This program prepares you for leadership roles in education by immersing you in school administration and providing the opportunity to work with a certified mentor principal. You’ll explore how to use institutional initiatives and effective management to drive student success, elevate instruction and lead change. Courses provide you with key competencies needed for career opportunities in school administration or as a lead teacher, such as:
- Analyzing and leveraging data to improve student outcomes.
- Encouraging school-level systemic change.
- Implementing measures that ensure educational equity and excellence.
- Leading curriculum development.
- Providing effective feedback.
Upon graduation, you'll also have the necessary coursework and practicum experience to qualify for the Arizona Department of Education Standard Professional Principal Certificate and will be prepared to sit for licensure exams, paving the way for a rewarding career in this field.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of education and driving meaningful change, this master's program may be a great fit for you. Ideal candidates are those who aspire to become pre-K-12 school or district leaders, are committed to ensuring every student’s success and are eager to engage in a systems-level critique of education. If you’re currently a PK-12 teacher, instructional coach, school leader, district coordinator or out-of-school time program leader, you’re likely a strong fit. Conversely, if you don’t work full-time in a school setting or lack access to a school and a mentor principal, this program may not align with your current situation.
Choosing the right educational leadership master’s program for you
ASU’s educational leadership master’s programs are built for those who want to drive change in learning spaces and improve student outcomes. The right program for you depends on your professional goals.
- MEd in educational leadership
- This program is ideal if you’re passionate about reimagining education through entrepreneurial or creative work outside traditional school settings. You’ll focus on systemic innovation beyond a single school.
- MEd in educational leadership – principalship
- This path is designed for aspiring principals and district administrators. Guided by a certified mentor principal in a yearlong internship, you’ll learn to support teacher and school success.
Arizona State University’s Master of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in principalship online can assist teachers and future administrators as they develop the abilities needed to manage schools and support educators, ultimately leading to Arizona principalship certification. If you intend to complete this degree from another location, consult your state education agency to determine the requirements for your area.
In this program, you'll delve into courses that address current issues in school administration, equipping you with the knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges. You'll also complete an internship to gain practical experience and apply what you’ve learned. This degree culminates in an applied project where you’ll address a problem you observed during your internship, allowing you to create impactful solutions and demonstrate your expertise.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
best online master’s in educational administration programs
best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs
best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs
best online master’s in special education programs
best online master's in education programs for veterans
best online master's in education programs
Applicants to the Master of Education in educational leadership program who wish to pursue a concentration in principalship must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
If you don't meet the GPA requirement, you may be eligible for provisional admittance or a nondegree pathway.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be from the applicant’s current immediate supervisor (principal). This person must be a certified principal.
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Applicants must meet the following three requirements:
- Must have two continuous years of pre-K-12 teaching experience as a teacher of record.
- Must be employed in a school-based position or have ongoing access over the course of the program in an approved school placement.
- Must have active support from their principal. Principal support is crucial because the applicant must have broad access to highly sensitive school information. Also, the principal should provide support and serve as the applicant’s mentor of record for the internship experience.
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- To apply, candidates should have at least two continuous years of experience as a teacher of record in pre-K through 12th grade. Employment in, or ongoing access over the course of the program to an approved school placement is also required.
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions about licensure or certification.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”