The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership requires a total of 36 credits. Students in the program will engage in a multi-year sequence of courses and field experiences that will emphasize the following areas:

1. The development of human relations skills to optimize the Educational Leadership graduate student's ability to interact with teachers, colleagues, parents, students and other members of the school community;

   
   

2. Knowledge of effective strategies that promote higher student achievement;

   
   
   

3. Development of skills and knowledge for creating a vision for effective schools and engaging the learning community stakeholders in the process of creating and implementing an educational vision;
   
   
4. Assumption of the role of a leader in promoting systemic growth and utilizing available resources;
   
   
5. Development of management skills required to effectively utilize available resources; and
   
   
6. Engagement of the community and profession in the advocacy of public policy that promotes the success for all students in the learning community.
   

The program’s design and curriculum are based on the demands facing today’s schools with a focus on developing a vision of a school as a community of learners. Graduates of the program develop competencies in the administrative strategies and skills that engage all stakeholders in the decision making process and promote the true sense of a community of learners. To accomplish these goals student learning will rely heavily on small group interaction, simulation and problem-based learning activities. During the second year of the program, students will be able to apply the educational theory learned in formal coursework through an intensive full-year field experience in schools of outstanding practitioners.

All participants will be required to complete an extensive pre-assessment at the beginning of their program which will be based on a framework of national standards for school leaders. This pre-assessment will serve as a basis for personal reflection and goal setting to formulate an individualized Professional Growth Plan that guides each participant’s program of professional studies and other supporting professional development activities. All participants will be required to develop and maintain a professional portfolio that will be used for ongoing self-, peer- and instructor/mentor/advisor assessment of performance in the program.

*required for Supervisor’s Certification

Admissions Process

All candidates who want to be considered for admission must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit a professional portfolio which includes evidence of:
   
   
   • A standard teaching certificate
   • Successful teaching (observational report)
   • A writing sample
     
     
2. Submit an undergraduate transcript indicating that the student has maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students who have not maintained a 2.75 GPA in undergraduate work may be accepted provisionally. Those students will be matriculated if they maintain a 3.25 GPA through the first nine credits of the M.A. program.
   
   
3. Submit two letter of recommendation (one from the supervisor) that address the following:
   
   
   • Quality of teacher and evidence of commitment to the field of education.
   • Potential for leadership
     
     
4. Provide evidence of successful completion of PRAXIS, Graduate Records Exam or Miller Analogies Test, or submission of a performance portfolio and evidence of successful teaching and scholarship.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program participation requirements?

Students accepted into the program will participate in a sequence of courses designed to prepare them for school leadership roles. Those students who are interested in being eligible for a school principal's certificate must be prepared to make a commitment to participate in the entire sequence of program experiences.


What if I am interested in taking only those courses needed to obtain a supervisor's certificate?

The program is also designed to meet the needs of teachers who hold a master's degree have at least three (3) years of successful teaching experience under a valid New Jersey certificate and wish to take courses solely for the purpose of obtaining a supervisor's certificate. An inter-departmental program exists that would assist a teacher enrolled in the University in meeting the four-course sequence required under current New Jersey licensing code. Evaluation of your previous graduate school transcript must be completed by an advisor, and a special program is planned that will achieve the 12-credit, sequence in curriculum and supervision of instruction required for certification as a supervisor.


What is the cost of the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree program?

A special scholarship tuition rate is provided for the 36-credit M.A. program (based on current standard tuition rates.)

Where will courses be offered?

Based on enrollments, courses may be offered at convenient regional locations in local school districts or community college campuses.


Will I be certified as a principal/supervisor upon completion of the program?

Upon successful completion of the program and a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), students will be eligible for provisional New Jersey certification as a principal. Permanent certification will be issued based upon a successful year of employment in a school leadership role under the mentoring of a school administrator.


What is the admissions criteria for the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree program?

The School of Education maintains high standards for candidates to enter and continue in its programs. Students are required to have a standard teaching certificate, an appropriate undergraduate GPA and demonstrate technology literacy.


If I have taken other graduate courses at the University or another institution, can they be applied to the M.A. in Educational Leadership degree program?

Since this program is highly structured, it is highly unlikely that outside coursework will be credited to the M.A. in Educational Leadership. However, up to six credits may be transferred, provided they meet the course requirements of the program and it is approved by both the student’s advisor and the program director.

Where and how should I apply?

Application packages are available from the School of Education at 201-692-2831. Any questions regarding the M.A. program and admission should be directed to the program director. Admission to the program is subject to approval by the School of Education pursuant to the admissions policy for the program and general university policies that may apply.