Overview
Program Coordinator: Dr. Margaret Pfaff
Program Delivery Format: Online (Hybrid delivery is available for School Partnership cohorts), 8-week sessions
Total Credits: 33
Average Completion Time: 24 months
Admission: Fall, Spring and Summer
For more information contact:
Graduate Admissions: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management
cperry@mcdaniel.edu
(410) 386-4833
McDaniel Graduate and Professional Studies - gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu or 410.857.2500.
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership program is designed to be completed entirely online. The online format is primarily in asynchronous format but some courses may require synchronous (real time) virtual meetings. Occasionally, courses are offered in a hybrid format (a mix of online and in-person). McDaniel also develops partnerships with various regional school systems and can offer hybrid or in-person cohorts upon request. The program is delivered in 8-week sessions, allowing students to progress through the program in 24 months on average. The course sequence allows for accelerated completion taking one course at a time while completing two courses per semester, a popular format for working adults. Students can complete the program in a more accelerated pace taking more than two courses per semester if desired; however, it is not recommended for working professionals.
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). In order to achieve this level of approval, it is necessary for the courses and the internship to be closely aligned to the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards and the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). The program is designed to provide students with opportunities to study and apply theory, standards, and best practices in educational administration and to prepare them for leadership positions in public and private schools and schools for special populations. McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. McDaniel is working toward Initial Accreditation Status for its educator preparation programs with an anticipated accreditation review in Spring 2024.
Maryland Department of Education Certification:
This certificate is designed to meet the educational preparation requirements for students seeking MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) Administrator I endorsement. While reciprocity is often granted by other states, this program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. Students are encouraged to consult their state certification offices about additional requirements such as teaching experience, testing, or specific course completion. Students who plan to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Maryland should contact the gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu and the appropriate licensing board associated with your program of interest for additional information and guidance. Contact information related to licensure for states outside of Maryland can be found here.
Maryland certification as an Administrator I (assistant principal or supervisor) requires completion of an administrative internship which is a requirement of this certificate and is typically completed at the student’s school site. MSDE endorsement often has additional requirements to include work experience and 3 credits in special education. Those seeking Maryland certification as an Administrator II (principal) following the completion of the Admin I cert will need to achieve a qualifying score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment test.
The program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates must submit:
- Application for graduate study (online) - www.mcdaniel.edu/grad
- Official transcripts conferring bachelor’s degree (minimum of 3.00 GPA*) from an accredited institution; graduate transcripts if applicable.
- Copy of a Teaching Certificate - Maryland State Department of Education Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I or SPC II). Students with Professional Eligibility Certification or evidence of completion of teacher preparation program and passing Praxis II scores can be accepted in lieu of teacher certification. Teachers who hold a license or certification from states outside of Maryland may also provide a copy of their teaching certificate. Students holding Provisional or Conditional teacher certification would not be eligible for the MS in Educational Leadership program. Provisional or conditional certificate holders should discuss program options with the Graduate and Professional Studies office.
- Evidence of an undergraduate or graduate course in special education (students may take this as a corequisite requirement while in the program).
Please note: Students who have a 2.75 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission but may be required to provide additional documentation and/or participate in an interview. Admission may also come with additional conditions.
International Students:
This program is delivered primarily online and as a result does not meet the SEVIS regulations for international students to study in the US. If you are a US citizen living outside of the US, you should contact gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu to discuss your eligibility for admission to this program.
State Authorization
McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.
SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.
For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution
Professional Licensure
Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs listed below are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.
For more important information regarding professional licensure and the completion of McDaniel degrees, please review our Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement.
