Educational Leadership, MEd

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Description of Program

In the Masters of Education (MEd) degree in Educational Leadership, you will develop knowledge, skills, and leadership traits required for educational leadership roles within diverse organizations. As you critically analyze a broad range of disciplinary theories, leadership trends, and traits, including data decision-making and evidence-based educational practice, you will be prepared to make research-based, ethical decisions that improve issues, systems, and practice within current and emerging educational organizations. While the degree is not specific to PK-12 education, the program does align with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (formerly ISLLC/ ELCC).

Learning Outcomes

Apply quality standards to enhance instructional rigor and instructional strategies fostering student learning and development and augment teacher professional development
Select strategies to cultivate an inclusive and supporting learning environment to enhance accessibility, community collaboration, and student success
Analyze the aspects of professional capacity and resource needs for a quality professional learning community promoting an effective and efficient learning environment for all teachers, staff, and students
Synthesize current educational research and theory within educational evidence-based practice for ongoing school improvement
Facilitate effective educational leadership vision and integrity through strategic planning involving data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practice

Basis for Admission

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership (EdL) requires 30 credit hours for degree completion. The MEEDL program includes one foundational course, taken by all students regardless of their undergraduate degree, which forms and strengthens fundamental skills. The next 24 credit hours in the program are core courses that capture the essence of educational leadership. Students end the program with a 3 credit hour capstone course.

The MEEDL degree program has the following graduation requirements:

A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NCU
Successful completion of all courses with a “B” or better
Official transcripts on file for all transfer credits accepted by the University

The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credit hours in transfer toward the MEEDL for graduate course work completed at an external, accredited college or university with a course grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.

Time to Completion

NCU allows 5 years to complete the 30 credit hour MEEDL program.

Estimated time for completion of this program is 27 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students who are unable to complete a degree program within the stated time limits are dismissed. If a student believes they have extenuating circumstances they may document the circumstances and send a request for consideration to their respective School Dean or designee. Exceptions to the policy are determined on a case-by-case basis and are granted only once.