Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Why Choose Columbia College for Your Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership?

• Flexible and accessible with optional weekly evening sessions: 100% online, so you can continue working while earning your degree at your own pace, with the ability to join live once a week.
• One-on-one mentorship and frequent check-ins: Receive guidance tailored to your career goals from faculty.
• Industry-standard coursework: This program is aligned with the Missouri Leadership Development System domains and aspiring level competencies for school building level leadership. The program provides a practical, standards-based foundation that aligns with today’s K–12 leadership expectations.
• Clear pathway to advancement: Graduates seeking superintendent or senior district administration roles can easily transition into the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program.

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Curriculum Overview

The 36-credit M.Ed. program blends foundational leadership coursework with focused preparation for school administration.

Core Courses
6 credit hours
Learn the foundations and psychology of educational leadership and classroom management.

Emphasis Coursework
30 credit hours
Take specialized coursework within a comprehensive sequence aligned to the Leadership Domains as defined by the Missouri Leadership Development System, emphasizing these areas of leadership: Visionary, Innovative, Instructional, Relational, and Managerial.

Capstone Assessment
During your coursework, complete an action-research based project and create a portfolio that demonstrates readiness for leadership. This project is one of two assessments required for Missouri School Leader K-12 certification.

Certification (Missouri Residents)
Students holding a valid Missouri teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience may pursue Missouri School Leader K-12 certification by successfully passing two exams. First, take the content assessment. Second, submit the Capstone Assessment completed as part of coursework.

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Admission Details

Applicants should provide a copy of a teaching certificate. Applicants may seek admission to the M.Ed. program during or after their second year of teaching. Upon admission, coursework may begin the second semester of the second year, at the earliest. Students not meeting admission requirements may be approved for conditional admission at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Public Service.

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Tuition and Aid

At Columbia College, we believe a quality graduate degree should be within reach. Our tuition is competitively priced among private, nonprofit colleges, and there are no hidden fees, ever. With financial aid, military tuition assistance, employer reimbursement programs, and more, our financial aid advisors are ready to help you explore options and make your degree affordable.

Straightforward Pricing
Our grad programs cost $600 per credit hour. Tuition is transparent here — with zero hidden fees, ever.

Tuition Details

Generous Financial Aid
Scholarships, payment plans, loans, and more are available to all. We'll help you find the assistance you need to budget confidently.

Affordability at CC

Reduced Tuition for Partnership Organization Employees
We partner with hundreds of companies and organizations to offer 15% off tuition to employees and their families.

Participating Organizations

Why Students Love Learning Online at Columbia College

We’ve been leading the way in flexible learning options since 2000. Our students are all over the world living their real lives, holding down jobs, and caring for others while learning their way to something better.

Here’s what you can expect from an online degree at CC:

• Flexible coursework designed to help you create your future on your terms
• Interactive courses using modern, industry-standard tools for hands-on learning
• Personalized support from experienced faculty through regular virtual check-ins
• A connected global community of 100,000+ students and alumni

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Career Outcomes

When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for leadership roles like assistant principal, principal, department chair, instructional coach, or instructional coordinator. Missouri residents may also pursue School Leader K–12 certification, opening doors to building-level administrative positions.

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.