Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership

Advance your career in education with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sioux Falls (USF) in South Dakota. Increasingly, school districts look to teachers with master’s degrees in education to take on new and greater leadership roles. Your next big step in professional development starts here.

New! Virtual events for those interested in learning more about this graduate program—details here.

Apply Now

Best Reasons to Earn Your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at USF

Accreditation. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Fredrikson School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is approved by the SD Department of Education.

Educational Leadership Certification. When you graduate from USF’s Master in Educational Leadership degree program, you will fulfill the South Dakota Department of Education requirements for K-12 principal certification. This program meets USF, state and National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Building-Level Program standards.

Leadership Role. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares you to assume building-level leadership responsibilities, such as:

• Collaborating with leadership teams
• Building quality staff development
• Ensuring effective instructional leadership
• Mentoring others
• Articulating and implementing a vision for excellent and safe schools

Higher Salary. Many school districts offer teachers with master’s degrees an increase in pay.

Flexibility. USF gives you the option of completing your Master in Educational Leadership degree in either two or three years – through a combination of on-campus and online classes.

Christian University. USF is a private, Christian university. For many of our students at the associate, bachelor and master level, that’s an important factor in their graduate school decision because we believe teachers are called to serve. We welcome teachers of all faiths into this degree program.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership Admission Requirements

You’re eligible for USF’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program if you meet the following criteria:

• You already hold a valid teaching certificate
• You have a 3.0 grade point average shown through prior degree
• You have at least one year of teaching experience
• You have two references, using UFS’s recommendation forms, which detail your potential as a Master of Education in Educational Leadership candidate
• You submit an application. Applications include a personal statement. Using your best writing skills, you will explain in 250-500 words your long-term education and career goals, stating any areas of specific interest and experience that may be relevant to your graduate program.

Apply Now

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership Degree Program Overview

To earn your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, you’ll complete a total of 33 credits.

In the above chart, some classes marked as online are considered remote, meaning designated synchronous online class meeting times are expected, and some are considered asynchronous, meaning no designated meeting times. Remote components to classes have the benefit of regular virtual access to fellow graduate students, the instructor, and a community feel, and asynchronous components allow for great flexibility for personal and professional schedules. Please contact education.web@usiouxfalls.edu with specific course questions. All USF instructors are trained in online pedagogy.

Apply Now

When can I start?

This program is designed to begin in the summer (late May or early June) because this is when most pre-requisite courses are offered. Depending on exact dates and circumstances, the program can offer extra flexibility, so please contact USF to discuss the next starting opportunity. We are here to help!