Educational Leadership

Overview

Your credential for advanced career success.

Designed for K–12 educators advancing towards leadership roles, the online Master of Education in Educational Leadership offers you the opportunity to take the next exciting step in your profession.

Our M.Ed. programs are taught by doctorally-qualified faculty with exceptional experience in college classrooms and backgrounds in education as superintendents, principals, teachers, education consultants and more.

Recognizing the sacrifice that Catholic school teachers and staff make, Notre Dame College offers teachers, staff, and administrators at Catholic schools and Catholic institutions an automatic 20% discount on tuition at Notre Dame College.

Read about how this program is launching an Ohio educator’s career.

Topics of Study

You will study a host of topics necessary to your success as an education leader, including:

• School management
• Personnel administration and supervision
• School finance and business
• School law
• Community relations
• Educational politics
• Assessment and accountability
• Integrated technology
• Social and cultural issues in education
• Curriculum development

You will also be required to complete two internships in the field. Internships offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to immediately apply what you have learned to the classroom and beyond.

We are invested in your success as an education professional. Classes are synchronous, giving you the opportunity to build connection and community with faculty and peers. The format of our online Master of Education in Educational Leadership offers accountability, collaboration and flexibility when you need it.

Our faculty have years of real-world experience and will provide you with the support you need to reach the next level of your career. You will also have full access to the college’s resources including the library and tutoring center.

Graduates of the educational leadership online program are equipped to work both in and outside the formal education system. If you aspire towards principalship, the program prepares you to sit for your licensure exam. It also prepares you for non-licensed opportunities.

This Program Is Designed For:

• Licensed K–12 teachers
• Working educators who want to enter leadership positions within their organizations
• Adults seeking to earn an advanced degree without sacrificing work or life commitments

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

At Notre Dame College Online, your course of study will help you earn the credential you need to take the next step in your career. Our online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership requires 33 credit hours: 24 hours of Educational Administration Courses and 9 hours of Common Core courses.

