Educational Leadership (MA) – Fast Track
The Fast Track option for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership allows students to earn a 36-credit degree and principal and supervisor certification in 14 months while working full-time. This program is completed within a one year time frame, from summer to summer.
It is ideal for working professionals who wish to pursue a master’s degree in an accelerated format. Classes are experiential in nature, and provide a blend of both theory and practice. This blended program is offered through a cost-effective and convenient schedule through both online and hybrid courses. It is an ideal program for those individuals who aspire to pursue a course of study for eligibility as a school principal, vice principal, supervisor, director or superintendent.
You must have three years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Supervisor certification from the state of NJ and five years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Principal certification from the state of NJ, but you can apply to the MA Educational Leadership program with less experience. If you work in a private school (and don’t have experience in a public school setting), you can pursue this program as a degree only student.
New cohorts for the Fast Track Option begin each Summer.
(Missed the deadline? Contact the Program Coordinator by filling out this form to indicate your interest in starting the Fast-Track Program.)
Along with the Educational Leadership (MA) – Fast Track degree, the department also offers the following options for graduate study: Educational Leadership (MA), Educational Leadership (MA – Online), and an Educational Assessment certificate.
Hear from current students and alumni on their experiences in the Educational Leadership (MA) program at Montclair State University:
“The MA Educational Leadership FTO program helped me to be a competent school leader. The program exposed me to skilled professionals who offered their expertise, knowledge and experience to aspiring school leaders. The program was extremely relevant to the current status of school leadership including a shared vision, data-driven instruction, coaching and supporting teachers and understanding the ins and outs of school budgets. Not only did the program assist in school-related matters, but it also dealt heavily with overall leadership competencies that can be adapted in any field. Due to the experiences in the program, I was able to become a Vice Principal within a year of completing the program.”
Jonathan Olavarria – Educational Leadership, Fast Track Alumni
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 corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: April 1st. (Missed the deadline? Contact the Program Coordinator by filling out this form to indicate your interest in starting the Fast-Track Program)
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. 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) Fast Track 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.
Complete 36 semester hours. For more information, please visit the Educational Leadership (MA) 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) – Fast Track Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. To find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Request more information here!
Program Coordinator: Dr. Joseph Oluwole
Office:University Hall 2182
Email: oluwolej@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5406