UNE Online Launches New Educational Leadership Master’s Degree

What is a Master of Science in Education – Educational Leadership?

This program is a 30-credit, Master of Science in Education – Educational Leadership (MSEd-EL) which prepares teachers with the foundational knowledge to pursue a career as an assistant principal or principal and is an approved program for preparation for the Building Administrator 040 endorsement in the State of Maine. It can be completed in under two years and is 100% online with no campus visits required.

The MSEd-EL program is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and provides a thorough foundation in educational leadership theory, principles, and practices such as school finance, special education law, school-community relations, and more.

Who is the MSEd-EL program designed for?

This educational leadership program is ideal for certified teachers with a bachelor’s degree who want to make an impact in their school and move into a more formal leadership role of a department head, assistant principal, or principal.

Although teacher leaders may not be ready to step out of the classroom yet, they will have the skills required to lead when the time is right in their career to assume a position of greater responsibility.

What about a certified teacher who already holds a Master’s Degree?

UNE Online also offers building administrator certification at the post-master’s level through our 30-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAGS-AEL) program which also leads to Building Administrator 040 endorsement in the State of Maine.

How long would it take to earn the MSEd-EL, and when can I start?

The MSEd-EL is a Master of Science degree that can be earned in under two years. Candidates for the MSEd – Educational Leadership must hold a Bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.

Terms start every eight weeks; spring, summer, and fall. See the Graduate Online Academic Calendar for exact dates and deadlines.

Approved by the State of Maine

The State of Maine Department of Education has approved the UNE MSEd-EL program, which guarantees that the program meets the requirements for Principal and Assistant Principal in the State of Maine.

Regionally accredited by NECHE

The MSEd-EL program, along with the entire University of New England, is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is the gold standard among institutions of higher education.

A school with regional accreditation has proven to the accrediting body that they provide a high-quality education. Learn more »

Award-winning program

UNE’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience has resulted in a top-60 ranking among all Online Master’s in Education programs in the country for 2022.

This makes UNE the highest-ranked institution in Maine. Learn more »

Does the MSEd-EL program accept transfer credits?

Students may transfer up to three graduate-level, 3-credit courses, taken at a regionally-accredited institution within five years of application, and completed with a grade of “B” or better. The courses transferred in must be equivalent to one of the required program courses.

What about teachers from states other than Maine?

Click to visit the Interactive Map of State Certification Requirements

Outside of the state of Maine, teachers who wish to pursue Principal or Building Administrator certification need to have their coursework officially approved by their state’s Department of Education.

Links to individual state requirements can be found here: online.une.edu/education/map.

If your state requires that the Principal or Building Administrator certification be earned at the post-master’s level, we recommend reviewing the 30-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAGS-AEL) program.

If you need assistance determining which program is right for you, contact an Education program enrollment counselor to help guide you.

Ready to move into a more formal leadership role within your school with an MSEd-EL?

If you’re interested in becoming equipped with the skills and knowledge to earn a more formal leadership role in your school as a K-12 assistant principal or principal, contact an Enrollment Counselor to get started – or learn more about the program by clicking the button below. 

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