Next Start Date: Foster Educational Excellence with a Masters in Education Administration Online
Expand the positive contributions you make as an educator with our Masters in Education Administration online. Our 10-course M.Ed. is offered through UMass Lowell's School of Education and is designed to meet the needs of experienced practitioners. Candidates must have three years of PK-12 teaching or professional experience.
Earn a Top-Ranked Master's for Under $20k
One of the Most Affordable Tuitions in the Nation
No GRE Required
Important Information Regarding Licensure:
Candidates who teach in a Massachusetts school and hold a Massachusetts initial teacher or professional license should refer to the Principal Licensure Concentration for Massachusetts Teachers.
The program below does NOT lead to licensure but provides the professional knowledge required for the continuing education of experienced practitioners. Candidates from outside of Massachusetts who complete this program successfully are awarded a Master of Education degree but must contact their state's Department of Education to determine their state's licensing regulations, requirements and eligibility.
Career Outlook
Curriculum Outline
- Total Number of Courses Required for the Master of Education in Education Administration, M.Ed.: 10 (30 credits)
Students are admitted into a summer, fall or spring cohort and courses are taken in a specific sequence. Sequences will be provided upon admission. To build a systematic knowledge base, Group A courses should be taken before Group B courses.
Group A Courses (5 Courses / 15cr)
- EDUC.6320 The Inclusive School - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.6580 Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader
- EDUC.6421 Principles of Supervision - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.6431 Principalship PK - 12
- EDUC.6130 Leading the Professional Learning Community - Available Spring 2024!
Group B Courses (3 Courses / 9cr)
- EDUC.6423 Program Evaluation
- EDUC.6220 Managing Resources and Finances
- EDUC.6230 School Policy and Law
Electives (1 Course / 3cr)
- Appropriate 6000 level course chosen after consultation with advisor
Capstone (1 Course / 3cr)
- EDUC.6900 Action Research * - Available Spring 2024!
* This course must be taken at the end of the program. It may be taken in conjunction with one other course.
Course Descriptions
EDUC.6130 Leading the Professional Learning Community (3cr)
it is well documented that teachers who habitually examine their shared work based on inquiry, observation, analysis of data, dialogue, and experimentation tend to be more effective than those who are not reflective and work in isolation. How do we help all teachers become highly effective: How do we spread reflective practice from isolated pockets to all teachers in a school? The answer lies in the transformation of a school's professional staff from isolated practitioners into a professional learning community. A professional learning community is a work culture in which educators regularly learn with and from each other through collaborative inquiry. This course provides the practical know-how and deep understanding need for educators to introduce and lead collaborative inquiry within their school or district and transform the teaching staff into a professional learning community. Furthermore, this course introduces the idea of collaborative inquiry by transforming participants into a professional learning community during the course. Thus, participants focus collaborative inquiry on their shared practice, read and reflect on selected authors, and develop action plans to help them introduce or advance collaborative inquiry in their own work settings.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6220 Managing Resources and Finances (3cr)
This course will provide students with an understanding of the financial principles and budget management in the operation of our public schools. We will analyze economic and demographic data, review local/state and federal education budgets,examine the legal principles of school finance,review local, state and federal laws and policies on public education and evaluate case studies in the operation of public schools. Students will prepare budget documents, develop financial forecasts and prepare policy briefs on various topics related to school finance.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6230 School Policy and Law (3cr)
This course will provide students with an understanding of the law and legal basis for making decisions in our public schools. We will analyze court decisions, state and federal constitutional provisions and laws and public policies and regulations as they pertain to the operation of the public schools in the United States. With a solid understanding of the legal framework of governance at the federal, state and local level and the decisions derived though court cases, educators will be better equipped to respond to the numerous challenges and decisions they face throughout the school year.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6320 The Inclusive School (3cr)
School leaders must create environments that are welcoming to all students and their families and that capitalize on the strengths students bring to the learning environment as well as address the needs of students. As the population of students in our schools has continued to become more diverse, building an inclusive environment in which all are valued and in which all student can succeed has become increasingly complex. Participants in this course will explore their values and beliefs as well as the dominant culture and prevailing belief systems present in the majority of today's public schools. Participants will learn about ways in which many students, their families, and their communities may differ from this dominant culture, and the possible effects of this mismatch. Through readings and interactive discussions, participants will examine ways to build a school culture that is inclusive for all students and their families. Participants will develop detailed plans of action to actively and meaningfully involve parents and community members in all aspects of the school.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6421 Principles of Supervision (3cr)
This course is designed to help current and aspiring supervisors explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to instructional leadership and supervision. A paradigm shift away from an historical/traditional view of supervision towards a more collegial model is emphasized. Students will complete field work including two observations of a colleague and pre and post-lesson conferences.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6423 Program Evaluation (3cr)
Evaluation tasks will be identified and the policy issues attendant to evaluation will be examined. Students will identify and discuss several models of program evaluation, understand what needs to be considered and addressed in needs assessment, and learn to identify an appropriate design for a new evaluation. Students will be expected to conduct program evaluation, present their ideas and illustrate how evaluation results can be useful for program decision making.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6431 Principalship PK - 12 (3cr)
This course is designed to help aspiring principals explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to effective leadership. The course aims to acquaint students with research, theories,and frameworks from the knowledge base on school leadership; explore the issues,daily experiences, and decisions of the principal within the action context of the school; assist students to think critically and systematically about leadership; help students become more conscious of their own values,assumptions and purposes as school leaders; further develop leadership skills,insight,and vision for schooling; assist students to think of themselves as educators for transformation.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6580 Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader (3cr)
This course provides prospective leaders with the theoretical and empirical bases for understanding the instructional core and how to create the conditions needed for high quality teaching and learning to occur in their schools. Course participants will explore how to (i) establish a vision that promotes high standards for learning and is shared by all stakeholders; (ii) promote a positive school culture that is anchored in professional behavior and trusting relationships; (iii) promote effective instructional programs and the application of best practices to student learning; (iv) make decisions grounded in reliable data integrity, fairness, and ethical conduct.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)
Action Research is the culminating course for all students who are in the M.Ed program in Curriculum and Instruction, including those in PK-12 classroom settings, those who are in the Autism Studies program, educators who are not currently in a classroom, and those who are in informal educational settings. Educators in this course will apply knowledge that they have learned during their coursework to an action research project plan for a classroom or small group setting.
Requirements:
Matriculated in M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction degree program.
Program Requirements
To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell master's degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered. Any additional requirements for this program are either listed below or may be found in the University's Graduate Program Catalog.
General Requirements:
- Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned. See Academic Standing.
- All financial obligations, including tuition, fees and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
- Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.
Graduate Program Policies
In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Spring 2024 Tuition |
Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course* |
|---|---|---|
Graduate |
||
| Online Education | $470 | $1,410 |
| Online Education for Ed.D. and Ph.D. | $500 | $1,500 |
Additional Costs |
|
|---|---|
| Term Registration Fee | $30 |
| Late Fee | $50 |
| Graduate Degree and Certificate Application | $50 |
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
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Admission Requirements
You must hold a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.000 GPA from an accredited institution. Also, you should have at least three years of full-time experience in a K-12 school or a related setting. Complete admission requirements can be found at Graduate Admissions, which include:
- Online application and fee
- Two-page statement in which you describe your educational philosophy and reasons for seeking entry to the degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of professional teaching status
- All official transcripts
- TOEFL scores, if appropriate
- F1 student visas are not issued for this program
Graduate Program Policies
In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.
Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For General Assistance:
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!
