M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.A. in Educational Leadership
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.A. in Educational Leadership is a 36-credit-hour program, with options that allow completion in as little as 14 months (Fast Track) or over two years. It offers various flexible formats, including traditional on-campus classes, hybrid options, and fully online courses, to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Students can pursue general educational leadership or specialize in areas like school principal, supervisor, or director roles. The curriculum integrates educational theory, policy analysis, and practical aspects of educational management, culminating in comprehensive learning that blends in-class instruction with practical experiences in administrative settings. The program also holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
AACSB-Accredited: No, the M.A. in Educational Leadership program at Montclair State University is not AACSB-accredited. AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation is specifically for business programs and business schools. While Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business is AACSB accredited, this accreditation does not extend to the educational leadership programs within the College of Education and Engaged Learning. The relevant accreditation for this program is from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Educational Leadership is structured around core educational leadership competencies. It typically includes introductory courses (12 credits), intermediate courses (15 credits), and advanced courses (9 credits), often featuring a field experience or internship. Key areas of study include "Effective Leadership in a Diverse Society," "Differentiated Supervision," "Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment," and "Action Research." Electives might cover topics like school district planning/policymaking, allowing students to tailor their studies. The program emphasizes developing skills in organizational effectiveness, interpersonal and group problem-solving, decision-making, and managing change and conflict within educational contexts.
Research Focus: The research focus within the M.A. in Educational Leadership program is applied, aiming to equip future leaders with the ability to integrate theory, research, policy, and practice. While it is a practice-driven program, it includes a rigorous grounding in research, often through courses like "Action Research" or similar research methodologies. Students are guided to develop their "practical wisdom" and relate it to the scholarship of educational leadership. Faculty are often involved in research concerning issues like equitable leadership, culturally responsive practices, school improvement, and the challenges faced by educational systems, which directly informs the program's content and prepares students to utilize data and evidence for informed decision-making in their leadership roles.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's M.A. in Educational Leadership program demonstrates strong industry engagement by preparing graduates for specific leadership and administrative positions within K-12 and higher education sectors. The program emphasizes "authentic work within schools" and includes practical experiences in administrative settings. For those seeking New Jersey State certification (Principal, Supervisor, Director of School Counseling Services), the program is aligned with state requirements, indicating direct collaboration with educational authorities and institutions. Faculty often have significant experience as practitioners in educational leadership, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The strong career outcomes cited by the university, with graduates moving into roles like school principals and district administrators, further attest to robust industry connections.
Global Perspective: While not explicitly detailed as a standalone course on global educational systems, the M.A. in Educational Leadership program implicitly fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on preparing "culturally responsive and anti-racist leaders." This focus requires an understanding of diverse populations, backgrounds, and educational needs, which often extend beyond national borders in an increasingly interconnected world. The program aims to create leaders who promote equity within schools and systems, which naturally involves recognizing and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion on a broader scale. Montclair State University's diverse student body, comprising students from over 100 countries, further enriches this perspective by exposing students to various educational philosophies and cultural approaches to leadership.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University prepares graduates for pivotal roles in shaping educational environments and fostering student success. This program is designed to develop effective, culturally responsive, and anti-racist leaders for K-12 schools, higher education, and other educational organizations. Graduates emerge with the strategic vision and practical skills necessary to improve learning outcomes and manage complex educational systems.
School Principal (Elementary, Middle, High School): Overseeing the day-to-day operations, academic programs, staff management, budgeting, and overall culture of a school. This is a primary role for graduates, often requiring prior teaching experience and state certification.
Assistant Principal: Supporting the principal in administrative duties, student discipline, teacher evaluation, program development, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the school. This often serves as a stepping stone to a principalship.
Supervisor of Instruction/Curriculum Coordinator: Developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum programs across a school or district. They ensure alignment with educational standards, provide professional development for teachers, and recommend instructional improvements.
District Administrator/Director (e.g., Director of Special Education, Director of Curriculum & Instruction): Working at the central office level to oversee specific departments or programs across multiple schools within a district. This involves policy development, budget management, and compliance.
Higher Education Administrator: Managing various departments or academic programs within colleges and universities. Roles can include Director of Student Affairs, Academic Advisor, Registrar, or Administrator in admissions or other student services.
Education Policy Analyst: Researching and evaluating policies that affect schools and students for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. They propose policy changes and advocate for improvements in educational systems.
Corporate Training and Development Manager: Designing and overseeing professional development programs for employees within corporate settings. They leverage educational leadership principles to enhance workforce skills and productivity.
Educational Consultant: Providing expert advice to schools, districts, educational organizations, or even individual families on improving educational outcomes, strategic planning, curriculum development, and instructional strategies.
Athletic Director (K-12 or Collegiate): Overseeing all aspects of an educational institution's athletic programs, including budgeting, compliance, hiring coaches, facility management, and promoting sports programs.
Teacher Leader/Department Head: For experienced teachers, this role involves taking on leadership responsibilities within the classroom or a specific academic department. This includes mentoring other teachers, leading curriculum initiatives, and contributing to school-wide improvement.
