Educational Leadership (MA) – ONLINE
With a strong theoretical foundation and a practical structure, the online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership provides students with the conceptual tools and professional preparation necessary to become accomplished school leaders. Coursework covers a variety of areas including supervision, leadership, assessment, decision making, student achievement, and school and community relations.
In the fully online program, students follow a cohort-based structured schedule in which they focus on one course per session (two courses per semester), allowing for rigorous course immersion. Each course lasts for eight weeks, during which students build a strong academic background and set of practice-based experiences in the field of educational leadership. Students can earn their degree in two years without the stress of taking multiple courses simultaneously. Since the program is fully online, students never have to set foot on campus and can complete coursework from anywhere at any time of the day.
Montclair State University’s Online MA in Educational Leadership has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and No. 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023 Best Online Graduate Education Programs survey.
Learn more about the fully online option for the Educational Leadership (MA).
The department also offers the following options for graduate study: Educational Leadership (MA), Educational Leadership (MA) – Fast Track Option, and an Educational Assessment certificate.
Hear from current students and alumni on their experiences in the Educational Leadership (MA) program at Montclair State University:
“Montclair’s Educational Leadership MA has inspired me, provided perspective, and given me the tools necessary to bring positive systemic change to our schools.”
Ian Collis – Educational Leadership, recent Online Program graduate
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all of the corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline:
- Spring deadline: December 1st
- Fall deadline: August 1st
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Educational Leadership (MA) online program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Two Short Answer Questions (250-350 Words each). The prompts are:
- Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership in your school/district OR describe a challenge you have faced that has influenced your leadership approach.
- The Ed. Leadership Department at Montclair State University aims to prepare culturally responsive and anti-racist leaders who create more equitable schools and a more just society. Describe some ways you could contribute to supporting equity and diversity in your school/district.
- Resume: Required.
- Teacher Certification: One.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two.
- Standardized Test Scores: Not required.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Classes are delivered purely online. This program consists of three terms per year (fall, spring, and summer), two sessions per term, one course per session. The courses are eight weeks and they blend theory and practice. For more information, please visit the Educational Leadership (MA) online program listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Educational Leadership (MA) – ONLINE Program Coordinator:
Program Coordinator: Tara Campos
Email: campost@montclair.edu
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Find the updated summer chair for this program.*