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Educational Leadership, M.S.

The Master’s in Educational Leadership at McDaniel provides a clear path to career advancement—at one of the best and most respected graduate programs in Maryland.

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Degree Types
Master's
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Program Cost
$552 per credit
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Total credits
33
Document
Format
Online (Hybrid available for School Partnership cohorts)

About the Program

The program in Educational Leadership instills the theories and practices of the discipline while providing multiple paths for certification and career advancement. In this program, you’ll interact with students preparing for positions in public schools, private schools, or schools for special populations, as well as with those progressing toward jobs in higher education leadership. Clearly aligned with state licensing requirements and recommended highly by educators in the field, the McDaniel College program offers not just an M.S. degree, but the opportunity to prepare for and gain the knowledge that are the hallmarks of an outstanding administrator.

Key Features

We’ve designed our program to make sure it meets the needs of aspiring leaders. Specifically, our program leads to:

  • Maryland certification as an Administrator I (Assistant Principal or Supervisor)
  • Maryland certification as an Administrator II (Principal) with the passing of the School Leaders Licensure Assessment
  • Pennsylvania certification for Assistant Principal or Principal (satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania test required)
  • Certification options for candidates who already possess a master’s degree

Approved & Aligned

McDaniel’s programs in Education are well known, highly respected, and have been thoroughly evaluated and accredited. The M.S. in Educational Leadership is:

  • Approved by the Maryland State Department of Education
  • Aligned to the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards & the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL)
  • Aligned to Maryland Standards for Educational Leaders (MSEL) & the Core and Corollary Pennsylvania Leadership Standards

McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Master of Science in Educational Leadership program has been awarded initial accreditation status by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Official seal of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

What You Need to Know About the M.S. in Educational Leadership

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must submit:

  • Completed application for graduate study
  • Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • Copy of a Teaching Certificate - Maryland State Department of Education Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I or SPC II). Students with Professional Eligibility Certification or evidence of completion of teacher preparation program and passing Praxis II scores can be accepted in lieu of teacher certification.  Teachers who hold a license or certification from states outside of Maryland may also provide a copy of their teaching certificate.  Students holding Provisional or Conditional teacher certification would not be eligible for the MS in Educational Leadership program. Provisional or conditional certificate holders should discuss program options with the Graduate and Professional Studies office.
  • Evidence of an undergraduate or graduate course in special education (students may take this as a corequisite requirement while in the program)

Requirements for the Degree and Licensure

Master’s Degree

  • Completion of 33 credits (including a 3-credit internship), maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better throughout the program

Licensure

M.S. Degree in Educational Leadership required for:

  • Administrator I - Asst. Principal/Supervisor in Maryland
  • Administrator II - Principal certification in Maryland
    • Requires passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment
  • Principal licensure in Pennsylvania
    • Requires satisfactory achievement on Pennsylvania required test

 

See the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Web page for "Teacher and Principal Certification Assessment" for additional requirements.

State Authorization & Professional Licensure

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Margaret Pfaff, Ed.D.
mpfaff@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2508

Request More Info

Advancing Your Career

The Educational Leadership program offers multiple paths to leadership in education, including careers such as:

  • Assistant Principal (Maryland and Pennsylvania)
  • Principal (Maryland and Pennsylvania)
  • Supervisor (Maryland)
  • Supervisor with five years of experience on a valid subject matter certificate (Pennsylvania)
  • Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction K – 12 (Pennsylvania)
  • Higher Education Leader.

Alumni Spotlight John Baugher M.S. ’06

Westminster High School Principal John Baugher reflects on how his McDaniel master's degree changed his leadership style and has allowed him to become a mentor. “I had some incredible professors at McDaniel. I was really kind of wavering about whether I wanted to go into administration, but several of them had spoken to me privately and suggested I continue down that path. They saw something in me that others did not.”

Read "John Baugher M.S. ’06"

Meet a Graduate | Rahma Zulfiqar M.S. '24

What led you to earn your M.S. in Educational Leadership?
I was driven by my passion for learning and to make a positive impact on school systems and improve student outcomes. Over the years, my experiences as a teacher and leader have reinforced my commitment to this career, motivating me to further my education in Educational Leadership. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue my doctorate and make contributions to educational policy, leveraging my expertise and experiences to drive positive change in this field on a broader scale.
Why McDaniel?
I chose McDaniel College for my graduate education because of its strong reputation, comprehensive courses offered in the Educational Leadership program, which includes the Admin 1 certification, as well as supportive learning environment. A key factor in my decision was the strong recommendations from colleagues who had completed the program and successfully transitioned into administrative roles.
Additionally, McDaniel partners with my county for the Regional Maryland Cohort, offering course discounts through reimbursement, which made it an even more appealing option. The flexibility of completing the program online, with synchronous and asynchronous classes, was an added bonus as it allowed me to continue in my current job while pursuing my studies.
What were your program highlights?
My experience in the McDaniel College graduate program has been immensely rewarding. I particularly appreciated the program's practical approach, which allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge directly in my leadership role. The internship program is extensive and demanding, providing an authentic experience in leadership role. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my internship. I am deeply grateful for the dedication, support, and guidance of the professors in the program. For anyone considering enrolling in this program, I highly recommend it without hesitation. Go for it!
Headshot of Rahma Zulfiqar in a black dress smiling at camera.
Student writing in notebook.

Alumni Spotlight Steve Guthrie, M.S. '84

Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Guthrie was named the 2015 Maryland Superintendent of the Year. He earned his master's degree in Education from McDaniel and served on the faculty of the graduate program for 10 years. 

Learn More About Steve
Irene Allaire and Monica Talliani

Monica Taliani M.S. '19 2018-19 Outstanding Educator in Special Education

Monica Taliani M.S. '19, or Ms. T as her students call her, chose the Educational Leadership program at McDaniel because she enjoys helping teachers help others.

“I feel really strongly about all students getting the tools they need to reach independence,” Taliani said. “My favorite part is figuring out just what that is, and that aha moment when they recognize they can do it on their own.”

A Special Education teacher at Sligo Creek Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland, Taliani was nominated for the Outstanding Educator in Special Education award by Sligo Creek principal, Diantha Swift. While teaching within the district, Talliani assisted in a pilot program for self-sustaining classrooms for students on the autism spectrum.

The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations award honors Taliani’s contribution to the success of students with special needs. 

Read "Montgomery County educators shine"

Related Programs

Administrator I Certification Innovations in Teaching and Learning (formerly Curriculum & Instruction)

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Margaret Pfaff, Ed.D.
mpfaff@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2508

Request More Info
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