Zero on-campus requirements
Attend all classes and complete all coursework remotely.
Online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership
Prepare for impactful leadership roles in education and other learning organizations. No GRE required. Scholarships are available.
- Three Concentration Options — Advance your expertise in K-12 Education Leadership, Higher Education and Student Affairs, or Literacy.
- Designed for Working Professionals — Begin studying on your schedule with three annual start dates, and earn your degree while you work, without relocating.
- Two MSE Tracks Available — Choose the MSE program or the MSE and Principal Licensure program.
Master’s in Education Online Program Highlights
Advance your career and shape the future of learning with the online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton School of Education and Health Sciences (SEHS). As a regionally accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the University of Dayton delivers high-impact graduate programs that hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
No GRE or GMAT scores required
Join a community that knows you’re more than your test scores.
Fieldwork placement support available
Find administrative internships and field experiences in or near your community.
Total Credits | 30 credit hours (Expands to 42-48 credit hours for the Principal Licensure track) |
Completion Time | As few as two years (part-time study) |
Delivery Format | All online courses with flexible, asynchronous coursework |
Online MSE Curriculum
Our curriculum addresses the full spectrum of ideas, relationships, and challenges that define today’s educational landscape. Designed to bridge empirical classroom research with real-world administrative application, this comprehensive curriculum will empower you to bring new insights directly to your educational setting.
Learning Outcomes
Leadership Strategy
Develop the skills to lead in schools, literacy programs, and higher education institutions. Learn how to effectively manage supervision, professional development, instructional leadership, and curriculum instruction to drive meaningful change.
Administrative Functions
Gain expertise in education law, finance, and policy, tailored to your chosen concentration. Learn to critically evaluate and apply research in K-12 administration, literacy education, and student affairs leadership to improve educational practices and student outcomes.
Community Relations
Explore ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, literacy programs, and college/university settings. Develop strategies to strengthen relationships between educators, families, and communities to create more inclusive learning environments.
Impact in Action: In a recent exit survey, 87% of students reported they actively apply what they learn in the online courses to their day-to-day educational roles.1
Core Coursework Snapshot
All master of science education students complete a foundational core — designed to sharpen their research-backed decision-making skills — before moving into specialized concentration tracks. View all curriculum details.
| Course Category | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Core Foundation | Focused courses on educational research methods, leadership in diverse communities, and organizational change | 15 credits |
Concentration Courses | Tailored electives and specialized seminars specific to your chosen concentration | 15 credits |
Sample Courses
EDA 505: Educational Leadership (3 Hours)
Explores leadership and change models through multiple theories across K-12, higher education, student affairs, and literacy environments.
EDA 551: Research (3 Hours)
Equips educators with the tools of research, focusing on qualitative and quantitative analysis to address structural issues in their professions.
EDA 556: Leadership in Diverse Communities (3 Hours)
Promotes the understanding of differences across social identities and the implications for learning organizations.
EDA 511: Curriculum (3 Hours)
Examines the history, structural development, and implementation practices of systemic curriculum design.
EDA 507: Internship I (3 Hours)
Provides practical, local field experience to translate the master’s theory into real-world administrative tasks.
Online Master of Science in Education Concentration Options
The online MSE program offers three distinct paths of study:
K-12 Educational Leadership (No Principal Licensure)
This concentration is suited to current and aspiring K-12 educators and administrators who wish to hone their K-12 educational leadership skills. Focus on the practical administrative skills needed to guide primary and secondary institutions, including budget allocation, curriculum design, organizational management, and school-wide vision setting.
Coursework includes:
- EDA 515: School Law (3 Hours)
Addresses legal issues, litigation, and legislation governing the constitutional rights of teachers and students. - EDA 557: School Finance (3 Hours)
Focuses on equity, adequacy, and efficiency unique to school budgeting and funding models in Ohio. - EDA 509: Supervision & Professional Development (3 Hours)
Teaches formative and summative instructional evaluation frameworks to mentor staff.
Higher Education and Student Affairs
This concentration is suited to those seeking leadership roles in higher education and student affairs, including careers in academic advising, student services, career development, and training and development within colleges, universities, and adult learning-focused organizations. Learn how to foster inclusive campus communities, manage student affairs, and address the complex systemic issues facing modern higher education.
