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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
| 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.