Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Educational Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
GRADUATE STUDENTS
This program is for K-12 teachers interested in school administration. The Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degree is coordinated with the requirements for the Indiana Building Level Administrator license. Students complete 21 credits of licensure coursework across three consecutive semesters and then take nine additional credits in research methodology and electives to earn the master’s degree. See the Building Level Administrator Licensure program if you are interested in the additional Indiana license.
Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.
This program is offered in an online format. Students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with a much more flexible class schedule. Students can sign in for synchronous class sessions and work independently at the same time. Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom.
This program leads to an Indiana Administration Initial Practitioner license. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application. The first 21 credits are the Building Level Administrator Licensure program.
Please visit the Graduate Licensure Program page for information about license eligibility requirements.
Distinguish yourself in the education industry with a superior credential from an institution with worldwide recognition and impact.
Learn tools & highly relevant techniques for leading K-12 schools.
Advance and network with an experienced and motivated peer group for mutual support, team exercises, and enhanced learning.
Learn educational leadership practices and how to be applicable in working with individuals.
Why choose Purdue’s Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Educational Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies?
Designed for working professionals to provide the needed flexibility without interfering with your career. Courses can be taken 100% online.
Developed to engage with faculty with expertise in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Career Outlook
A degree in educational leadership can lead to many careers. Professionals can find jobs working predominantly with students or pursue roles where they interact primarily with staff members and teachers. Educational leaders can find employment at elementary schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, in addition to some non-school settings.
School leadership is difficult. With budget cuts, evaluations based on standardized assessments, and the developing social structure of today’s education. School leaders need to be creative and empathetic to find solutions to complex and sensitive issues in our schools.
School leaders can foster relationships with students, staff and parents that will last a lifetime. They help create a more engaging learning environment, and they get to work in one of the best professions. That is why educators become school leaders.
Job Titles
Superintendent
Principal
Assistant Principal
District Administrator
Building Administrator
Courses
Courses are online and 8 weeks long. Internships are 16 weeks long.
The courses are offered in a cohort sequence permitting candidates to finish the license in three semesters (one year) if they take seven credits offered each semester. A fourth semester will be required to complete the remaining coursework for the MSED. Courses are offered in eight week modules and the breakdown is as follows:
Building Level Licensure courses (21 credit hours)
Fall Semester
EDST 51400 – Economics of Education (3 credits)
EDST 51600 – School Community Relations (3 credits)
EDST 69400 – Internship – Building Level (1 credit, one of three total)
Spring Semester
EDST 60200 – School Principalship (3 credits)
EDST 60700 – Administration of Educational Systems (3 credits)
EDST 69400 – Internship – Building Level (1 credit, one of three total)
Summer Semester
EDST 60900 – Legal Aspects of American Education (3 credits)
EDST 61000 – Supervision of Instruction and Instructional Personnel (3 credits)
EDST 69400 – Internship – Building Level (1 credit, one of three total)
Required Master’s coursework (3 credit hours)
EDPS 53300 – Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)
Electives (6 credit hours – choose 2)
EDPS 54000 – Gifted, Creative, and Talented Children
EDPS 54500 – Social and Affective Development of Gifted Children
EDPS 66300 – Organization and Administration of Special Education
The M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program is affordable and competitive in cost.
In-State
Out-of-State
Total Cost Per Credit
$450
$563
Credit Hours
30
30
Total Costs
$13,500
$16,890
*Tuition and fees are charges on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increase. Annual increases may change the total program costs. *Textbooks and course materials are not included *Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions are not valid with this program. *International Fee
Admissions
The program offers rolling admissions admitting new students in fall, spring, and summer.
Application Deadlines:
Semester
Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review Deadline
Completed Application Deadline
Fall
July 15
August 1
Spring
December 1
December 15
Summer
April 1
April 15
Admissions Requirements
Out of state students wanting to complete the program should contact Purdue’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure at licensure@purdue.edu or (765)494-2345 to determine if you are eligible for this program, which is approved for Indiana licensure.