Coursework includes:
- EDC 540: Perspectives in Higher Education (3 Hours)
This course provides an examination of the philosophies guiding higher education, the history of higher education, and the foundations of student affairs practice. - EDC 550: Student Development’s Role in Learning (3 Hours)
The study of basic theoretical perspectives underlying college student development and assessment of development to the practice of higher education and student affairs. - EDC 557: Learning in Community (3 Hours)
In-depth study of student cultures and communities and their impact on the individual student experience. Particular attention will be paid to understanding student culture within higher education and student affairs work. - EDC 562: Learning Design (3 Hours)
Theories and practice of designing learning interventions in higher education settings; conceptualization and assessment of interventions appropriate to human and organizational settings. The course includes development of learning design and intervention skills. - EDC 658: Fieldwork in Higher Education and Student Affairs (3 Hours)
Designed to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable, practical, professional experience under the supervision of a full-time practitioner, completing this course includes the fieldwork experience within a higher education/student affairs area. It also provides the analysis of the experience via related assignments as we connect theory and practice. In this iteration of Fieldwork in Higher Education and Student Affairs, we will also explore helping skills for higher education and student affairs practice, including how we help and advise both individuals and groups.
Literacy
This concentration is ideal for educators seeking to enhance literacy instruction and support diverse learners in a variety of educational contexts, including reading instruction, assessment and literacy intervention strategies. Become a lead reading specialist or literacy coach capable of elevating student performance across entire grade bands.
Coursework includes:
- EDT 605: Advanced Study in Reading/Language Arts (3 Hours)
Explores empirical reading research and language arts instructional methods. - EDT 606: Assessment and Evaluation of Reading Difficulties (3 Hours)
Masters diagnostic and clinical profiling tools to identify specific student reading barriers. - EDT 607: Practicum in Reading Intervention Techniques (3 Hours)
Intensive hands-on instruction implementing reading strategies with struggling readers.
Principal Licensure Options
The below offerings fulfil the academic eligibility requirements to sit for the licensure exam in Ohio. It does not guarantee licensure in your state as licensure requirements vary from state to state. Students are strongly encouraged to research the requirements in the state in which they intend to practice.
MSE And Principal Licensure
This combined offering is suited to those who wish to hone their educational leadership skills and who plan to become principals or administrators in Ohio. A standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license is required. This combined offering is worth 42–48 credits, includes an internship and can be completed in 30 months.
Principal Licensure Preparation Program
This program is designed for aspiring principals or administrators who already 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. This program is worth 18 credits, includes an internship and can be completed in one year. Find out more about the Principal Licensure Preparation Program.
What Is the Difference Between the Master Of Science In Education Online and the Master Of Science In Education Online with Principal Licensure Track?
| Standard Non-Licensure Tracks | Combined MSE And Principal Licensure Track | |
|---|---|---|
Available Concentrations | Three: K-12 Educational Leadership, Literacy, or Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) | Three: K-12 Educational Leadership focus, Literacy, or Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) |
Credit Scope | 30 credit hours | 42–48 credit hours to accommodate advanced school administration modules |
Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; a teaching background is not required | Valid, professional teaching license, a bachelor’s degree and a signed employer work verification form demonstrating classroom experience |
Fieldwork | One 150-hour internship | One 150-hour internship |
BRING COMMUNITIES AND CLASSROOMS TOGETHER
Ready for the next step?
Admission and Tuition
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.
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.
Application Requirements
- A completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official academic transcripts
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (applicants below 2.75 may be considered for conditional admission)
- A professional résumé and statement of purpose
- No GRE or GMAT scores are required
Review Detailed Online Master in Education Admission Guidelines and Apply Online
Tuition and Financial Aid
UD is committed to helping students find paths to fund their education. Graduate students may be eligible for federal financial aid, school district tuition assistance programs, and flexible institutional payment plans.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Education Online From the University of Dayton?
At the University of Dayton, education is considered a calling. Marianist values prioritize community, service and holistic growth, ensuring students do not just graduate with a credential, but with a deeper sense of purpose.
Guided by Experts
You have questions, we have answers. When you request information, we will pair you with an enrollment specialist who will guide you through the application process and make sure you feel confident every step of the way. Faculty members are active researchers, experienced school administrators, and policy advocates. Students work directly with respected academic leaders like Dr. Charles J. Russo, who serves as the Joseph Panzer Chair in Education within the School of Education and Health Sciences.
