Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Online MA - Educational Leadership

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) School of Education offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership to help prepare students to become effective leaders in corporate, community, and educational settings. Program outcomes focus on communication, innovative leadership, collaboration, curriculum evaluation and design, cultural diversity, management, ethical leadership, data-driven educational assessment, educational research, and self-development.

The MA in Educational Leadership can be completed part-time in as little as 22 months. This 33-credit online program does not require practicum experiences or campus visits. Accepted students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer, and no work experience is required for admission. An online orientation and writing assessment begin the program, with opportunities to ask questions and understand the program’s expectations. As part of the program, students complete an action research project.

Applicants to the SMUMN Educational Leadership MA program must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The GRE is waived. No educational work experience is required for admission, and no campus visits are required. The program is designed for professionals who are currently working in education or leadership positions, who want to advance their careers. Students can transfer six credits into the program. Admission materials include official transcripts, a written statement, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume.

SMUMN utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver asynchronous courses and assignments. Discussion boards and online collaboration are included as components of the program. Courses run eight weeks each, and students typically take one course at a time. Students can access academic support advisors, professors, career counselors, technical support, and financial aid advisors to help throughout the program.

Administration, coaching, and team-building courses for the MA in Educational Leadership include Orientation and Writing Assessment; Facilitation Through Communication; Foundations of Educational Leadership; Fundamentals of Management; Supervision; Curriculum and Instruction; Ethics and Law; Adult Learning; and Multicultural Leaders and Team Building. Process of change courses include Educational Research, Action Research Project, and Promoting Change.

Note that the MA in Educational Leadership does not lead to K-12 administrative licensure. Students who desire positions in K-12 administration should check educational and licensure requirements in their state. Those pursuing administrative licensure, such as Principal, Superintendent, or Director of Special Education, may need to pursue a licensure preparation program to take on these roles.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).