Educational Leadership

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Our Master of Science in Educational Leadership program equips you with systems-focused understanding of real-world educational opportunities and challenges so you can become an effective leader in higher education institutions, K-12 schools and community organizations. Guided by our experienced faculty who currently work in various educational organizations, you’ll learn to identify and analyze problems, craft data-driven solutions and cast vision for future practice.

This 30-credit online master's degree can be completed in two years (six semesters) of study. You’ll start with six core courses that explore various functional areas and topics in educational leadership including ethical leadership, data-driven decision making, financial analysis and managing external relations.

From there, you’ll concentrate your coursework in one of the following areas:

  • Higher Education Administration
  • PreK-12 Urban Education
  • Community Engaged Research

You’ll also have the opportunity to customize your concentration by selecting an elective course from Duquesne’s graduate catalog. To complete your master's degree, you’ll participate in a leadership practicum and complete a capstone project guided by improvement inquiry that addresses an issue of importance and contributes to institutional or system improvement.

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Program Information

Our online Master of Science in Educational Leadership program equips you with systems-focused understanding of real-world educational opportunities and challenges in higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and community organizations. Learn to identify and analyze problems, craft data-driven solutions, and cast vision for future practice.

Degree

Master's

Duration

6 semesters

Required Credit Hours

30

Online Classes

Our accelerated 8-week courses are taken online one at a time in a self-paced format. Work is spread evenly across each course, allowing you to balance your academic goals with your personal or professional commitments as you pursue your master’s degree.

Concentrations

Our M.S. Educational Leadership offers three specialized tracks to provide you with focused, in-depth learning experiences to meet your educational career goals. Choose a track that aligns with your professional goals and aspirations.

Our Higher Education Administration track equips you with the institutional knowledge and leadership skills to shape the future of higher education. You will gain an understanding of organizational behavior, strategic planning, financial management, and student affairs to prepare you for opportunities within higher education.

Track-specific coursework
  • MSEL 500 - Ethical Leadership
  • MSEL 502 - Data-Driven Decision Making
  • MSEL 522 - Financial Analysis for Leaders
  • MSEL 525 - External Relations for Educational Leaders
  • GREV 502 - Proposal and Grant Writing
  • GHEA 501 – Foundations of American Higher Education
  • GHEA 524 – College Student Experience
  • Elective (any approved graduate course from the Duquesne course catalog)
  • MSEL 551 - Leadership Practicum
  • MSEL 551 - Leadership Capstone 
Our PreK-12 Urban Education track is an opportunity for you to enhance your leadership skills in diverse urban environments. You will gain the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in educational settings within urban communities. This track is specifically designed for students who want to develop their leadership skills outside of the traditional administrative or supervision credentials.

Track-specific coursework
  • MSEL 500 - Ethical Leadership
  • MSEL 502 - Data-Driven Decision Making
  • MSEL 522 - Financial Analysis for Leaders
  • MSEL 525 - External Relations for Educational Leaders
  • GREV 502 - Proposal and Grant Writing
  • GESL 508 - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
  • Elective (any approved graduate course from the Duquesne course catalog)
  • GFDE 503 - Curriculum for Social Change
  • MSEL 551 - Leadership Practicum
  • MSEL 551 - Leadership Capstone
Our Community Engaged Research track empowers you to work in nonprofits, government organizations and public education. You will learn how to conduct research that addresses real community needs and creates positive change through research and community engagement. 

Track-specific coursework
  • MSEL 500 - Ethical Leadership
  • MSEL 502 - Data-Driven Decision Making
  • MSEL 522 - Financial Analysis for Leaders
  • MSEL 525 - External Relations for Educational Leaders
  • GREV 502 - Proposal and Grant Writing
  • GREV 701 – Research Methods and Design
  • MSEL 540 – Community Engaged Research
  • Elective (any approved graduate course from the Duquesne course catalog)
  • MSEL 551 - Leadership Practicum

Prepare Here, Impact Anywhere

98%in chosen field

98% of graduates land jobs in their chosen field.

3Concentrations

Three concentrations of study to choose from with the opportunity to customize.

ExpertFaculty

Program faculty have an average of 20 years’ experience in educational leadership.

Application Process

Degree Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • 3.0 GPA
    Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work; however, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student’s academic competency. 

International Applicants

International Students seeking fully online programs are not eligible for U.S. Student Visas. Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Rolling Admissions

Our M.S. Educational Leadership program has a rolling admissions process with entry into the program in fall and spring semesters. This means you can apply at any point during the year.

  • Duquesne University Online Graduate Application  - please select your term below:
  • Official transcripts
    • Official undergraduate transcript(s)  must be sent directly from the institution to:
      • soegradFREEDUQUESNE

        OR
      • Duquesne University School of Education
        Office of Graduate Admissions
        214A Canevin Hall,
        600 Forbes Ave.
        Pittsburgh, PA 15282
  • One-page statement of purpose 
    • Please write a statement of purpose addressing motivation for seeking admission to the program.
    • 250 word maximum
    • This statement of purpose will be submitted online with the graduate application. 

Early Start Program - Educational Leadership, M.S.

Duquesne University undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong academic background (GPA > 3.0) may begin graduate work during their junior or senior year. Students have the opportunity to take up to four courses in the M.S. Educational Leadership program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Our Educational Leaders

Headshot of Sara Shaw

A large part of who I am and where I am today is a result of my experience at Duquesne and my time as a graduate student within the School of Education. I will never take the lessons learned or friends that I made for granted, and I will always be grateful for the career that I have and the privilege of helping others daily. Go Dukes!

Sara Shaw, M.S. '21 Assistant Director of Student Care and Advocacy, World Campus Student Affairs, Penn State
Headshot of Brian Bost

Duquesne’s program allowed me to grow personally & professionally. The coursework taught me the complexities of educational leadership & how to apply what I was learning in class to my career immediately...With the flexibility of an online program, I was able to work full-time while completing my degree.

Brian Bost, M.S. '21 Director of Admissions of the School of Nursing, Duquesne University
Headshot of Dr. Tara Abbott

A true benefit of our program is the opportunity to engage with, learn from, and be mentored by experts in the field of education...learning with faculty who bring deep, real-world knowledge of the current educational landscape as well as the ability to help build the bridge for our students to take what they are learning in their courses directly into practice.

Dr. Tara Abbott Program Director, Educational Leadership

Experts in the Field

You will work closely with our faculty and instructors—who are experts in their fields—as they mentor you throughout your time in the program.

Tara Abbott, Ph.D.

Tara Abbott, Ph.D.

Program Director | Clinical Assistant Professor, Duquesne University School of Education

Kim Abel, Ed.D.

Kim Abel, Ed.D.

Executive Director for Executive MBA programs and Center for Executive Education, University of Pittsburgh

Deanna Fracul, Ed.D.

Deanna Fracul, Ed.D.

Faculty and Partnership Development Manager, Duquesne University

Jessica L. Mann, Ph.D.

Jessica L. Mann, Ph.D.

Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement, Duquesne University

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Graduate Admissions

Learn about our admission requirements and the application process. Make an impact as a teacher, administrator, school psychologist, counselor and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Graduate Education Programs

Make in impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Master's in Educational Leadership

Aiko Yamada Mancini

Program Manager

Headshot of Aiko Mancini