Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership is a 30-credit online degree program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in education. The program is offered by Penn State's College of Education and delivered online through Penn State World Campus.

Program Description

The program is designed to broaden students' leadership potential as teachers or administrators and meet their professional development goals. It offers three emphasis areas: Teacher Leader, School Leader, and School Leader (without Principal Certification). The program is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Emphasis Areas

• Teacher Leader: This emphasis area is designed for educators who want to continue teaching in the classroom while pursuing alternative roles, such as lead teacher, mentor teacher, or department head.
• School Leader: This emphasis area is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and meets the state's educational requirements for school principal certification. It includes an internship under the supervision of an approved on-site mentor principal.
• School Leader (without Principal Certification): This emphasis area does not include principal certification and is best suited for students in international and private schools, domestic and abroad.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students must also submit official transcripts, test scores (if required), and letters of recommendation.

Curriculum

The program consists of 30 credits, with courses that focus on topics such as learning theory, teacher leadership, teacher inquiry, and curriculum design. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be outstanding leaders who are committed to continual improvement in education and support the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and social justice.

Course Work

The course work in the program is designed to prepare students to be outstanding leaders who are committed to continual improvement in education and support the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and social justice. The program includes a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility without sacrificing professor and student interaction.

Internship

The program includes an internship experience that provides students with the opportunity to integrate the specialized knowledge learned through course work into the field. The internship is a required component of the School Leader emphasis and is supervised by an approved on-site mentor principal.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition for the program is calculated based on the number of credits for which students register. Students may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and payment options. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents may also be eligible for military education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including education administration, teaching, and leadership. The program is designed to prepare students to be outstanding leaders who are committed to continual improvement in education and support the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and social justice.

Faculty

The program is taught by nationally recognized faculty who are experts in their fields. The faculty includes Dr. Gerald K. LeTendre, who is the Harry Lawrence Batschelet II Chair of Educational Administration at Penn State, and Dr. Tiffany M. Squires, who is an assistant professor and serves as assistant director of Online Programs for Education Leadership.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Conclusion

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program at Penn State World Campus is a highly respected and accredited program that is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in education. The program offers three emphasis areas and is taught by nationally recognized faculty. Graduates of the program may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including education administration, teaching, and leadership.