Online Educational Leadership (MSE)
Earn Your Master’s in Education Online
The online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership program from the University of Dayton prepares educators to serve in administrative roles and leadership positions in pre-K-12 and higher education settings. Those who are interested in becoming principals can complete this online program with the licensure component.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Our online learning platform enables you to seamlessly connect and collaborate with University of Dayton faculty and classmates, without having to commute to campus. The online MSE program features:
- Live weekly classes, bringing you face-to-face with professors and classmates to develop lasting relationships
- Interactive coursework that can be accessed 24/7, including video lectures and case studies
- Field experiences in your local community, so you can apply what you’ve learned to the real world.
Online Master’s of Education Curriculum
With the same curriculum and faculty as our on-campus format, the online program upholds our Marianist tradition of educating the whole person and leading through service to others.
Through a balanced instructional approach that integrates both learning and practical application, we prepare students to become leaders in their communities by developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and values essential to helping other educators expand or refine their instructional effectiveness. Over the course of the program, you will develop the critical thinking skills you need to serve in public, private and parochial schools.
Master of Science in Education Online Admissions
The University of Dayton’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership online program, with an optional path to principal licensure, offers class start dates three times per year: in January, May and September.
Early application is strongly recommended, and the sooner you apply, the earlier you will receive an admissions decision. If you apply by the priority deadline, you will receive an application fee waiver. Contact your admission counselor prior to submitting your application, to find out if you are eligible for an application fee waiver.
Master’s in Education Careers
Graduates of our MSE in Educational Leadership program have gone on to pursue a variety of positions in public, private and parochial schools, such as:
- Curriculum director
- Athletic director
- Chair of an academic department
- Education researcher, consultant or policy analyst
- Nonprofit education professional
Tracks and Licensure
This program is suited for students looking to advance their careers by serving in administrative roles and leadership positions in educational settings and amongst their peers. This particular program can be completed in a little over two years. Previous educational experience is preferred but not required.
Program Overview:
- 30 credits
- One 200-hour internship
- 24 months
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This program includes additional coursework to equip students for administrative roles such as principal or assistant principal. It can be completed in two and a half years. Students must hold a valid teaching license. It is also required that you have taught, for at least two years, at the grade levels for which you are licensed.
Program Overview:
- 42 credits
- One 200-hour internship
- 30 months
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This non-degree-bearing program is meant for aspiring principals or administrators. The coursework has been verified by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as an approved preparation program for principal licensure as it meets the academic eligibility requirements to become a principal in Ohio. It can be completed in a year.
To be eligible to apply to the stand-alone online Principal Licensure Preparation Program, a principal must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and have at least two years of successful teaching experience with students of the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought. The license is valid for working with the following teaching bands: ages 3-12 and grades PreK-6; ages 8-14 and grades 4-9; and ages 10-21 and grades 5-12.
Program Overview:
- 21 credits (18 tuition-bearing)
- One 200-hour internship
- 12 months
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Many students pursue a master’s in education leadership as the first step to prepare for leadership positions in elementary and secondary school environments, and in which positions they may expect to:
- 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.
An MSE can also prepare you for professional opportunities beyond traditional school systems, such as education research, consulting, policy analysis and nonprofits that focus on education issues. Note that additional licensure may be necessary depending on the school district and role.
When you decide to become a principal, the first step you need to take is to gain the skills you need to become an effective leader who can make a difference in your school. The University of Dayton online Principal Licensure Preparation Program is designed for professionals looking to become principals, who have already earned a master’s degree and hold a valid teaching license with a minimum of two years experience.
Attending a principal preparation program online allows you to continue working, gaining the teaching experience required to obtain licensure. After completing the program, you will be prepared to sit for the principal licensure exam and become a principal in public, private and community schools.
Become a Principal
The process to become a principal differs from state to state and depends on your existing teaching experience. Students are strongly encouraged to research the licensure requirements in the state in which they intend to practice.
Thorough planning is essential to becoming a principal in Ohio. Requirements include earning your master’s degree as well as having teaching experience with students at the ages and grade levels for which you intend to acquire a principal license.
Follow these steps to earn your license in Ohio:
- Earn your master’s degree from an accredited university.
- Choose an approved principal preparation program that meets your individual goals.
- Receive a recommendation from the dean or head of education of your principal preparation program.
- Complete the State Board of Education’s Ohio Assessment for Educators licensure exam No. 015.
- Pass a state and federal background check.
- Hold a valid teaching license and have two years of teaching experience with students at the ages and grade levels for which you intend to acquire a principal license.
- Apply for licensure in Ohio.