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About This Program
Begin your journey toward educational administration through a master’s degree in education leadership at American Public University (APU). Our online MEd in Educational Leadership is geared toward educators looking to develop administrative or supervisory skills for K-12 public and/or private schools online or on-campus.
Expand your knowledge of educational program management and delve into practices relating to personnel recruitment, selection, retention, and evaluation with this education administration degree.
You will also acquire strategies for coaching and mentoring teachers, study conflict resolution, and develop effective communication skills. With this master’s degree in education administration, you will explore the economics of education as well as legal, ethical, and political issues.
Completion of the program does not lead to state certification or licensure.
NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements.
What You Will Do
- Manage a school setting based on an awareness of historical, social, political, legal, and economic influences
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills
- Develop policy, implement strategy and new programs, demonstrate problem-solving skills, analyze and respond to emerging issues and trends in education
- Manage daily school operations including recordkeeping, finances, and reports
- Show effective leadership in supervision, evaluation, professional development, legal issues, and school reform
Degree at a Glance
Number of Credits
36
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
$386.75** | $409.50***
Courses Start Monthly
Online
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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:
Teaches an array of leadership skills necessary for managing an athletic department in nontraditional K-12 learning organizations such as charter and private schools. Topics include: budgeting and financial management; legal issues, risk, and liability management; conflict resolution; managing facilities; and strategies for coaching and mentoring teachers.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Help to prepare candidates for leadership and managerial positions in athletic administration at the interscholastic level.
- Develop leadership skills to meet today’s secondary dual role of managing an athletic department and performing everyday supervision and leadership duties as a school administrator.
- Develop specific leadership skills relative to athletic budgeting and financial management, handling legal issues relative to managing an athletic department, conflict resolution, and managing facilities.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 4336
|
This course will study the evaluation process and candidates will learn how to use aspects of effective teaching strategies when working with teachers during the observation/walk-through process. Strategies for coaching and mentoring teachers for improved student achievement will be presented. Candidates will focus on the process of gathering data for the formal evaluation process and on providing professional development to meet teacher needs. Attention will also be given to analyzing and interpreting assessment results and other instructional data and how to deliver effective professional development to improve teaching and learning.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2819
|
Since the early days of K-12 education in the United States, public schools have been the primary option for the education of K-12 students. With trends toward non-traditional K-12 learning organizations becoming more popular, students are gaining access to a variety of non-traditional learning models. This course will focus on the unique structures of non-traditional K-12 learning organizations, including the various types of charter schools, private schools, and a look at online learning for the K-12 student. (Prerequisites: EDUC509 or EDUC519 and 30 of 36 program hours completed)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2718
|
This course is a study of one of the most complex professions in secondary education – high school athletic administration. The topics include leadership and management roles in sports/athletic administration, high school sports finance and budgeting, student-athlete issues, association regulations and guidelines, and other issues focused on the array of sports disciplines, coaches, and programs at the high school level.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2769
|
The main thrust of this course is the application of principles and practices of financial management, as it applies to organizations in the sport industry. This course seeks to develop the financial skills necessary to gain an understanding of an array of financial concepts that impact sport managers. Students will examine financial strategies related to sport entities and organizations and will be introduced to current economic and financial issues that impact the sport industry. Included in the course are the basics of accounting, budgets and budgeting systems, performance measures creation, and financial statement evaluation for the purpose of cost analysis and planning. Other topics include budget development, funding, capital projects, economic impact, and supply and demand in the sport industry.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/26/25 - 10/31/25 | 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 | Fall 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4029
|
This course examines contemporary and productive management principles and concepts used throughout the sports industry and various sport organizations. Through this course, students will learn skills related to creative problem solving and strategic planning, while developing the skills to lead, organize, and delegate in managerial and leadership positions.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4689
|
This course examines legal issues and considerations facing interscholastic athletic administrators. Major issues explored in this course include managing risk and liability within an interscholastic athletic department and complying with Title IX. In addition, this course will focus on development of an effective risk management program designed for interscholastic athletics. (Prerequisite: SPMT603)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Explores the unique structures of nontraditional K-12 learning organizations, including charter schools and private schools. Topics include: effective teaching strategies during the observation/walkthrough process; methods of collecting and analyzing assessment data; effective fundraising programs; and the importance of quality financial reporting and controls to protect and sustain nonprofit organizations.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply programmatic objectives to non-traditional school environments.