Educational Administration Courses (for licensure) (24 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
ED 640	School Management and Educational Leadership This course serves as a foundation in leadership and is designed to develop and nurture in the candidates the leadership skills that are key in helping them become successful principals. This course examines the purposes and organizational structures of educational institutions created by federal, state and local governments providing programs and services from early childhood through adulthood. Contemporary operational and administrative problems and developing trends are considered for analysis. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Education program with a concentration in Educational Leadership, a valid and current teaching license.	3
ED 641	Personnel Administration and Supervision This course provides an overview of the processes and procedures necessary to implement an effective human resources administration program in a K–12 environment, as well as the theoretical and practical overview of the supervision and evaluation of instruction. The focus is on personnel functions in education including recruitment, selection, induction and evaluation and supervision of staff, staff development programs, compensation packages and collective bargaining and master contracts. Prerequisites: ED 640 School Management and Educational Leadership.	3
ED 642	School Finance and Business Functions This course explores educational funding, sources of revenue, resource allocations, considerations and study of current trends in fiscal structure and operations in education. School law pertaining to accounting for school funds will be discussed. Prerequisites: EDAD 640 School Management and Educational Leadership.	3
ED 643	School Law This course will examine the legal principles and precedents relevant to education. Legal and ethical principles originating in and common law relevant to curriculum, contracts, personnel administration, pupil and employee rights, liability and finance will be explored. The role of past practice will be explained and explored. Prerequisites: ED 640 School Management and Educational Leadership.	3
ED 644	Educational Politics, Policies and Community Relations This course is designed to help future administrators understand their school’s internal and external communities and improve the relationships that develop in these communities. Principal candidates will learn effective skills that enable them to clearly articulate the message of the school to the public and mass media. Candidates will learn to value cultural diversity and cultivate the skills do become accomplished as culturally relevant leaders. Sociological and demographic research describing and explaining communities and the public view of schools are examined. The candidate will acquire a working knowledge of political subdivisions and policies and will realize the power of synergy in promoting community development. Prerequisites: ED 640 School Management and Educational Leadership.	3
ED 645	Principal's Role in Assessment and Accountability This course is designed to provide the candidate with an overview of the role of the principal in assessment and accountability. Candidates will develop the ability to explain student assessment results to various stakeholders of the schools based upon data decision making. In addition, candidates will learn how to organize, plan and implement a school improvement plan that will guide the school in developing, articulating, implementing and carrying out a vision of learning that is required to support high levels of learning for all students. Ohio’s Educational Management Information System and the Value-Added System will be discussed. Prerequisites: EDAD 640 School Management and Educational Leadership.	3
ED 646	Internship for School Principals I ED 646 (first semester of internship) and ED 647 (second semester of internship) serve as a critical benchmark for decisions about administrative licensure. The internship requires 24 weeks (250 hours) of active participation in the process of school administration for participants. The experience is blended into three levels of field experience of three weeks each and one level of field experience at 15 weeks. The three week experiences are at the central office/district level and at each of the two levels that are not at the principal candidate’s area of licensure. The 15 weeks field experience is at the level of the candidate’s area of license (e.g. grades Pre-K–6, 4–9 or grades 5–12). The internship is served under the direct supervision of an experienced educational administrator (field supervisor) and a member of the faculty at Notre Dame College in Educational Leadership. A wide range of activities is provided to insure orientation in educational administration as a broad field. Specialized and in-depth projects are also included to provide for the candidate’s special needs and special interests. Personal reflection, organization of activities and self-assessment are also important components of the internship experience. Projects developed will be placed in the candidate’s portfolio to ensure that candidate’s meet the required ELCC standards. Prerequisites: Completed successfully ED 640 School Management and Leadership, ED 641 Personnel Administration and Supervision, ED 642 School Finance and Business Functions, ED 643 School Law, ED 644 Educational Politics, Policies and Community Relations and ED 645 Principal’s Role in Assessment and Accountability.	3
ED 647	Internship for School Principals II ED 646 (first semester of internship) and ED 647 (second semester of internship) serve as a critical benchmark for decisions about administrative licensure. The internship requires 24 weeks (250 hours) of active participation in the process of school administration for participants. The experience is blended into three levels of field experience of three weeks each and one level of field experience at 15 weeks. The three-week experiences are at the central office/district level and at each of the two levels that are not at the principal candidate’s area of licensure. The 15 weeks field experience is at the level of the candidate’s area of license (e.g. grades P–6, 4–9 or grades 5–12). The internship is served under the direct supervision of an experienced educational administrator (field supervisor) and a member of the faculty at Notre Dame College in Educational Leadership. A wide range of activities is provided to insure orientation in educational administration as a broad field. Specialized and in-depth projects are also included to provide for the candidate’s special needs and special interests. Personal reflection, organization of activities and self-assessment are also important components of the internship experience. Projects developed will be placed in a candidate’s portfolio to ensure that all candidates meet required ELCC standards. Prerequisites: Completed successfully ED 640 School Management and Leadership, ED 641 Personnel Administration and Supervision, ED 642 School Finance and Business Functions, ED 643 School Law, ED 644 Educational Politics, Policies and Community Relations and ED 645 Principal’s Role in Assessment and Accountability.	3

Common Core (9 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
ED 501	Integrating Technology through Collaborative Teaming Across the Curriculum This research course focuses on technology integration, research studies and assessment of the effectiveness of technology integration in the classroom. It assumes the graduate candidate has basic computer literacy. The course is delivered on three levels: (1) Research: graduate candidates research effective methodology and pedagogy in technology integration, (2) Technical: graduate candidates explore emerging technologies (which include assistive technologies) and their relevance to academic content and a diverse student population and (3) Design, Preparation and Assessment: graduate candidates apply a variety of design models to create and assess a learning environment enhanced by technology.	3
ED 506	Introduction to Educational Research This course introduces the fundamentals of educational research. Topics include the nature of scientific investigation, ethical considerations in human subject research, quantitative and qualitative research methodology and their respective philosophies and appropriate data analysis techniques for different research designs. Graduate candidates learn to analyze and interpret published research reports in order to become better consumers of research.	3
ED 503	Social and Cultural Issues in Education This course introduces the historical and social forces that shape American education as well as the political and economic conditions underlying modern schooling; examines the Ohio Standards for Teachers and the Code of Professional Conduct; considers the spectrum of contemporary thought and controversy that has influenced the character of American education; and explores the nature of diverse schools, school choice and the “new segregation”.	3

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a lower GPA may be provisionally accepted.
2. Have a valid, current teaching license.
3. Have at least 1 year of teaching experience.

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official transcripts from your degree granting institution
3. Proof of current teaching license/s, if applicable
4. Two professional references utilizing the reference form for admission to the Master of Education program (available online with the application form)
5. A current Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation check OR verification of current BCI check

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• School principal
• Vice principal
• Instructional Coordinator

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.