Districts across the U.S. are in need of not just teachers but administrators and leaders who can help guide staff and students alike through the dynamic, fast-changing world of modern education. Skilled superintendents and district supervisors are in demand.
About Salem’s Online Educational Leadership Master’s Degree
For those administrators looking for the next step in their career, the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership program is the highest academic credential offered by the Salem School of Education. This online master’s in educational leadership program prepares administrators to take on the highest responsibility in school administration: Superintendent. Graduates also are prepared to be principals or general supervisors. Others may find the educational leadership degree coursework to be the next step in their careers in a non-academic setting.
We’ve designed our graduate-level programs to be fully online, with a high-quality curriculum that aims to provide professional growth and development opportunities, develop skills that allow you to conduct research and integrate theory and practice; and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.
What Can I Do With an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership?
This master’s degree can prepare you to step into even more advanced leadership and administrative roles, like:
- Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- District Supervisor
- Principal
What Will I Learn in Salem’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership?
Our master’s degree in educational leadership program is focused on readying you for some of the top leadership positions within the educational space. We emphasize developing practical skills and knowledge, focusing on topics and issues you will need to provide effective school and district management. Salem University’s long history as a university with an international and multicultural emphasis means you will have a truly global perspective to pull from as you tackle the problems and challenges of guiding a modern educational setting.
We align our online master’s in educational leadership course content with West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS), as well as the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), Praxis® Test 5412 Content Topics, the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Teachers, and the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Administrators.
You will learn how to:
- Facilitate the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of shared school and district visions of learning through the collection and use of data to identify school and district goals, assess organizational effectiveness
- Sustain school and district cultures and instructional programs conducive to student learning through collaboration, trust, and a personalized learning environment with high expectations for students
- Ensure the management of a school and district’s organization, operation, and resources through monitoring and evaluating the management and operational systems
- Collaborate with faculty and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources
- Act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner to ensure a system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success by modeling school and district principles of self-awareness, reflective practice, transparency, and ethical behavior
What Educational Leadership Classes Will I Take for My Ed.S.?
The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership requires the successful completion of the following 30 credits of coursework:
- EDU740 Public School Finance and Administrative Applications
- EDU752 School, District, and Community Leadership
- EDU770 Instructional Leadership
- EDU780 School Law and Administrative Applications
- EDU791 Technological Competencies for Educational Leaders
- EDU764 Professional Practices of the Principal (internship fieldwork)
- EDU774 Professional Practices of the District Supervisor (internship fieldwork)
- EDU784 Professional Practices of the Superintendent (internship fieldwork)
- EDU790 School Safety and Crisis Management
- EDU799 Educational Leadership Capstone
Upon completing the online master’s in educational leadership programs at Salem, candidates will be eligible for the West Virginia Professional Administrative Certificate as PreK-12 Principal or PreK-12 Principal, Supervisor of Instruction, and Superintendent after completing an additional state-specific training (Evaluation Leadership Institute).
How Long Will It Take to Get My Ed.S. in Educational Leadership?
On average, a full-time student can earn their Education Specialist certification in approximately 12 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. Please contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master’s degree Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is a graduate-level program designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in schools, districts, and educational organizations.
Graduates can pursue roles such as school principal, assistant principal, curriculum coordinator, education administrator, and instructional coordinator.
Some programs offer specializations like K-12 leadership, higher education administration, or special education leadership to align with your interests.
While some programs prefer applicants with teaching experience, others may accept individuals with a strong educational background and a passion for leadership.
The curriculum typically includes courses on educational policy, leadership theory, school administration, curriculum development, and education law.
Many programs incorporate internships, practicums, or field experiences to provide hands-on training in educational leadership settings.
Yes, many programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, offering flexible schedules and online or evening classes.
The duration varies, but it often takes about 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. Part-time options might extend the duration.
Online programs from accredited institutions can be reputable as long as they meet industry standards and provide relevant content. It’s important to research program quality and accreditation.
Why Should I Choose Salem University?
Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:
- Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
- A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
- Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
- Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
- A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students
The Salem School of Education is nationally accredited under the Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation system. The West Virginia Department of Education approves the Education Specialist program and is nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). This designation will facilitate a more effective path to licensure in your home state.
Professional Licensure Notification
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
Admission Requirements
Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.
