Educational Leadership
Programs in educational leadership benefit working professionals who want to develop as leaders ready to handle the many educational challenges facing institutions and organizations in an era of accountability. Students will be better prepared for current and future challenges and be more competitive in the job market.
Classes are taught using an evening, weekend or concentrated summer format with some online courses available (the entire K-12 leadership master’s program can be taken online). Most master's degree classes are available at the main Kalamazoo campus and at regional campuses in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek. Post-master's and doctoral classes are available at the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids regional campuses. The K-12 concentrations are aligned with the Michigan K-12 administrator certificate requirements.
Degree programs
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
The Master of Arts in educational leadership degree is based on a performance-driven leadership model in which students actively participate in a variety of activities designed to prepare them for the challenges faced by today's educational organizations. Learn more.
Concentrations
- Higher education and student affairs leadership (HESA)
- K-12 principal and interscholastic athletic administration
- K-12 school principal leadership
- Educational and global leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
Due to the increasingly complex tasks including research and data analysis within all types of educational institutions, there is a demand for strong, transformational leaders. Applying theory to practice is an overall theme for the Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership, with the case-study approach to learning used extensively. In addition, a very integrated "professional inquiry, research, and dissertation core" has been developed to assist you in adding to your higher education knowledge base. Learn more.
EDLD has permanently suspended the GRE requirement as an admission requirement. Be aware that there may be additional requirements during the admissions review to provide supplemental information about applicant's preparedness to be in a doctoral program.
Concentrations
- Higher education leadership
- K-12 leadership
- Organizational analysis leadership
- Workforce education and development leadership (discontinued as of March 2023)
Specialist in Educational Leadership
The specialist in education will prepare you for leadership roles in educational administration positions and is appropriate if you are seeking a post-master's degree, but not a doctoral degree. In addition to the Ed.S. degree, a student can be recommended to receive Michigan Administrator Certification. Learn more.
Undergraduate Minor in Leadership for Social Change
The undergraduate minor in Leadership for Social Change is a 15-credit hour program offered through the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology in the College of Education and Human Development. Throughout the courses, students will explore their own leadership strengths, practice applying leadership theories to current societal issues, and develop a leadership philosophy that connects their personal passions with their academic major. The ultimate goal of this minor is to help students understand how they can make a difference and how they can provide leadership in a diverse society. Learn more.