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Relevant Course Work

Penn State's 30-credit online master of education degree in educational leadership emphasizes the knowledge and skills that you need as a teaching professional to achieve a supervisory role in your school. Each course in the program focuses on helping you to integrate your teaching experience while honing your leadership skills.

Once you are accepted into the program, you may begin your course work at the start of an academic semester. The typical student course load is expected to be three to four courses per year.

Collaborative Experience, Practical Applications

The master's degree curriculum uses a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility without sacrificing professor and student interaction.

Communication tools, including bulletin boards and email, are used to foster a collaborative environment, providing you with the opportunity to learn from one another. The curriculum and course format can help you develop practical applications of the topics you study. Learn online when it is convenient for you, and immediately apply what you've learned to your job.

Course List - Master of Education in Educational Leadership 

Teacher Leader Emphasis

Coursework for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership Teacher Leader emphasis is divided into two tiers and a capstone project. You are strongly encouraged to proceed sequentially through each of the tiers, although you can take the courses within a given tier in any order.

First Tier
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Teaching as Inquiry C I 501 This course guides teachers to develop systematic inquiries into effective teaching and learning. 3 credits
Introduction to Teacher Leadership EDLDR 801 This course focuses on understanding teacher leadership and its function with the school system. 3 credits
How Schools Work EDLDR 802 This course focuses on understanding schools as learning organizations and how teacher leadership works in such organizations. 3 credits
Second Tier
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
The Teaching of Adults

OR

Learning Processes in Relation to Educational Priorities		 ADTED 505

OR

EDPSY 421		 Examination of direct and indirect teaching; contracts, application of current technology, andragogy, motivation, evaluation; knowledge of research.


An introduction to the empirical study of variables and conditions that influence school learning.		 3 credits
Technology Applications in Educational Leadership EDLDR 540 Development and use of information technology applications to analyze common problems faced by educational administrators. 3 credits
Curriculum Design: Theory and Practice

 C-S 551 (EDLDR 551)

 The analysis and use of the foundations which underlie models of curriculum design. 3 credits
School Improvement EDLDR 559 This course examines how educational leaders at all levels can determine, promote, support, and achieve successful school improvement. 3 credits
Principles of Instructional Supervision EDLDR 560  (C-S560) Social and institutional settings for instructional supervision; functions, activities, and practices of supervision; supervisory case studies. 3 credits
Designing Staff Development Programs  C-S 563 (EDLDR 563) Designing, implementing, and evaluating effective staff development programs for personnel in educational settings. 3 credits
Final Course
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Capstone Inquiry Course EDLDR 894 Completion and public presentation of an inquiry project reflecting an understanding of the five leadership strands.  3 credits


School Leader Emphasis

The coursework for the School Leader emphasis is based on Pennsylvania standards and can help prepare you to become an effective school administrator. You will take specially designed courses along with a dedicated internship with a mentor from the field of education.

Required Courses
Title Abbreviation Description Credits
Introduction to Educational Leadership EDLDR 480 Development of educational leadership. Relationships among local, state, and federal agencies. Introduction to current concepts and theories.  3 credits
Leadership for Inclusive Education EDLDR 530 In-depth analysis and discussion of the school leader's role in creating and sustaining an inclusive learning environment for all.  3 credits
Technology Applications in Educational Leadership EDLDR 540 Development and use of information technology applications to analyze common problems faced by educational administrators. 3 credits
Curriculum Design: Theory and Practice

 C-S 551 (EDLDR 551)

 The analysis and use of the foundations which underlie models of curriculum design. 3 credits
School Improvement EDLDR 559 This course examines how educational leaders at all levels can determine, promote, support, and achieve successful school improvement. 3 credits
Principles of Instructional Supervision EDLDR 560(C-S560) Social and institutional settings for instructional supervision; functions, activities, and practices of supervision; supervisory case studies. 3 credits
The Principalship EDLDR 568 Principles and practices of administration of elementary and secondary schools.  3 credits
The Law and Education EDLDR 576 Legal bases for education; rights and responsibilities of school board members, administrators, teachers, students, and parents; due process.  3 credits
Financial Management for Schools EDLDR 579 Financial management concepts and techniques for educators: district and school level budgeting process, hands-on budget preparation workshop, and budget management.  3 credits
Principal Internship EDLDR 595 Required field experience across a calendar year for students in order to receive their principal certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students earn 1 credit for each of 3 consecutive semesters for a total of 3 credits. 3 credits

 

 

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.