Leadership Studies in Education, M.A.
College of Applied Human Sciences
The Master of Arts in Leadership Studies in Education, offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences at WVU, prepares current educators to step confidently into school and district leadership roles. The online program emphasizes place-based leadership and equips you to respond to the unique strengths, challenges and needs of your local school community. Whether you're aspiring to become a principal, superintendent, or instructional leader, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with vision and purpose.
Cost:
$702 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credit Hours
Duration:
Two years
Dates:
Next Start: August 18, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Become a Leader in Education
The M.A. in Leadership Studies in Education is a fully online, asynchronous program designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers interested in pursuing leadership roles in K–12 education. Graduate certificate options can be earned either independently or as part of the pathway to completing the graduate degree. These include certificates in Combined School and District Leadership, a Certificate in Principalship, and General Instructional Supervision.
The application for the Fall 2026 entry term will launch this fall. In the meantime, we encourage you to request information or connect with the admissions coach to learn more about the program and the application process.
Curriculum
This program includes ten 3-credit courses and a number of options for certificates. Content courses are offered in an 8-week, asynchronous format with an emphasis on application of research to practice in students’ local schools. Coursework is aligned to the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this program, you will be equipped to:
- Make strategic leadership decisions, including the development of mission and vision driven by values and goals.
- Make instructional leadership decisions, including professional development plans, curriculum and instruction programs, and assessment and accountability systems.
- Evaluate climate and cultural leadership practices, including the establishment of a community of care for teachers and students and strategies toward equity and cultural responsiveness.
- Employ ethical decision-making regarding policies and utilize appropriate systems to protect the rights of students and faculty.
- Utilize organizational leadership practices to manage facilities, human and fiscal resources, and ensure a safe environment.
- Practice community-engaged, collaborative leadership strategies.
- Evaluate place-based leadership theories and practices.
Meet the Faculty
- EDUC 630: Strategic Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 634: Organizational & Community Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 632: Cultural Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 631: Instructional Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 633: Ethical & Policy Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 639: Leadership Internship 1, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 640: Leadership Internship 2*, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 641: Place-based Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 635: Superintendent Seminar, 3 credit hours
- Additional education-focused elective courses as approved by advisor, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 630, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 634, 3 credit hours
Year One, Spring Semester
- EDUC 632, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 631, 3 credit hours
Year One, Summer Semester
- EDUC 633, 3 credit hours
- Elective, 3 credit hours
Year Two, Fall Semester
- EDUC 639, 3 credit hours
- Elective, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 640, 3 credit hours
- Elective, 3 credit hours
Grand Total: 30 credit hours
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
- WVU Graduate admissions criteria
- Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale) for regular graduate admission.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.75 may be admitted as a provisional graduate student. Once admitted provisionally, students are required to achieve a 3.0 GPA in their first 9-hours of coursework to be reclassified as regular status and remain in the program.
- Professional Teaching Certificate
- At least 2 completed years of teaching (In order to obtain administrative licensure, students will need to have completed 3 years of teaching by program completion). The degree is not dependent on successful licensure.*
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- One-two page statement of interest in the program
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
- Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Mail to: WVU Office of Graduate Admissions, One Waterfront Place, PO Box 6510,
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
- Resume or CV
- Two reference letters
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
The courses, internship opportunities, and training in the Leadership Studies in Education program aims to prepare you to emerge as a leader in the K-12 education space. Upon graduation from this program, you will be equipped to pursue any of the following career paths:
Career Paths
- Principal
- Curriculum Supervisor
- Superintendent