure the use of project-based learning and a constructivist approach to learning.
EA 929: Educational Leadership Capstone
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This capstone assessment will be used to assess the student’s overall ability to synthesize and evaluate their work in the program. An academic paper and presentation demonstrating action research undertaken during the program will be part of the capstone assessment process.
Students will be able to:
- Students will submit copy of an e-portfolio that provides evidence of a high level of knowledge, skills, abilities and commitment related to standards for educational leaders
- Students will describe utilized proper research methods to determine the needs of a department, school, institution, etc.
- Students will prepare and participate in a mock interview for the administrative position for which they plan to apply.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge in meeting educational best practices and standards for educational leadership.
- Students will complete an academic paper and present their action research findings, interpretations, and contributions to the field/school system.
- Students will develop and implement a professional development presentation for staff that is connected to a district/school improvement plan.
- Students will develop a “transition plan” in preparation of their role as an administrator.
- Students will conduct a policy/safety analysis addressing crisis prevention, containment, and communication.
- Students will critically analyze the school plant/facility regarding how it either supports or limits the instructional programs, quality of school climate and safe school environment.
EA 931: Administration of Programs for Children with Special Needs & ELLs
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The administration and implications of legislation for administrators who are responsible for implementing special education programs and programs for English language learners.
Students will be able to:
- Understand the development and individual components of an IEP and 504
- Understand role of growth and student achievement in school accountability
- Develop a personal vision statement for students with disabilities
- Understand district, state, and federal policies and procedures as they relate to special education law
- Understand general characteristics, assessments, and best practices associated with each disability
- Identify strategies to supervise and support special education, ELL, and general education personnel, and instructional assistants
- Understand how multicultural perspectives, language acquisition, and poverty affect student achievement
- Develop a strategic plan for school-wide intervention including data analysis to identify students, professional development, program implementation, and monitoring effectiveness of instructional practices
- Students will know how to maximize academic and non-academic opportunities for English Language Learners to engage in learning alongside their non-ELL peers.
EA 970: Professional Culture
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on ways to promote success of all students by examining, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and ethical behavior. The importance of developing a shared vision, strong interpersonal skills, and effective written and oral communication in diverse environments are highlighted.
Students will be able to:
- Develop, promote, and secure staff commitment to core values that guide the development of a results-oriented mission to assist in on-going decision making
- Engage all stakeholders in the creation of a shared educational vision
- Cultivate and promote reflective, adaptive, and collaborative behaviors and skills in leading change
- Create and foster a respect for a culturally diverse environment
- Consistently maintain and promote ethical and professional conduct
- Develop and nurture a culture in which all staff are reflective practitioners and effectively use student data, current research, and best practices and theory to adapt instruction and improve achievement
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and foster clear lines of communication between and among constituencies
- Employ strategies for constructively resolving conflict and building consensus
- Build high-quality and effective teams and foster collaborative decision-making
- Effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, plan and lead well-run and engaging meetings.
EA 972: Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The major focus will be on supervision and evaluation practices that promote high standards, reflection, and increasing student achievement. The course will provide the participants with the necessary skills to hire and evaluate staff, promote improvement, and dismiss educators when needed.
Students will be able to:
- Provide effective supervision and evaluation in alignment and accordance with state regulations and contract provisions
- Use multiple sources of evidence related to student learning to inform educator effectiveness and student learning
- Ensure that all teachers use a variety of formal and informal methods and assessments to measure student learning student learning growth and understanding and make necessary adjustments to their practice when students are not learning
- Create a culture in which staff takes responsibility for their performance and behavior
- Expect and support effective use of technology to support instruction
- Implement a cohesive approach to human resource management that promotes high quality and effective staff and professional growth consistent with state licensure
- Cultivate and promote reflective adaptive and collaborative behaviors and skills of self and others in leading change or confronting new challenges
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and foster clean lines of communication between and among staff
- Employ strategies to respond to disagreement and dissent and to constructively resolve conflicts
EA 973: Building Capacity for Shared Vision and Educational Change
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Participants will examine the many variables that contribute towards realizing a school's vision and influencing student learning. The student will identify and analyze these variables using school, family, and community data. Planning for implementing change is part of the focus.
Students will be able to:
- State, district and school data will be utilized to develop school goals to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Examine data to identify and address multiple causes of educational underperformance to close proficiency gaps.
- Evaluate a systematic approach to monitor, evaluate, and make needed changes to curriculum, instruction, and programs to meet school and district goals.
- Communicate with a targeted audience how schools collect and analyze data to improve teaching and learning in a standards-based environment
- Explain the role of school leader in developing a vision and facilitating change for a school
- Describe technology tools and resources that can be used to promote learning for students, instructional support for teachers, and supportive of administrative tasks.
- Explain the systematic nature of staff development
- Describe how to involve staff in preparing and implementing professional development plans that improve student learning.
- Design professional development opportunities that reflect best practices.
Course rotation:
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