Educational Leadership (MA)

Educational Leadership (MA)

The Educational Leadership program at Montclair State University is committed to preparing excellent and dedicated school leaders for the state of New Jersey. This practice-driven program will guide aspiring leaders to develop principles of moral leadership and cultivate a democratic vision for schools and learning. With both a strong theoretical foundation and a practical structure framed around the principles of adult learning theory, the program will provide students with an excellent academic background and professional preparation to become accomplished school leaders. The program integrates classroom-based studies with extensive and intensive fieldwork. It guides students to develop their own practical wisdom and to relate that wisdom to the scholarship of educational leadership.

View the Educational Leadership Brochure

Graduate students have several options for format, time, duration and place in order to complete the specific requirements for the MA in Educational Leadership.

Core Choice (36 cr.)

The Core Choice program offers the most flexibility of all our graduate programs in Educational Leadership.  Students can take anywhere from 1-4 classes in a given term to work within their schedule and budget.  Coursework is offered in a diverse number of formats: online (8 week sessions), hybrid (including weekend), and campus-based instruction, so students can select the format that works best for them!  Candidates often select this option if they want to control the pace of their graduate work. For example, students who are receiving reimbursement from their school district may need to match the pacing of their program to their district’s reimbursement schedule (regarding credits covered per semester). The Core Choice option is also good for individuals who may need to take a certain semester off due to commitments such as coaching or activity advisor.  (The theme of this program is Choice – You select your pace and your course format!)

• View more details about the Core Choice program.

Fast-Track (36 cr.)

Our Fast-Track option allows students to earn the full Master’s degree with both Principal and Supervisor certifications (if eligible) in 14 months while working full-time.  This cohort-based program runs on a summer-to-summer time schedule.  Classes are offered on select weekends and evenings in both online and hybrid formats.  This program’s structure enables working professionals the flexibility of an intensive yet manageable course of study completed in an accelerated fashion.  Cohort members take three courses per semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interested applicants should submit an Application by April 1^st at the latest to begin in summer.

• View more details about the Fast Track option. 

Fully Online (36 cr.)

The Fully Online program offers the Master’s degree in Educational Leadership to students who seek the convenience of distance learning.  All courses are fully online, which means you don’t have to commute to class.  You choose your own learning environment — whether it’s your couch, classroom, or the café down the block!  This two-year program has students take one course at a time, completing two 8-week classes per semester.  Students follow a prescribed set of classes in a cohort model that begins in either the fall or spring terms. The fully online program is a good option for out-of-state students.

• View more details about the Fully Online program.

Off-Site (36 cr.)

Our Off-Site program is for students who work in or near districts that have chosen to partner with Montclair State University and wish to be part of the Montclair Experience.  Courses for the Master’s in Educational Leadership are offered in school districts across various regions of the State and bring our faculty expertise along with the expertise of local district and school leaders directly to a school in your district.  If you are interested in learning more details about having an offsite location hosted in your school district, please click on the link below.

• View more details about the Off-Site programs.

You must have three years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Supervisor certification from the state of NJ and five years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Principal certification from the state of NJ, but you can apply to the MA Educational Leadership program with less experience. If you work in a private school (and don’t have experience in a public school setting), you can pursue this program as a degree only student.

Along with the Educational Leadership (MA) degree, the department also offers the following options for graduate study: Educational Leadership (MA – Online), Educational Leadership (MA – Fast Track), and an Educational Assessment certificate.

Hear from current students and alumni on their experiences in the Educational Leadership (MA) program at Montclair State University:

“The MA Educational Leadership FTO program helped me to be a competent school leader. The program exposed me to skilled professionals who offered their expertise, knowledge and experience to aspiring school leaders. The program was extremely relevant to the current status of school leadership including a shared vision, data-driven instruction, coaching and supporting teachers and understanding the ins and outs of school budgets. Not only did the program assist in school-related matters, but it also dealt heavily with overall leadership competencies that can be adapted in any field. Due to the experiences in the program, I was able to become a Vice Principal within a year of completing the program.”

Jonathan Olavarria – Educational Leadership, Fast Track Option Alumni

Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.