Master of Science in Education Leadership
Great schools require great leaders. Carroll’s Educational Leadership Programs provide opportunities for future PK-12 school and district leaders to become transformative leaders. In this innovative program, students will receive targeted project-based and performance-based learning opportunities that will equip you with the skills, knowlege and experiences you'll need to shape tomorrow's academic landscape.
Take your place among a supportive community of future academic leaders, develop critical leadership skills and broaden your industry network.
The School of Education and Human Services offers graduate students the opportunity to pursue a master's degree and/or Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (DSEPS) licensure in a flexible and convenient format. Throughout the program,learning takes place asynchronously with online reading and courses primarily offered through the Canvas platform. One weekend a month, participants meet in-person for a full day of synthesizing, practicing and expanding on what you've studied. Interacting with a group of peers at periodic intervals provides students time and space to examine issues thoughtfully and collaboratively – creating a community of learning that’s self-sustaining. Each cohort is co-facilitated by 2 instructors who follow the program through its entirety.
Students pursuing their master's degree can complete this program in a 20-month period. Throughout the master's program, you will take the curriculum required to earn both your Principal License (#5051) and your Director of Instruction License (#5010). In addition, Carroll's Educational Leadership program allows students to add on the credits needed to complete the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services License (#5080).
Some students may already have their master's degree or their Principal License. In that case, they can choose to earn only their DSEPS License, and complete the 8 required credits.
Carroll's Educational Leadership program is a high-quality, affordable program that includes first-rate practicum experiences, job-embedded learning opportunities and instructors from the field to support your development as a transformative leader. You'll gain real-world experience to help further your career as an educational leader.
Learn more about program curriculum, expectations and outcomes:
Looking to Pursue your District Administrator License?
Stepping into this leadership position requires taking on the responsibility of academic excellence and empowerment of educators. Carroll's Educational Leadership Programs provide the foundational opportunities to take that next step towards your licensure. Becoming a school superintendent is not just a choice, but an essential role in the entire scope of education.
See District Administrator License
Join us for an event! Speak one-on-one with faculty and our graduate admission counselor, Brian Ish. Get your questions answered about the program and admission process.
Virtual Information Sessions - held on Microsoft Teams
- Spring Sessions Coming Soon!
Contact Brian Ish:
Email - ishb@carrollu.edu | Call or text - 262-425-5696
Schedule an appointment - Bookings Link
- Prepares leaders for all PK-12 students’ success and well-being, whether in urban, suburban or rural contexts.
- Convenient, one weekend per month class schedule for busy professionals.
- Proven history of strong students and successful leadership employment.
- Instructors have successful school and district leadership experiences and state-wide connections.
- Coursework is research-based and responsive to students in the cohort.
- Invaluable relationship building and networking.
Cynthia's Story | M.S. Educational Leadership
Cynthia Bell is a visionary leader who is changing lives through education. She chose Carroll University’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership program because of its engaging curriculum and the flexibility it offered her in earning her degree while balancing a busy schedule. Cynthia is putting her degree to work to help create equity and opportunity for the diverse student body she serves. Watch this video to learn more about why Cynthia describes the experience as “life changing.”
Learn more about our incredible students and the valuable experience they gained from the Educational Leadership program!
View student testimonials
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Acting Out - Students Find Getting into Character is Good Therapy
1/11/2024
A breakup with her boyfriend of four years rocked Phoebe Lansbury. An undiagnosed panic disorder and general anxiety about her own wellness paralyzed Anna Trenton. And Isabella LaFollette spiraled into a very dark situational depressive episode after an abrupt end to a relationship.
Concerns about their mental health and emotional well-being led each to seek out help. As the fall semester unfolded last year, each began online sessions, meeting with graduate students in Carroll’s Behavioral Health Psychology (BHP) program. Nothing remarkable there, except that Phoebe, Anna and Isabella weren’t real people.
National, State Award-Winners Fuel Carroll's Educational Leadership Program
11/10/2023
Dan Farley and Mark Hansen are driving Carroll's MS in Educational Leadership program.