Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
Academics Generic Header 2

Educator Leadership

Degree Type
Graduate
Total Requirements
36 Credit Hours Minimum
Modality
Online

Become the leader educational institutions need today and tomorrow with a Master’s Degree in Educator Leadership from USCA.

The Master’s Degrees in Educator Leadership at the USCA are designed to cultivate visionary leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of today's educational environments. These program develop innovative, ethical, and impactful leaders who can effectively manage and transform educational institutions with skill and confidence.

The Master's Degree in Educator Leadership from USCA prepares educators not only for advanced roles in administration but also as leaders of instructional change, fostering environments that enhance both teaching and learning. They are ideal programs for educators aiming to extend their influence beyond the classroom and into broader educational policy and strategy, ensuring a significant impact on educational outcomes.

Degree Options

We offer two distinct M.Ed. degrees in Educator Leadership to meet the needs of aspiring school leaders:

  • Teacher Leadership: Designed for educators who wish to remain in the classroom while serving as instructional leaders, mentors, and change agents in their schools. This track does not lead to administrative licensure.
  • Principal Certification:  Designed for educators pursuing Principal Certification in South Carolina. This track prepares candidates for roles such as assistant principal or principal and aligns with state certification requirements.

All candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and will complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. The programs culminate in Action Research Capstone Project based on a field-based needs assessment and data analysis. All coursework is delivered in a fully online format.

Program Highlights

The Master's Degrees in Educator Leadership at USCA equip educators with the skills necessary to assume diverse leadership roles within educational institutions. These entirely web-based program focus on enhancing administrative competencies such as management, supervision, and decision-making while emphasizing school leaders' role as catalysts for instructional excellence. The curricula is designed to strengthen instructional strategies, which, in turn, boost student learning outcomes.

Here's what you can expect from our program:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: The programs offer a robust blend of courses that focus on building collaborative cultures and fostering professional learning communities. They also emphasize continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making.
  • Curriculum Alignment: A significant emphasis is placed on equipping leaders with a thorough understanding of best practices in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
  • Professional Development: The programs encourage students to present their research and best practices at professional conferences, enhancing their leadership profile and pedagogical expertise.

Course Highlights

As a graduate student of USCA's Master of Educator Leadership, you'll take courses such as:

  • Professional Leadership: Explore leadership theories and skills critical for managing and inspiring educational institutions, focusing on ethical decision-making and effective change management.
  • Multicultural Education for Diverse Learners: Study culturally responsive teaching practices and develop strategies to support equitable learning for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: Examine the relationship between curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment methods to create and evaluate effective educational programs.
  • Assessment and Data Analysis: Learn to use assessment tools and data analysis to improve instructional decisions and drive educational policies, focusing on practical applications in school settings.
98%

Graduates secure leadership positions in educational settings within one year of completion.

100%

Our flexible program is fully online.

More Information

This program is part of the USCA School of Education.

South Carolina Teaching Add-ons and Endorsements

The Educator Leadership program offers pathways to additional qualifications recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education:

Available Endorsements

Graduates can earn endorsements in areas such as Teacher Leadership, ESOL, Project-Based Learning, Gifted & Talented, Online Teaching, ECE Special Education, and Read to Succeed Teacher, depending on the elective courses selected.

Certification Requirements

To qualify for these endorsements, students must complete one strand, equivalent to 12 elective credit hours, although they are encouraged to pursue as many certification areas as desired.
Two students working on project

Let's Get Started

Your next adventure is just around the corner, and USCA can help you take the next step. Whether you’re visiting, ready to apply, or simply want more information, we're ready to help you make a decision that could change your life.