- Synthesize key similarities and differences between traditional and non-traditional school environments.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 3911
|
A comprehensive study of the key financial statements to help monitor the organization’s financial health. An analysis of fund accounting, the importance of quality financial reporting and financial controls to protect and sustain nonprofit organizations, and the budget as a tool to direct the organization are included in this course.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3912
|
A comprehensive analysis of the dimensions of philanthropy in the United States, the structure of effective fundraising programs, and the competencies needed by successful fundraisers. The course also examines the motivations of donors, impact of tax policy on giving, and resources available for nonprofit fundraisers.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 05/26/25 - 10/31/25 | 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 | Fall 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2787
|
This course examines curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the context of various standards and accountability and their relationships to improvement in student learning, based on sound pedagogical approaches. The importance of alignment to learning outcomes and the necessity for valid assessments are discussed. Methods for collecting various assessment data; analyzing assessment data; creating campus curriculum and instruction goals; and implementation issues related to accountability, planning, and collaboration are addressed. The use of technology to assist with accurate assessments is presented.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4336
|
This course will study the evaluation process and candidates will learn how to use aspects of effective teaching strategies when working with teachers during the observation/walk-through process. Strategies for coaching and mentoring teachers for improved student achievement will be presented. Candidates will focus on the process of gathering data for the formal evaluation process and on providing professional development to meet teacher needs. Attention will also be given to analyzing and interpreting assessment results and other instructional data and how to deliver effective professional development to improve teaching and learning.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4175
|
The course is designed to help school administrators develop an understanding of how to create and support technological change through a systems approach. Topics include sources of resistance to change, tools for planning, decision-making and change, creating and supporting a culture for learning and change, and managing and institutionalizing change systems. Administrators will evaluate the essential 21st century skills for success in today’s world, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, creativity and collaboration, as well as skills and strategies for leading their school or district into the ongoing process of technology integration.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2819
|
Since the early days of K-12 education in the United States, public schools have been the primary option for the education of K-12 students. With trends toward non-traditional K-12 learning organizations becoming more popular, students are gaining access to a variety of non-traditional learning models. This course will focus on the unique structures of non-traditional K-12 learning organizations, including the various types of charter schools, private schools, and a look at online learning for the K-12 student. (Prerequisites: EDUC509 or EDUC519 and 30 of 36 program hours completed)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Looks at online learning in nontraditional K-12 learning organizations. Topics include: different types of software/genres and their effect on raising student achievement; intellectual property and copyright infringement issues; philanthropy and effective fundraising programs; and the differences between the learning needs and abilities of adult learners and K-12 learners.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Apply programmatic objectives to non-traditional school environments, including consideration for instructional design and technological access.
- Synthesize key similarities and differences between traditional and non-traditional school environments, including an appropriate expression of governance, online learning culture, socialization, staffing, and professional development.
- Synthesize andragogy and pedagogy appropriate for the virtual environment.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 3911
|
A comprehensive study of the key financial statements to help monitor the organization’s financial health. An analysis of fund accounting, the importance of quality financial reporting and financial controls to protect and sustain nonprofit organizations, and the budget as a tool to direct the organization are included in this course.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3912
|
A comprehensive analysis of the dimensions of philanthropy in the United States, the structure of effective fundraising programs, and the competencies needed by successful fundraisers. The course also examines the motivations of donors, impact of tax policy on giving, and resources available for nonprofit fundraisers.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 05/26/25 - 10/31/25 | 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 | Fall 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4355
|
This course examines the similarities and differences of the learning needs and abilities of adult and younger learners. The course emphasizes differentiated instruction and course development as applicable to adult and K-12 learners in traditional, virtual, and hybrid contexts. Topics include a historical perspective, andragogy versus pedagogy in the online classroom, trends and issues with technology education and online education, LMS elements, and basics of grant writing/technology grant writing.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/26/25 - 10/31/25 | 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 | Fall 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4356
|
This course will focus on the issue of ownership of certain types of intellectual property on the internet, which has become a critical issue with different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps becoming so prevalent in our schools and culture. In this course, online, face-to-face, and hybrid educators will learn about the different types of potential copyright infringement, fair use, and privacy aspects for students, exploring the implication for course development and instruction.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4357
|
In this course, educators will develop an understanding of the structure of the different types of digital tools and their effect on raising student achievement. Evidence-based practices that address student achievement gains via technology will be examined. The course guides course participants in evaluating and applying technology across disciplines (e.g., math, science, language arts, social studies, music, art, P.E., and health) and to support students with special needs or who need remediation.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 05/26/25 - 10/31/25 | 11/03/25 - 12/28/25 | Fall 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2819
|
Since the early days of K-12 education in the United States, public schools have been the primary option for the education of K-12 students. With trends toward non-traditional K-12 learning organizations becoming more popular, students are gaining access to a variety of non-traditional learning models. This course will focus on the unique structures of non-traditional K-12 learning organizations, including the various types of charter schools, private schools, and a look at online learning for the K-12 student. (Prerequisites: EDUC509 or EDUC519 and 30 of 36 program hours completed)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 5329
|
This course serves as an introduction to the skills one needs to become an effective school leader. Course activities involve having the potential leader examine the qualities of effective leadership, exploring definitions of leadership, and the creation of a personal model for leadership practices. This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on personal and professional goals while gaining an understanding of the role of building administrator.
