Educational Leadership
Committee to Michiana and our Surrounding Communities
Programs in Educational Leadership
Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (IU Online Collaborative)
The IU Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares you to take on leadership roles in your school, district, or educational organization. In this district-level licensure program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge such as:
- Applying your knowledge and skills to collaboratively lead, design, and implement a district mission, vision, and process.
- Evaluate, design, cultivate, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems, supports, assessment, and instructional leadership.
- Engage families, communities, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and advocate for district, student, and community needs.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership (IU South Bend)
The IU South Bend M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educators for building-level administrative licensure in Indiana. This program equips aspiring school leaders with the skills and credentials needed to become licensed principals and administrators in P–12 settings. Through authentic learning experiences, problem-solving exercises, and extensive fieldwork, you’ll develop the leadership competencies essential for guiding schools and supporting student success. In this program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Lead with confidence and integrity in P–12 educational environments
- Apply research-based strategies to improve school culture, instruction, and student outcomes
- Navigate the complexities of school law, finance, and personnel management
- Prepare for the rigorous Indiana principal licensing exam and the demands of building-level leadership roles
P-12 Building Level Administrator Licensure Program (IU South Bend)
For educators who already hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, IU South Bend offers a streamlined pathway to earn the Indiana principal’s license through its P–12 Building Level Administrator Licensure Program. This licensure-only option is ideal for professionals seeking to advance into building-level leadership roles such as principal, assistant principal, or other administrative positions within P–12 schools.
Educational Leadership MS.Ed. Program at IUSB
- 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 recognized by the Indiana State Board of Education
What Can I Do with a Degree or Credential in Educational Leadership from IU South Bend?
There are three distinct pathways for aspiring school leaders, each aligned with different career goals and licensure needs:
Ed.S. in Educational Leadership
Intended for those who already hold a master’s degree and want to deepen their leadership expertise, often in preparation for district-level leadership roles. Graduates often pursue positions such as:
- District-level Coordinator
- Director of Curriculum or Instruction
- Superintendent
M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Designed for educators seeking both a master’s degree and building-level administrator licensure in Indiana. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Dean of Students
- Teacher-leader
P–12 Building Level Administrator Licensure Certificate
For individuals who already hold a master’s degree and want to earn building-level licensure without completing another full degree. This streamlined option prepares candidates for:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Dean of Students
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
The EdS degree in Educational Leadership is offered entirely online. However, the MSED is a hybrid program, offering courses in the evening, both online and in-person.
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 March 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 about one year.
For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, please click the following button:
Both the EdS and the M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership are 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.
- 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, with at least two years of classroom teaching experience, 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 Dr. Tony Randles at randlest@iu.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
Submit an application!
Applications are due by March 1
Ready to join us?
For more information, take the first step and contact the Education Advising Office at edschool@iusb.edu or call 574-520-4845.