Graduate Educational Leadership Programs

Educational Leadership

Nationally recognized. Committed to Michiana.

The master’s degree in Educational Leadership (M.S.Ed.) and the P-12 Building Level Administrator Licensure program help educators advance and strengthen the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to be innovative leaders and change-makers in today’s schools. If you are a passionate educator, the Educational Leadership programs are here to help you achieve your goals.

Our Program

  • Classes take place eight weeks per semester.
  • Hybrid (online and in-person) course format offers freedom and autonomy, while providing opportunities for in-depth exploration and discussion.
  • In-person class sessions meet weekday evenings.
  • Asynchronous classes provide flexibility to fit within your personal and professional life.
  • Required practicums/internships for Master’s Degree program take place in your current school setting and are designed by you in partnership with your mentor and university instructor.

  • All assignments have real-world applications.
  • Instructors provide case studies and relevant readings that allow candidates to wrestle with current issues.
  • In the Master’s Degree program, three different practicum experiences ensure that candidates (1) have the opportunity to apply their coursework during the program and (2) possess demonstrable leadership experiences upon graduating.

  • Create opportunities in class to build long-lasting connections with peers who serve as vital contacts throughout your career.
  • Develop and maintain a network of regional educators who share a commitment to serving Michiana.
  • Get to know your peers as classmates, colleagues, and friends!

The Educational Leadership program at Indiana University South Bend is nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).

What can I do?

Graduates of the program often pursue positions, including:

  • District-level Coordinator
  • Dean of Students
  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Teacher-leader

Spotlight

“The educational leadership program has allowed me to work in a small cohort group, where I interact with other fellow educators as we all work collaboratively in helping each other reach our educational leadership goals. The program is well-structured, allowing me to attend class twice a week for 8 weeks, work full-time and still balance my family life while going to school.”—Paige, Elkhart Community School Teacher, IUSB Ed Lead '18

Read Paige's Story

FAQ

No. However, our courses are offered in a hybrid format, which means some class sessions will be in-person and other class sessions will be online in an asynchronous modality. We believe this course delivery format provides the best of both in-person and online learning, including vibrant classroom environments and discussions, as well as freedom and autonomy.

Classes take place eight weeks per semester. In the Fall, classes begin in August and end in October. In the Spring, classes begin in January and end in February. Summer classes take place in a similar accelerated format between May and August. In-person class sessions generally take place between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays to accommodate students who are working full-time.

You can submit an application at any time prior to the August 1 deadline! The graduate academic advisor will review your application for completion before sending it to faculty for review.

Yes! If you are currently working in a school environment, you can complete your internship requirements in your current workplace. If you are currently not employed in a school setting, then a faculty member will assist you in locating an environment best suited to your goals. You will work closely with a faculty member to create a meaningful internship experience.

Both the Master’s Degree and P-12 Building Level Administrator Licensure programs are typically completed by students in two years.

For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please click the following button:

Visit Bursar's Website

The M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership is eligible for financial aid. For more information about financial aid, scholarship, and grants, please visit the Financial Aid Office website at https://students.iusb.edu/financial-aid/graduate-students.html. Please note, the P-12 Building Level Administrator Licensure program is not eligible for financial aid.

The M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership consists of 33 credit hours, whereas the P-12 Building Administrator Licensure program consists of 27 credit hours. A primary difference is that licensure-only students do not complete internships. In order to apply for the P-12 Building Administrator Licensure program, you must possess a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

  • If you have a Master’s Degree in any area from an accredited institution, you may apply for either the Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or the P-12 Building Level Licensure Program.
  • If you have not yet earned a Master’s Degree, but have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you are not eligible to apply for the P-12 Building Level Licensure Program, but you are eligible to apply for the Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, which also includes the necessary coursework for building-level certification.

The program is geared toward licensed teachers who want to become principals. Students who are not already licensed teachers will not be eligible for principal licensure in Indiana. It also does not lead to an initial or additional teaching license.

You have questions and we love that! You can contact the Education Advising Office at edschool@iusb.edu with any questions.

ADMISSION

  • Complete the IU South Bend graduate online application
  • Provide official transcripts from master’s program
  • Provide one letter of recommendation
  • Complete an interview with program representatives

  • Complete the IU South Bend graduate online application
  • Provide official transcripts from undergraduate program
  • Provide one letter of recommendation
  • Personal statement, which includes why you want to be a principal, what experiences have led you to this program (i.e. leadership roles held as a teacher, in the community and/or other organizations), as well as traits you possess that you believe would be beneficial as a principal. If you do not wish to be a principal, explain how this program fits within your larger goals.
  • Complete an interview with program representatives

"From the very beginning of my program, I knew that it was going to be a good fit! All of the stresses that came with figuring out which program was best for me were put to rest the first night of class. It was clear that we all belong and matter in our cohort. It is a team effort where everyone wants the best for each other."—Cam, IUSB Ed Lead ‘18

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Applications are due by August 1, 2023

Ready to join us?

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Step-by-Step Application Guide