Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership | OnlineMaster of Science in Educational Leadership | OnlineMaster of Science in Educational Leadership | Online
An online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership program will start you on the path to pursue administrative and leadership positions in any educational setting.An online Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSE) program that will start you on the path to pursue administrative and leadership positions in any educational setting.An online Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSE) program that will start you on the path to pursue administrative and leadership positions in any educational setting.
- Streamlined Application — Choose from three annual start dates. No GRE required. Scholarships are available.
- Flexible Schedule — Keep working while you study with self-paced coursework and small, online classes. Complete in as few as two years.
- Career Advancement — Select one of two different tracks – the MSE program or the MSE and Principal Licensure program.
Transform Communities through Education
The online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership, with an optional path to principal licensure, prepares you to pursue a career in school administration and leadership in any educational setting.
Lead effectively at every level.
Serve at levels from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 in public, private and parochial school environments.
Earn your degree while you work.
Choose from full- and part-time pacing options, and attend all of your classes online in the evening.
Pursue principal licensure.
Prepare to become an administrator in Ohio with our optional principal licensure track (teaching license required).
When our students reach their full potential, our communities get stronger. That starts with leaders who know how to work with others — from legal teams to budget specialists — in pursuit of positive change. The School of Education and Health Services (SEHS) will show you how to build bridges between schools and communities, make strategic decisions and ensure that every student has the resources they need to grow.
The final deadline for the May 2025 cohort is March 3, 2025.
ONLINE MSE CURRICULUM
From Our Classroom to Yours
Our curriculum addresses the full spectrum of ideas, relationships and issues that define today’s educational climate. We take a balanced instructional approach that integrates scholarship and practice, which means you can apply what you learn immediately.
Leadership Strategy
Learn how to lead on a variety of topics, from supervision and professional development to instructional leadership and curriculum instruction.
Administrative Functions
Focus on school law and finance, and develop the skills to critically evaluate and apply research conducted on education-related issues.
Community Relations
Explore ways to promote diversity within schools and facilitate strong relationships between schools and surrounding communities.
To give you firsthand experience with administrative responsibilities, you will also complete one 200-hour internship in an educational setting. If you already work in education, you may be able to complete your internship at your current place of employment.
87% of online SEHS students say they are applying what they have learned in the program to their day-to-day work.1
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Three Paths to Leadership
Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
This program is suited to those who wish to hone their educational leadership skills and who plan to become principals or administrators in Ohio, or pursue another position that requires licensure. It can be completed in a little more than two years. A standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license is required.
30 credits
One 200-hour internship
24 months
Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure
This program is suited to those who wish to hone their educational leadership skills and who plan to become principals or administrators in Ohio, or pursue another position that requires licensure. It can be completed in a little more than two years. A standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license is required.
42 credits
One 200-hour internship
30 months
Principal Licensure Program
This program is designed for aspiring principals or administrators who hold a master’s degree and a standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license. The coursework has been verified by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as an approved preparation program for principal licensure. It can be completed in approximately one year.
18 credits
One 200-hour internship
12 months
BRING COMMUNITIES AND CLASSROOMS TOGETHER
Ready for the next step?
ONLINE MSE ADMISSIONS
Application Deadlines and Qualifications
No GRE Required
We seek scholar-practitioners who are passionate about strengthening communities through education. If that sounds like you, we invite you to start your application.
Your schedule.
We offer three annual start dates (September, January and May), evening classes, and full- and part-time pacing options.
Your investment.
Scholarships are available, and we encourage all students to explore a variety of financial aid options.
Your leadership level.
Whether you’re new to the education field or not, you’ll find a program that fits your schedule and background.
REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
| Program | Teaching License | Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
MSE | No | No |
MSE with Principle Licensure | Yes | No |
Principle Licensure Program | Yes | Yes |
CULTIVATING LEADERS OF PURPOSE
The University of Dayton’s Legacy of Service and Impact
Founded in 1850, the University of Dayton, a Catholic research institution, upholds the profound Marianist tradition of emphasizing service and the greater good. Our academic approach merges inquiry with practical, hands-on learning. It connects urban and rural schools while nurturing critical thinking and empowering students for global impact.
The School of Education and Health Sciences prepares educators, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and healthcare professionals. United by our mission, our diverse student and faculty community fosters learning through critical reflection, committed to positive change for individuals and communities.
WHY ONLINE
Online Learning with Every Advantage
Guided by Experts
You have questions, we have answers. When you request information, we will pair you with an admission counselor who will guide you through the application process and make sure you feel confident every step of the way. Our faculty consists of superintendents and principals with decades of experience.
Part of the Conversation
No one knows the importance of classroom dynamic better than educators. Our live, online classes foster the kind of organic learning opportunities that turn professors into lifelong mentors and classmates into trusted advocates.
Made to Go with You
You can access the digital campus — a centralized platform for your syllabi, coursework, asynchronous lectures, live sessions and more — on desktop, mobile and tablet devices. We also offer one-on-one, 24-7 technical support.
Focused on Your Success
When you become a student, you will work with a dedicated student success advisor who will help you plan your course schedule, balance your responsibilities and position you for success throughout the program.
Connected to Leaders
After graduation, you’ll become part of a network of School of Education and Health Services (SEHS) and online MSE program alumni who are dedicating their lives to improving education, serving communities and empowering students.
THE MSE CAREERS OUTLOOK
Where Education Leaders Are Needed
Many students pursue a master’s in education leadership as the first step to prepare for leadership positions in elementary and secondary school environments. These professionals typically:
- Hire and manage teachers and staff.
- Prepare financial plans and budgets.
- Adhere to regulations and policies.
- Set learning and curriculum standards.
- Advise on policy changes and research.
- Help improve outcomes and efficiency.
Depending on the school district and role, additional licensure may be necessary. An MSE can also prepare you for professional opportunities beyond traditional school systems, like education research, consulting, policy analysis and nonprofits that focus on education issues.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
READY TO MAKE YOUR MARK?
Earn your MSE in Educational Leadership.
1 This data is based on exit surveys of 44 students in the Online Graduate Programs from the School of Education and Health Services from July 2019 to July 2020.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 23, 2023.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Instructional Coordinators. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 23, 2023.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
4 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Education Administrators. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 23, 2023.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
5 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Training and Development Managers. (2023). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved October 23, 2023.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference Return to footnote reference