Part of the Conversation
No one knows the importance of classroom dynamics 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.
Dedicated Online Learning Support
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. The user-friendly online platform makes it easy to collaborate with peers, access library databases, and submit coursework on a convenient schedule.
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.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
An online masters in education unlocks a wide array of career opportunities, both within school leadership and in specialized administrative roles.
| Career Path | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|
K-12 principal or assistant principal | Direct school operations, manage building budgets, supervise and evaluate staff, and enforce safety and academic standards. (Requires State Principal Licensure) |
Instructional coordinator / curriculum director | Develop, evaluate, and implement school-wide or district-wide instructional materials and teaching standards. |
Student affairs administrator | Oversee housing, student activities, academic advising, or admission offices within higher education institutions. |
Corporate instructional designer | Create educational programs, training materials and digital learning modules for businesses, nonprofits or government agencies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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It depends on your goals. Earning a master of science in education online degree is highly beneficial for educators looking for career longevity and professional growth. Many public school districts use structured salary steps that award permanent, non-revocable pay increases to teachers holding master’s degrees. Beyond the classroom, this degree makes candidates highly competitive for administrative and specialized instructional roles that command higher salaries.
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The distinction comes down to the core curriculum focus:
- MSE (Master of Science in Education): Centers heavily on empirical research, scientific methodologies, and testing practical classroom applications to directly improve student learning outcomes.
- M.Ed. (Master of Education): Typically focuses more on institutional administration, educational leadership, and broad school policy frameworks.
- MA (Master of Arts in Education): Leans toward theoretical frameworks, humanities-focused educational history, and qualitative research.
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Absolutely. While many institutions offer online master’s degrees in education, the quality of those programs can vary. It’s important to choose an online program with a strong academic reputation, experienced faculty, and — if you plan to work while enrolled — flexible pacing and scheduling options. The UD online MSE program is designed specifically to accommodate the busy, demanding schedules of full-time teachers, and working professionals. It offers rigorous curriculum, elite faculty, and regional accreditation with the added benefit of flexible, work-from-anywhere digital learning platforms.
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No. Holding an online master of science in education can make a résumé highly appealing to hiring districts. This advanced qualification signals preparation, commitment, and strong leadership skills. By mastering advanced instructional strategies and research-backed leadership methods, professionals holding a master’s in education online are equipped to perform at an advanced level and enhance student achievement.
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If the goal is to stay in K-12 systems, move up the career ladder into administrative leadership (like principalships, instructional coaching, or curriculum design) or specialize in areas like reading, an online MSE is a strong option. If your ultimate career goal is to leave K-12 entirely to teach a specific subject (like high school calculus or U.S. history) at the community college or undergraduate level, a master’s degree in that specific subject area may be required to meet higher education accreditation standards.
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While specific compensation policies vary by district, earned graduate credits are generally evaluated based on institutional and programmatic accreditation. Attending an accredited university ensures that your coursework meets rigorous academic and professional standards recognized by licensing boards and school administrators. The University of Dayton is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its online master of science in education programs hold programmatic accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Checking your local district’s collective bargaining agreement for specific master’s salary guidelines before enrolling is always recommended.
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While earning a master of science in education enhances instructional expertise, a degree alone does not automatically confer a state teaching credential. Individuals who wish to teach in public K-12 classrooms must also complete a state-approved educator preparation program and satisfy local board of education licensing requirements. If you prefer to work outside a traditional K-12 classroom, a non-licensure higher education masters online track, or general online MSE program will qualify you for administrative roles that do not require state teaching boards.
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No, a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is a mandatory requirement for admission to any accredited online master of science in education graduate school program. If you do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, you must complete your undergraduate studies before applying to the online MSE program.
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An online MSE is incredibly versatile. The skills built in instructional design, assessment, leadership, and adult learning are highly valued in the private and nonprofit sectors. Graduates routinely transition into rewarding careers as corporate instructional designers, talent development directors, corporate trainers, textbook editors, educational consultants, and student services professionals at colleges and universities.
The University of Dayton partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. The University of Dayton has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
- 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. ↩︎