University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (Ed.S. / M.Ed.) in
Educational Leadership
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS Ed.S. / M.Ed. Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$607.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Educational Leadership (Ed.S. / M.Ed.)
About this Program
Expand your expertise as a leader in the education system by preparing to become a principal. This graduate-level program is for teachers, instructors, and leaders who wish to earn a a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree and go into principal leadership within primary and secondary schools. This program requires students to be concurrently enrolled in and seeking principal certification through our Principal Certification program.
Kentucky students in the Masters of Educational Leadership may achieve either Rank II or Rank I designations through the Education Professional Standards Board.
Kentucky students in the EdS program may achieve either Rank II or Rank I designations through the Education Professional Standards Board.
As part of this program, students are concurrently enrolled in the School Principal Certification Program.
Designed For
This program is suited for educators who aspire to take on administrative roles such as principals, vice principals, or department heads within K-12 schools or higher education institutions. Prospective students typically have at least 3 years of teaching experience and are committed to enhancing school management, curriculum development, and student success through effective leadership and educational policies.
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What You’ll Learn
- Develop the skills needed to foster a learning-centered school environment where all students can achieve their highest level of performance.
- Identify research strategies that can be used to diagnose problems in classrooms and schools and identify solutions.
- Use data to make informed decisions that improve learning outcomes across classrooms and schools.
- Cultivate a network of teacher leaders to consult with after you graduate.
Course Examples
- EDL 700 Knowledge Base
- EDL 701 Leadership in Educational Organizations I
- EDL 702 Leadership for Organizational Learning
- EDL 703 Leading Organizational Change
- EDL 571 Design Thinking in Education
- EDL 669 Leadership for Creative Problem Solving
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Educational Leadership program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must hold a baccalaureate degree, preferably education-based, from a fully accredited institution of higher learning in the USA or from a recognized foreign institution with cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- If applying for the Ed. S. option, applicants must have successfully completed a master’s degree, preferably education-based, from a fully accredited institution of higher learning in the USA or from a recognized foreign institution with cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- At least three (3) years teaching experience as a P12 teacher and a valid teaching license are required for admission to a principal preparation program in KY
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- CV
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Please write 2-3 double‐spaced pages, word‐processed in either Times New Roman 12‐point or Arial 10‐point, page numbers and your name in upper right corner about why you are applying to the program. If you cite literature/resources to support your comments, adhere to the academic writing guidelines provided in 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
- Writing Sample
- If applying for Teacher Leader Endorsement or rank change prepare a Professional Reflection (2-3 double-spaced pages, word-processed in either Times New Roman 12-point or Ariel 10-point, page numbers and your name in upper right corner). Describe how your classroom evidences the components of highly effective teaching and learning (i.e., learning climate, classroom assessment and reflection, instructional rigor and student engagement, instructional relevance, knowledge of content). If you cite literature or resources to support your comments, then you must adhere to the academic writing guidelines provided in 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
- If applying for Teacher Leader Endorsement or rank change a copy of your valid K12 teacher certificate.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
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The course selection provided me with fundamental knowledge and skills so I could effectively initiate change within my own school community.
Jack YoungWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What is the difference between MEd and EdS? How do I choose?
If you already have a Master’s, you will likely choose the Education Specialist degree (EdS) which is a terminal degree earned by 30 credit hours beyond the MEd.
Can I choose to complete this program concurrently with the Principal certification program?
Yes – most of our students are concurrently earning a degree (MEd or EdS) along with Kentucky principal certification.
Can I work fulltime while completing this program?
Yes! Most of our students are full-time educators.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
What amount of classes are synchronous vs asynchronous?
We meet synchronously via Zoom about 6 times per semester. The remaining coursework is done asynchronously on the UK Canvas course site.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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