Education Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 24 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: College of Education and Human Development
Start Date: 8/25/2025
Request Info
Program Description
This 24-credit graduate certificate is reserved for applicants who already have a master’s degree and a valid teaching license. This program emphasizes an understanding of the complexities of change in schools, communities, and organizations. Participants develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, continual knowledge acquisition, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision making, reflective practice, and successful achievement of all students.
Career Opportunities
Career Enhancement
The Education Leadership Program is dedicated to improving the quality of PK-12 education through teaching, research, and service. Candidates and practicing administrators engage in course work devoted to experiential learning, professional growth opportunities, and doctoral research that informs practice. We educate exceptional leaders who act with integrity as they work to improve schools.
Specific positions that graduates of this program may obtain include Assistant Principal at the Elementary or Secondary levels, Dean, Principal, Athletic Director, Activities Director, Special Education Leadership, or district level positions, such as Curriculum Specialist or Professional Development Coordinator. Key employers of graduates include county and public schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the DC Metropolitan area.
All Mason students have access to career guidance and resources through University Career Services.
Further Studies
Students with a Masters degree in a related field may apply for Mason’s PhD in Education Leadership face-to-face program.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
This 24-credit graduate certificate fulfills Virginia requirements for an endorsement in Administration and Supervision PK-12. Ideal candidates are interested in pursuing school or district level administration positions as instructional leaders and…
- Are invested in improving instruction and student achievement
- Are self-directed and focused on connecting theory to practice
- Are prepared to engage in scholarly and professional dialogue through collaboration
- Are committed to life-long learning
- Are willing to embrace a disposition for advocacy, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and responsibility for one’s own learning
Tuition and Financial Aid
Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Financial Aid website or call 703-993-2353. General information for funding options in the College of Education and Human Development is available here.
Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason’s Education Leadership program is supported by a large faculty with impressive backgrounds as researchers, entrepreneurs, as well as current and former district level leaders, such as superintendents and principals. Each has a genuine interest in developing your potential to impact PK-12 student learning positively.
- A selective admissions process means you’ll learn alongside colleagues who are experienced, high-performing educators. Your fellow students will become part of a professional network that lasts a lifetime.
- The Education Leadership program is nationally recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).
- The program includes all coursework required for a Virginia Administration and Supervision PK-12 endorsement.
- The program is carefully structured for an online format and designed to fit a busy life, with 1-2 courses offered online each semester. This allows for timely completion with most students earning a master’s degree within two years.
- Mason is a great value, with in-state graduate tuition among the lowest of comparable institutions.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Admissions page. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of study (Some applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted provisionally if there is sufficient evidence of potential success)
- At least two years of documented successful, full-time teaching in an accredited school
- Valid teaching license
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Goal statement (750 -1000 words) that addresses reasons for choosing leadership as a profession
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended (applicants do not need to send transcripts for courses taken at George Mason University). Once admitted, official transcripts will be needed.
- Two recommendation forms – one recommendation must be from an administrator who has supervised you in a school setting, and the second recommendation can be from anyone you choose.
- Resume with your education, professional licenses/certifications, and professional experience.
The last step in the admissions process will be an interview. You must complete the online admissions application and submit all required information by listed deadlines to be scheduled for an interview.
If you have any questions about pre-requisites, please contact the EDLE program at [email protected]. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at [email protected] or (703) 993-2892.
Apply Now
Contact
Academic Program Office
Education Leadership
Graduate School of Education, College of Education and Human Development
Phone: (703) 993-3633
Email: [email protected]
Department Website:
CEHD Website:
