Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration - Program Overview
The George Washington University's (GW) two online graduate degrees in the field of Educational Leadership and Administration prepare education personnel in teaching and teaching-related careers for leadership roles in diverse school communities. Graduates are prepared for increased responsibility in school-based and central office positions such as principals, mid-level administrators, and instructional supervisors in the K-12 education systems.Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the field of Educational Leadership and Administration (MA)
The Master of Arts in Education and Human Development is designed for the working professional in the K-12 arena who is interested in various school-based and central office leadership positions, supervisory positions, and increased responsibility in teaching. The program is designed to increase their technical, conceptual, political, and leadership skills. Emphasis is on leadership and management, change, communication, organizational learning, administrative and legal issues, human relations, human resource development, general supervisory principles and responsibilities, and supervision of instruction.
Education Specialist (EdS) in the field of Educational Leadership and Administration
The Education Specialist degree is a post-master's degree that provides educational personnel at the elementary and secondary levels with added expertise in the field of administration. This program can also provide educators with an opportunity to meet multi-state course-work requirements for academic licensing of principal, assistant principal, and/or instructional supervisory personnel.
Finally, EdS students must take three courses in the area of special education, one of which is mandatory while the remaining two are elective.
MA and EdS
Students must successfully complete a two-part internship and other sustained field experiences as part of the program curriculum. A written comprehensive examination is required for successful completion of the program. Candidates will be prepared to take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) test for licensure upon completion of the MA or EdS program.
The programs are structured as follows:
- Six start dates per year, two per semester in spring, summer, and fall.
- Eight to nine courses of three credits each depending on the program plus one course of six credits.
- Either program can be completed in less than two years.
- Rich, online environment, which includes discussions, reading, writing, and workplace-oriented assignments.
- Cohort-based system in which students travel through the degree program in small groups.
The 2010 Edition of U.S. News & World Report ranks the Graduate School of Education and Human Development within the top 35 Best Education Schools.