Program Overview
What makes for a successful leader in education?
Purdue specific outcomes and program highlights:
- 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
- EDPS 59100 – Differentiating Curriculum & Instruction
- EDCI 58500 – Multicultural Education
Cost
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 |
Completed Application Deadline |
Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review Deadline |
| Fall |
July 30 |
June 30 |
| Spring |
November 30 |
October 30 |
| Summer |
April 15 |
March 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 find out how your license will be applicable in your state.
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.
You will need the following for your admissions application
- Official transcripts
- Statement of Purpose – 300- 500 word essay articulating how the program will help you obtain educational and professional goals
- Resume
- English proficiency for international students
- No Application fee
- An initial instructional license is needed to apply for the additional license in Building Level Administrator. A transcript evaluation and credential review must be requested to start the process. The evaluation can take 4 – 6 weeks. The cost is $35. Go to this link to start the process – https://www.education.purdue.edu/undergraduate-students/current-students/licensure/transcript-evaluation/
For more information, please see Purdue’s full application instructions and Application Checklist.
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.
Testimonials
I have loved the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program at Purdue! As a full time, working mother of two young boys, the format of the hybrid model has allowed me to balance the roles of mom, teacher, and student. The faculty is incredible. They hold the students to high expectations, ensuring understanding of the content, while still being accommodating to their students’ needs. Although the majority of the classes are online, the communication is outstanding, and you still gain a sense of rapport with the professors. This program has given me just one more reason why I am proud to be a Boilermaker!
WHITNEY BARTLETT
RTI Coordinator
Jefferson High School/Oakland High School
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.
