Independent School Leadership (MEd Concentration in Education Leadership)

Who should apply?

This 30-credit master’s degree is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing leadership positions in independent school settings 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

Why choose George Mason?

• Mason’s Education Leadership program is supported by a large faculty, comprised of 11 professors with impressive backgrounds as researchers, entrepreneurs, and current and former school leaders. 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 Independent School Leadership Program incorporates the use of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation – Model Core Standards
• 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.

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 30 credits total

• EDLE 620: Organizational Theory and Leadership (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 690: Using Research to Lead School Improvement (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 792: Internship in Independent School Leadership (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 613: Education Law for Independent and Nonpublic Schools (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 616: Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 615: Managing Financial and Human Resources for Independent Schools (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 618: Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 610: Leading Schools and Communities (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 635: Governance and the Independent School Boardroom (3 credit hours)
• EDLE 636: Adult Motivation and Conflict Management in Education Settings – A Case Study Approach (3 credit hours)

See the Online Course of Study here.

Tuition (2021-2022)

Please Note:  Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

*VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-12 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition Discount applies to tuition and mandatory student fees only.

Financial Aid

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.

Career Enhancement

The Education Leadership Program is dedicated to improving the quality of PK-12 education through teaching, research, and service. Candidates work with faculty to engage in coursework 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.

The program prepares our graduates for leadership and entrepreneurial roles in independent, private, charter schools, and education nonprofit organizations.

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.

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)
• Professional experience working or teaching in an independent, charter, private school, or educational nonprofit organization

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 in order to be scheduled for an interview.

If you have any questions about pre-requisites, please contact the EDLE program at edleprog@gmu.edu. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CEHD Admissions Office at cehdgrad@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2892.