Note: This is required as the first course in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5510
|
This course, designed for educators, examines issues related to promoting learning opportunities in the classroom for all students, including effective approaches to encourage collaboration among different colleagues, staff, parents, and students. Interpersonal communication skills – to include speaking, listening, reading, and writing - and their effect on individuals, organizations, and communities will be discussed. Topics examined include ethnic, cultural, gender, class, religious, and linguistic differences.
Course ID: 2806
|
This course will focus on the skills necessary for principals to effectively work with faculty and staff. Current theories and practices relating to recruitment, development, and appraisal of personnel will be covered. The course will examine specific personnel functions such as recruitment, selection, retention, and evaluation. Additional topics include conflict resolution, effective communication skills, and creating and maintaining a positive school environment.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2811
|
This course provides an overview of approaches to research, rationales for methodological choices, integrity of research processes, and tools and techniques for data collection and analysis. Additional topics include reliability and validity, sampling, and evaluating quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs. There is an emphasis on adhering to ethical principles. Course participation and activities provide experiences designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to select, evaluate, and apply findings from extant research and conceptualize research studies related to issues at the K-12 and/or higher education level. (Prerequisites: Either ADHE601, EDUC502, EDUC503, EDUC509, EDUC511, or EDUC621)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2815
|
This course examines a framework to address the emerging issues and trends in and supervision and instructional leadership that have the potential to influence the future direction of education. The course focuses on the teacher leader/instructional leader and ways to address evolving challenges in the field in both collaborative and leadership roles within schools. Research, study, discussion, and multifaceted assignments enable candidates in this course to analyze various issues and trends such as safety, technology integration, social justice, advocacy, school improvement, community resources, ethical leadership, and more. (Prerequisite: EDUC503)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 04/28/25 - 10/03/25 | 10/06/25 - 11/30/25 | Fall 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4340
|
This course explores legal, ethical and politics issues governing K-12 education in America and the legal responsibilities and powers of state and local governing bodies and individuals that arise in elementary and secondary schools. This course focuses on understanding federal codes, case law, policies, and significant precedent and will emphasize analysis of key legal concepts and application of law to specific situations. The ethics of decision making and the process through which school leaders can advocate for political reform will be examined. Major areas of analysis include personnel, risk management, curriculum, student services, parent and student rights, teacher rights and torts.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/24/25 - 08/01/25 | 08/04/25 - 09/28/25 | Summer 2025 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/30/25 - 11/28/25 | 12/01/25 - 01/25/26 | Fall 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
Admission Requirements
All APU master's degree and graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The following documentation is required for admission into any of the Educational Leadership program concentrations, and must be provided prior to course registration:
- Official bachelor’s transcript showing conferral of degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a master’s transcript showing conferral of degree
- Graduate writing sample
- Signed statement of understanding (SOU)
- Documentation of 1 year K-12 teaching experience or 1 year K-12 managerial experience in an instructional setting
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This program is designed to provide the essential coursework for an MEd in Educational Leadership but does not lead to certification or licensure.. In order to make an informed decision about your education, prior to applying here we strongly encourage you to explore any state-specific or other requirements applicable to you, including with respect to certification, licensure, and certificate enhancements.
- You are required to take EDUC519 as the first course in this degree program, but other courses may be taken in conjunction with EDUC519.
- You must be physically located in proximity to a school district where the right to conduct on-site observations is approved.
- Background check requirements and fees for on-site observations might be required and are your responsibility.
Materials Cost
Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.
Technology fee: $85 per course
Need Help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
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So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.
Consumer Information
Disclosures
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.