Additional criteria, beyond taking coursework is required for Indiana licensure. A Transcript Evaluation Credential Review (TECR) by Purdue’s Office of Teacher Education and Licensure is required for admission and outlines the additional requirements.
In the Area of Interest, Under the Administrative License Programs (Online or Hybrid) select the following: Building Level Administrator – (Principal)
There is a $35.00 TECR fee for this program, and processing takes about two weeks for your TECR letter to be uploaded with your graduate application and emailed to you.
If you do not have a license in the state of Indiana, please contact the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with the TECR and graduate application.
Select the following options for the MSEd in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Building Level Licensure program:
Campus and Program Tab:
Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
First Choice Program Details Tab:
Please select an Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Please select a degree objective: Master of Science in Education
Primary Course Delivery: Distance (Online)
Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
Test Scores
In the Additional Information section, faculty selections may be made, but are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program area.
Submit 1 Recommendation
Upload required materials, including:
Resume
Personal History Statement
Academic Statement of Purpose
Follow the instructions in the Application Roadmap for submitting your official transcripts.
Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections, submit the application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee by credit card. The Graduate School application fee for degree-seeking students is $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants.
The application must be fully submitted (and the application fee paid) in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.
Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from edgrad@purdue.edu indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.
This program is subject to our Licensure Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to publicly disclose to prospective and currently enrolled students whether certain programs meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in the state or territory in which they reside. “Programs Leading to Professional Licensure” is defined as programs represented to prepare students for an occupation for which, at completion of the program, a local, state or federal license, or nongovernmental certification is required (i) as a precondition for employment, (ii) to perform certain functions, or (iii) to meet additional conditions that are generally needed to secure employment.
The Purdue University Teacher Education Program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the State of Indiana. However, not all undergraduate and graduate programs lead to an educator licensure in the State of Indiana. If your Teacher Education program includes field experience(s) and a student teaching or internship component, it may lead to an educator license in the State of Indiana, if you meet the licensure requirements. Contact your academic/faculty advisor and/or the Office of Teacher and Licensure at licensure@purdue.edu to verify your program enrollment and whether or not it leads to a license in the State of Indiana.
The State of Indiana has reciprocity agreements with other states, the District of Columbia, and territories. For licensing information contact information for individual state departments of education or visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or email a Purdue University licensing officer/advisor at licensure@purdue.edu.
Visit this page to view the Licensure Program Agreement
Program Faculty
Our faculty are nationally recognized and have the ability to work personally with students to individualize their plan of study to meet personal career interests and goals. These faculty will oversee the intensive coursework required.
Immediate and relevant impact describes Purdue’s ELPS Program on my career as an educator. While the building-level licensure program offers efficiency within a highly-valuable Purdue education, the marriage of meaningful theoretical and philosophical learning along with a faculty who bring a wealth of clinical knowledge as practitioners creates a rich experience program alumni bring into our state and nation’s schools. Above all, the ELPS Program not only advances my resume and CV but is also – more importantly – impacts my work as an educational leader serving my students, families, and colleagues.
ZAKARY TSCHINIAK Assistant Principal Franklin Central High School
Having obtained my master’s from Purdue in 2005, I was a little nervous about how this hybrid program would work. The professors were so understanding and helpful. The classes would exactly what I needed to be prepared for this new role and goal of mine. I love that the professors were very understanding of the workload while at the same time making sure the content was exactly what we needed to excel as new school leaders.
JODI HARDT Special Education Teacher WWES
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit hours to receive MS Educational Studies in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies? 30 credit hours
How long are the courses? Online courses consists of 8 week with synchronous classes three times per semester with 16 week internships.
How much time should I allow for doing homework and completing assignments? Plan on devoting 10–15 hours a week on coursework, depending on the course requirements that week and your study habits.
How do I get my license for Building Level? For those wanting the licensure program please check out the Building Level Licensure Program.
