M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Leadership Studies Concentration
The Leadership Studies concentration of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a 30-credit-hour program designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in K-12 education, higher education, and service-oriented organizations such as nonprofits, the military, the public sector, and fields outside traditional education, including health care and social work.
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 Field-based learning experiences
n Access to experienced faculty and instructor practitioners
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
$765/credit
Estimated $4,590/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
$18/credit
Estimated $108/semester (6 credits/semester); 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 2024-2025 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 Start: Spring, Summer & Fall
Application deadlines: Fall (April 1), Spring (November 1), Summer (March 1)