Educational Leadership (MSE)
Earn Your Master’s in Educational Leadership
The University of Dayton’s Master of Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership program provides a flexible, fully online pathway to enhance your leadership skills and achieve your professional goals.
The program offers three specialized concentrations: PK-12 Leadership, Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) and Literacy. All students complete a shared core curriculum and then focus on their chosen concentration.
Online Education Master’s Programs
Most of the courses will be offered via flexible model, allowing you to choose to attend class in person or virtually using video technology. Courses that are not hybrid will be online only, so students will never be required to travel to campus every week. The online MSE program features:
- Live weekly classes, bringing you face-to-face with professors and classmates to develop lasting relationships, either via zoom or in-person
- 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 of Education Curriculum
The Educational Leadership program upholds UD's 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 others 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 education; non-profit; or other learning organizations.
Core Curriculum: All students complete five foundational courses:
- EDA 505: Educational Leadership
- EDA 507: Internship
- EDA 551: Research
- EDA 555: Community Relations
- EDA 556: Leadership in Diverse Communities
Specialized Concentrations
Students will take five additional courses specific to their concentration.
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
- As little as 21 months (five semesters) when attending full-time
Students who want to pursue principal licensure are invited to add the certificate in principal preparation to their master's degree. The certificate adds 12 credits to the program and includes additional coursework to equip students for administrative roles such as principal or assistant principal. It can be completed in seven semesters. 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.
Designed for current and aspiring educators and administrators in PK-12 settings, this concentration focuses on developing the skills needed for effective school leadership. Coursework emphasizes organizational management, educational policy, and fostering equity and community engagement in schools. Graduates are prepared to take on roles such as principals, assistant principals, and instructional leaders.
Courses include:
- EDA 510 Instructional Leadership
- EDA 511 Curriculum
- EDA 515 School Law
- EDA 557 School Finance
- EDA 509 Supervision & Professional Development
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The concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) prepares you for a variety of academic and student affairs positions in higher education or similar adult learning-focused organizations. Our graduates go on to a variety of roles in career and academic advising, training and development, and college student services. The concentration courses focus on integrating theory and practice as you learn about foundational perspectives of the profession, student development, environments and cultures, and learning design.
Courses include:- EDC 540: Perspectives in Higher Education
- EDC 550: Student Development’s Role in Learning
- EDC 557: Learning in Community
- EDC 562: Learning Design
- EDC 658: Fieldwork in Higher Education and Student Affairs
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This combined concentration offers advanced study in literacy education and includes all requirements needed for an Ohio-issued reading endorsement. It prepares educators to address the needs of diverse learners and improve literacy outcomes in various educational contexts. This concentration is ideal for those seeking to support literacy development.
Courses include:
- EDT 605 Advanced Study in Reading/Language Arts
- EDT 606 Assessment and Evaluation of Reading Difficulties
- EDT 607 Practicum in Reading Intervention Techniques
- EDT 608 The Writing Classroom
- EDT 609 Issues, Trends, and Research in Reading
Students will also have the option to add a graduate-level TESOL certificate (two additional courses) or a dyslexia certificate (two additional courses) to their degree coursework. All certificates are also available independent of the master's degree; please contact us for a transcript audit to determine how many courses you'd need for a standalone certificate (and which ones might be applied to the master's degree in literacy if you decide down the road to pursue it!).
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Master of Science in Education Online Admissions
The University of Dayton’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership program 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.
To apply, you'll need to submit the following items to the link below:
- Official transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate studies.
- A statement of purpose addressing your professional goals and motivation for joining the program.
- A resume.
- One letter of recommendation.
- If applicable, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, MAT, or GRE scores.
For the PK-12 Leadership Concentration, apply here.
For the HESA concentration, apply here.
For the Literacy concentration, apply here.
Or contact us at edadmin@udayton.edu for additional information and to learn more about the Educational Leadership master's program and the three concentrations we offer.
Program Features
- Flexible Schedule: Complete your degree fully online with hybrid learning that fits your busy schedule.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from leaders in education with expertise in PK-12, higher education, and literacy.
- Practical Application: Gain real-world experience through internships and practicums tailored to your chosen concentration.
- Career Outcomes: Prepare for leadership roles in schools, universities, or international teaching environments.
