Master of Education in Educational Leadership – Three Specialized Concentrations

The University of Dayton’s MSE in Educational Leadership prepares you for impactful leadership roles in education and other learning organizations. With three distinct concentrations, this program offers flexibility to tailor your education to your career goals. Build a foundation with our shared core curriculum and advance your expertise in K-12 Education Leadership, Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), or Literacy.

Flexible online or in-person program — with options in K-12, Higher Education, and Literacy.
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 Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership prepares you to make a lasting impact in schools, literacy education, and higher education settings. With concentrations in K-12 Education Leadership, Literacy, and Higher Education and Student Affairs, this program equips you with the skills to lead effectively in diverse educational environments.

Lead effectively at every level.

Prepare for leadership roles in K-12 schools, literacy programs, and student affairs in higher education.
Serve in public, private, and parochial school settings, literacy-focused organizations, and college and university student services.

Earn your degree while you work.

Choose from full- and part-time pacing options to fit your schedule.
Attend all classes online in the evening, allowing you to balance your education with professional responsibilities.

Advance your career with specialized expertise.

Pursue principal licensure in Ohio through the K-12 Educational Leadership concentration (teaching license required).
Strengthen your knowledge in reading and literacy education to support student success across various learning environments.
Develop leadership skills in higher education student affairs, preparing you for roles in student engagement, administration, and program development.

When our students reach their full potential, our communities strengthen. That starts with leaders who understand the complexities of education, whether in schools, literacy initiatives, or higher education settings. The School of Education and Health Sciences (SEHS) will show you how to build bridges across educational institutions, foster positive change, and ensure that every student has the resources they need to grow.

The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is June 22, 2026.

ONLINE MSE CURRICULUM

From Our Classroom to Yours

Our curriculum addresses the full spectrum of ideas, relationships, and challenges that define today’s educational landscape. With concentrations in K-12 Educational Leadership, Literacy, and Higher Education and Student Affairs, we take a balanced instructional approach that integrates scholarship and practice, allowing you to apply what you learn immediately in your educational setting.

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.

To give you firsthand experience with administrative responsibilities, you will also complete an internship in an educational setting. Internship hours will vary. Please speak with your advisor for additional information. If you already work in education, you may be able to complete your internship at your current place of employment.

Learn more about curriculum.

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

Online Master of Science in Education Concentration Options

Each of the three MSE concentration paths are worth 30 credits in total, include an internship and can be completed in two years:

K-12 Educational Leadership

This concentration is suited to current and aspiring K-12 educators and administrators who wish to hone their K-12 educational leadership skills. The coursework emphasizes operational management, educational policy, and fostering equity and community engagement in schools. Students will graduate prepared to take on roles as principals, assistant principals and instructional leaders.

Higher Education and Student Affairs

This concentration is suited for those seeking leadership roles in higher education and student affairs, preparing graduates for careers in academic advising, student services, career development, and training and development within colleges, universities and adult learning-focused organizations. In addition to the core MSE curriculum, concentration courses emphasize theory-to-practice integration, covering student development, learning environments and cultures, and learning design.

Literacy

This concentration is suited for educators looking to enhance literacy instruction and support diverse learners in a variety of educational contexts. In addition to the core MSE curriculum, concentration courses focus on literacy development, language acquisition and instructional strategies for diverse learners.

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.

BRING COMMUNITIES AND CLASSROOMS TOGETHER

Ready for the next step?

Let’s Talk

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.

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.

General Licensure and Educational Requirements

MSE applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree.
MSE and Principal Licensure applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree and a standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license.
Principal Licensure applicants need to have both a master’s degree and a standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil personnel services license.

Explore admission and tuition.

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 enrollment specialist 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, faculty, and student affairs staff.
Prepare financial plans and budgets for schools, literacy programs, or student services.
Adhere to education regulations and institutional policies.
Set learning and curriculum standards in K-12, literacy education, and higher education programs.
Advise on education policy, research, and institutional improvements.
Help improve student outcomes, institutional efficiency, and program effectiveness.

Depending on the school district, institution, or role, additional licensure or certifications may be required. An MSE can also prepare you for career opportunities beyond traditional school systems, such as higher education administration, student affairs, literacy program development, education consulting, policy analysis, and nonprofit leadership focused on education initiatives.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Instructional Coordinator
Training and Development Managers

READY TO MAKE YOUR MARK?

Earn your MSE in Educational Leadership.