M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Leadership Studies Concentration
Through a unique partnership with Participate Learning, VCU’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership — Leadership Studies concentration — empowers experienced educators to customize 50% of their coursework to fit their goals. Earn your master’s while building leadership skills, expanding your global impact, and enhancing your resume for careers in international education and community leadership.
Participate Learning ® Benefits
n English Language Proficiency certified through ACTFL
n In-state tuition (over 50% savings for Out-of-state students)
n Application Fee Waived
n Required Recommendations Waived
n Streamlined Transcript Submission Process
Why this program?
n Designed for individuals pursuing educational leadership roles
n Highly individualized program (15 credit hours in a concentrated series of electives tailored to your interests in leadership)
n Dual Credential: Earn your M.Ed. and Certificate in Culturally Responsive Leadership at the same time to maximize your program credits
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Leadership Studies Concentration
Draft Course Progression
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership / Leadership Studies Concentration
Students can begin their program any semester. This draft course plan for students beginning in the fall semester shows a typical program progression.
FALL – YEAR 1
SPRING – YEAR 1
SUMMER – YEAR 1
ADMS 633: Multiple Dimensions of Leadership (3 credits)
Elective (3 credits)
ADMS 618: Leadership for Educational Change and Improvement (3 credits)
Elective (3 credits)
EDUS 660: Educational Research Methods (3 credits)
Elective (3 credits)
Elective Option – ADLT 640 (3 credits)
Estimated Tuition & Fees*
Participate Learning Teacher Ambassadors are highly encouraged to select the online program modality to minimize in-person university fees. The following is an overview of the estimated costs per credit and for each semester.
Tuition
$784/credit
Estimated $4,704/semester (6 credits/semester)
Fees
FALL – YEAR 2
SPRING – YEAR 2
ADMS 622: Understanding Diversity and Leading for Social Justice (3 credits)
Elective Option – ADLT 643 (3 credits)
ADMS 630: Understanding and Engaging Communities (3 credits)
Elective Option – ADLT 642 (3 credits)
GRADUATE
A Quick Glance
$28/credit
Estimated $168/semester for 6 credits; online students pay only library and technology fees
Additional Fees
Out-of-State Student $30/credit Capital Outlay Fee ($180 per 6 credit semester)
If students elect to complete the program with in-person courses, there are additional university, health services, activity, and academic support fees assessed on their bills for those courses.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer as approved by the VCU Board of Visitors and the costs listed here are based on the 2025-2026 tuition and fees approved schedule.
Fees: Students enrolled in courses designated as “Off-campus or online” (usually the course section starts with a “C”), are not assessed the university, health services, activity, or academic support fees for those courses.
Credit hours: 30 Program timeline: Part-time, 5 semesters
Mode: Online (synchronous) Start: Spring, Summer & Fall
Application deadlines: Fall (April 1), Spring (November 1), Summer (March 1)