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Educational Leadership, MEd (Online)
Degree
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Department
At a Glance
The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership at TCNJ prepares experienced educators to lead schools. This 33-credit program combines online coursework with a hands-on administrative internship and a professional portfolio, and upon completion, you are ready to apply for New Jersey School Principal and Supervisor certification.
Program Coordinator: Melissa Meagher, meagherm@tcnj.edu
Duration
- part time: 18 months to 4 years
Availability
- online*
Endorsements
- Supervisor*
- Principal*
12
- courses
33
- credits
$714
- per credit
Who Should Pursue This Program?
This program is ideal if you’re a college graduate with at least three years of full-time experience working in an educational setting as a certified teacher or a staff member, and you want to make an impact – both in your current position and through future leadership opportunities. The online coursework accommodates busy working professionals, and synchronous video meetings create a sense of community among students and faculty. You’ll create a schedule that maximizes your district’s tuition reimbursement. *Applicants interested in leadership positions outside of New Jersey should consult Certification Information by State.
View FAQs for the MEd in Educational Leadership »
Careers in Educational Leadership, Certification, and Salary
An MEd in Educational Leadership prepares you for administrative positions across preK–12 schools, including assistant principal, principal, supervisor, curriculum director, dean, and district-level administrator roles. The program is built for experienced teachers ready to move into leadership.
This program fulfills New Jersey’s academic requirements to apply for initial certification as a School Principal and for Supervisor certification. New Jersey requires a teaching certificate and at least five years of successful educational experience before applying for state certification.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals earn a median annual salary of $105,870.
Internship and Portfolio
The program includes three principal internship courses (EDADO 691, 692, 693) that together provide practical, applied leadership experience. You’ll combine online coursework with these hands-on internship courses and a professional portfolio assessment. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to lead a school and apply for initial certification as a New Jersey School Principal and your Supervisor Certification.
Accreditation
The College of New Jersey School of Education is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition is $714 per credit, the same regardless of where you live, and the online schedule is designed to help you maximize your district’s tuition reimbursement. Financial aid is available.
» Learn more about tuition, assistantships, and aid
Curriculum
The 33-credit, 12-course curriculum covers curriculum theory, school finance, organizational leadership, school law, transforming school culture, research and data-based decision making, staff supervision, and the three-course Principalship internship sequence.
- CURRO 514/Curriculum Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- CURRO 555/Contextual Issues in the Development of Curriculum for Children and Adolescents (3 credits)
- EDADO 525/Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits)
- EDADO 540/ School Finance and Resource Management (3 credits)
- EDADO 617/Organizational Leadership and Supervision (3 credits)
- EDADO 572/School Law (3 credits)
- EDADO 580/ Transforming School Culture: Equity, Trust, and Team Dynamics (3 credits)
- EDADO 691/The Principalship (2 credits, 100-hour internship)
- EDADO 692/The Principalship II (2 credits, 100-hour internship)
- EDADO 693/The Principalship III (2 credits, 100-hour internship)
- EDFNO 508/Introduction to Research and Data-Based Decision Making* (3 credits)
- SUPVO 520/Staff Supervision (3 credits)
- EDADO700/Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)
Extensive Network
Study alongside peers with solid education experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts in their field, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
Application Requirements
For your application to be considered complete, you must submit the online application and all supplemental documents.
- National Standardized Admission Test: Applicants are only recommended to take the GRE if their undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
- Teacher Certification and Educational Experience: Applicants to the Educational Leadership programs must provide a teaching certificate or evidence of successful educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state certificate (NJAC 6A:9-12.5). At least three completed years of successful teaching or educational experience are required at the time of application for admission to programs leading to principal/supervisor licensure.
Recommended Application Deadlines
We consider applications on a space-available basis. You can apply up to and including the first day of the semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an MEd in Educational Leadership?
Graduates move into school and district leadership roles, including assistant principal, principal, supervisor, curriculum director, and district administrator.
What does a school leader do?
Graduates of this program step into school and district leadership. A principal leads instruction and staff, manages budgets and operations, and builds school culture. A supervisor leads curriculum and staff in a subject area or across a district. This program prepares you for both roles.
What certification does the program prepare me for?
It fulfills New Jersey’s academic requirements to apply for initial School Principal certification and for Supervisor certification.
Do I need teaching experience to apply?
Yes. Applicants need a teaching or educational services certificate and at least three years of successful educational experience.
Is the program fully online?
Yes, with synchronous video meetings and a hands-on administrative internship completed in a school setting.
How long does it take?
The part-time program can be completed in 18 months to four years.
