University of Kentucky®
Master's Degree (MEd) in
Educational Leadership
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MEd Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$653.00
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- UK Online
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- Master's Degrees
- Educational Leadership (MEd)
About this Program
Prepare to lead learning, organizations, and communities through the University of Kentucky’s fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership. Designed for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership practice, the program connects leadership theory and research with the complex, real-world challenges leaders face across educational and community settings.
Students choose a pathway aligned with their professional goals, whether preparing for school leadership, leading in community-based organizations, or building a broader program of study in educational leadership. Across pathways, students learn to use evidence, understand context, engage others, and lead purposeful change.
Applicants seeking Kentucky principal certification should select the School Leader pathway and meet the additional professional requirements associated with principal preparation.
Program Advantages
- Fully online graduate study designed for working professionals.
- Multiple pathways within one educational leadership degree.
- Learning grounded in authentic leadership challenges and applied work.
- Faculty expertise spanning school, organizational, community, policy, and research leadership.
- Opportunities to connect leadership learning directly to students’ professional settings.
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Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Designed For
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is designed for professionals who want to expand their capacity to lead people, programs, organizations, and change. Students may come from P–12 education, community, nonprofit, government, advocacy, extension, youth and adult education, or other settings where leadership and educational work intersect.
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Learn more about the Educational Leadership online program.
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What You’ll Learn
- Use leadership theory, research, and evidence to understand complex organizational and community challenges.
- Analyze problems in context and make informed, ethical decisions.
- Engage stakeholders and build productive relationships across roles, organizations, and communities.
- Design and lead improvement, innovation, and change.
- Translate evidence and professional knowledge into leadership action.
Choose from Three Concentrations
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership offers three distinct pathways for professionals working in schools and in the many organizations that support learning, communities, and public life. Choose the pathway that best aligns with where and how you want to lead.
General Educational Leadership
Create a broader educational leadership pathway aligned with your professional goals. This option is designed for students who want advanced preparation in leadership, organizations, change, and evidence-informed practice without pursuing a specialized licensure pathway. With advising, students build a coherent program of study that supports their current role and future leadership goals.
- Examples of concentration coursework:
- EDL 642 – Resource Development and Communication in Educational Leadership
- EDL 634 – Securing and Developing Staff
- EDL 609 – Evidence-Based Decision Making
- EDL 637 – Organizational Innovation in Community Education
School Leader
Prepare for leadership in P–12 schools through a pathway focused on learning-centered leadership, evidence-based decision making, organizational improvement, family and community engagement, and the operational responsibilities of school leaders. This pathway is designed for educators pursuing Kentucky principal certification and includes the requirements associated with the approved principal preparation program.
- Examples of concentration coursework:
- EDL 608- Organizational Learning in P12 Schools
- EDL 609 - Evidence-based Decision Making
- EDL 627 - School Finance and Support Services
Community Based Leadership
Build the knowledge and practical skills to lead in organizations that work with and for communities. This pathway is designed for professionals in nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, government and public agencies, advocacy organizations, cooperative extension, youth and adult education, and related settings. Coursework emphasizes community-centered leadership, collaboration, program development, organizational learning, and translating ideas into action that responds to community priorities.
- Examples of concentration coursework:
- EDL 636 - Informal and Lifelong Learning
- EDL 637 - Organizational Innovation in Community Education
- EDL 641 - Program and Project Management in Educational Contexts
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.
- 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
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
- 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.
- Contact information for three (3) recommenders
- If applying for the School Leader concentration: a copy of your valid teacher license
Program Contact
Deadlines
Spring 2027
Summer 2027
Fall 2027
The course selection provided me with fundamental knowledge and skills so I could effectively initiate change within my own school community.
Jack YoungFrequently Asked Questions
About
Can I work fulltime while completing this program?
Yes! Most of our students are full-time educators.
Does this program support Rank Change for teachers in Kentucky?
Kentucky students in the Masters of Educational Leadership may achieve either Rank II or Rank I designations through the Education Professional Standards Board.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Admission Criteria is located on each Program Page under the section titled "How to Apply".
Do I need to be a teacher to apply?
Not necessarily. The General concentration is designed for professionals from a variety of educational and organizational backgrounds, including those who do not hold teaching certification. However, students pursuing the School Leader concentration and Kentucky principal certification must meet additional educator certification and professional experience requirements.
Can courses from another UK graduate program or post-baccalaureate enrollment apply to the degree?
Previously completed graduate coursework may be considered toward the M.Ed. if it meets University of Kentucky Graduate School requirements and is approved by the program. Eligibility depends on factors such as course content, academic performance, institution's accreditation, when the courses were completed, and how they align with degree requirements. Students should consult the program director before assuming previously earned credits will apply.
Curriculum
Which M.Ed. pathway should I choose?
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership offers pathways designed for different career goals. The School Leader concentration is intended for educators pursuing leadership roles in K–12 schools and districts, including principal certification. The General Educational Leader concentration provides broader leadership preparation for professionals working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, workforce development, and other educational settings. Students interested in leading educational initiatives in community-based organizations will find the Community-Based Leader concentration hyper attuned to their teaching needs.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The cost of tuition and fees is listed at the top of this page. Please reference Student Account Services for more detailed information about tuition and fees.
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.
Can I work full-time while completing the degree?
Yes. The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is designed for working professionals, including full-time educators. Online coursework allows students to continue their careers while pursuing graduate study. Students should plan for regular coursework, assignments, and scheduled class meetings.
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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