Master of Science in Educational Leadership
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership prepares and inspires servant leaders to pursue a Michigan building administrator certificate.
Lead with intention and spirit as a school administrator
Our online educational leadership program will provide you with an understanding of the fundamental principles of educational leadership through an exploration of the legal, ethical, and spiritual issues arising in today’s school environments. You will learn about policies and regulations so you can navigate the educational structure and system. This includes student rights, liability, negligence, and disciplinary policies. You will gain expertise in decision-making and organizational development so you can spearhead improvement initiatives within your school or district. Whether you are interested in a path of elementary, middle, or high school administration, we offer more than just an advanced administrative degree. At Concordia, we are dedicated to your intellectual, social, and spiritual growth.
Full- and part-time options available.
Eight week cohorts begin every: July, August, October, January, March, and May.
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Concordia's fully online Master of Science in Educational Leadership (MSEL) is designed for educators seeking advanced professional training for positions in P-12 schools. Graduates may apply for a Michigan School Administrator Certificate. Educators who already have a master's degree in an education-related field are eligible for CUAA's Post-Master's School Administrator Certificate Program.
You will study managing personnel, learn how to give constructive feedback, create accountability, and evaluate teachers in order to inspire your staff to consistently improve within their craft. Our approach will empower you to develop an organized and energized team of educators.
You will explore pedagogy while learning exciting new methods in order to put the most powerful and appropriate curriculum mix together. Through our educational leadership program, you will be able to create opportunities for excellence and improve, reform, and rebuild. And you will graduate equipped to integrate with your community and forge partnerships with parents, families, and your staff to both understand and empathize with your students.
MSEL Overview & Student Testimonial
Get a glimpse of our Master's in Educational Leadership program at Concordia University Ann Arbor featuring a recent graduate student's experience.
Our MSEL degree program is perfect for working educators. Choose from full- or part-time course loads broken into convenient 8-week classes taught by experienced, local faculty committed to preparing professional educators who are servant leaders, reflective practitioners, and committed life-long learners.
NCATE/CAEP Accredited and MDE Approved Educational Leadership Program
Successful completion of the program leads to recommendation for the School Administrator Certification in Michigan.
Applicants of this program may be eligible for Uncommon Scholarships. To see if you qualify, please visit the Uncommon Scholarships page. The scholarship application must be filled out and submitted online once per academic year and before courses begin.
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Ann Arbor
- Online
Bachelors degree 3.0 GPA for full acceptance
Start Dates and Format
- Start Dates:
- Candidates can begin the MSEL program throughout the calendar year.
- Individual completion schedules are developed by the program advisor for each student.
- Schedules are flexible and designed for working teachers.
- Format:
- Courses are accelerated and are 8 weeks in length.
- Courses are offered 100% online.
- The course schedule is continuous with spring (January-April) and fall (July-August) start dates available.
Graduate Application Steps
The very first thing to begin your application is fill out a “FutureCardinal Account” by submitting a one page form which is free and takes under 5 minutes:
- Start HERE where you enter your contact information.
- Under academic program, select: Education-Educational Leadership (NCATE/MI Endorsed)
- Under anticipated entry term, select: Appropriate term
- Under campus location, select: Ann Arbor or Online
- Fill out the rest of the “futurecardinal” page and hit CONTINUE. From there, you will have the first step of your application done. You can then log in and out of your account to finish the rest.
Your admissions counselor will be in contact with you from there on out to assist with getting the next steps completed. To completely submit your application, please submit 2 letters of recommendation, a short essay, resume, and request official transcripts.
- Application (Please Submit the Following):
- Application form
- One page essay describing your reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- Résumé of your education and employment experience
- Two signed letters of recommendation using the Recommendation Form (recommendation letters on letterhead may also be submitted)
- Provide all official transcripts documenting college courses and degrees
Please note:
- Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE are not required.
- If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information on transferring graduate credits.
- International students should contact the Office of International Student Services at international.admissions@cuaa.edu for additional application requirements.
- Evaluation
When an applicant’s file is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review. - Admission
If the student is admitted, an acceptance letter will be emailed to the student with the student’s ID number. Password information to access my.cuaa.edu will be sent separately from the Information Technology office. Your advisor will be able to give you information regarding completion of the required student orientation before you begin your first class.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7527.
Sandra J. Harris
Ed.D.
Director - SOE Graduate Education, Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7309
Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (1997)
- MA - Guidance and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University (1980)
- Business Education, Eastern Michigan University (1974)
- Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (1989)
Research Interests
- Developing ways to keep students interested in the teaching profession.
- Understanding why there are fewer teachers of color
Teaching Interests
- Teacher Preparation Courses
- Cultural and Social Diversity Courses
Brian Jensen
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (906) 399-0649
Education
- EdS - K-12 Administration, Wayne State University (2020)
- MA - Teaching and Curriculum, Michigan State University (2016)
Teaching Interests
- Personnel Management and Professional Development
- Curriculum Development and Instructional Supervision
- Professional Learning Communities
Kevin Andrew Mowrer
Ph.D.
K-12 Educational Administration, Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 385-6022
Bio
I grew up in Adrian, Mich. I spent the first part of my career in urban education, starting with student teaching in Detroit and then teaching and coaching basketball for six years in the Chicago Public Schools In 2004, I returned to Michigan in 2004, taking a teaching job in the Manchester Community Schools. I moved into the HS Principal Role in 2006. I currently lead three early colleges on the southside of Indianapolis.
Education
- Ph D - K-12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University (2014)
- MA - Educational Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University (2003)
Research Interests
- Local Implementation of State/Federal Policy
- Development of State and Local Education Policy
Teaching Interests
- Action Research Process
- State and Local Policy
- School Law
Wayne Russell Stitt
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Dr. Stitt is a retired K-12 administrator serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He was recognized as a distinguished alumni at Western Michigan University as a Golden Apple recipient in 2019 for his positive impact as a practitioner in leading his districts through systemic reform and having a positive impact on students and staff. He has been an adjunct at CUAA for over 10 years and currently teaches at WMU full-time.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University (2010)
- MA - Ed. Leadership, Western Michigan University (1999)
Research Interests
- Best Practices in School Districts, High-Performing Culture, Instructional Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Educational Leadership (Aspiring Principals and Superintendents)
Stephen M. Zielinski
Ed.S.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (586) 610-4686
Bio
Hi everyone, I have been in education now for 23 years- 7 as an elementary teacher, a year as Data and Assessment Director, and 15 years as a building administrator- currently in Allen Park Public Schools. My experience at Concordia started in this program in 2007, and has included many courses in Professional Learning Communities, Principalship, Curriculum, Funding and Finance, and other courses. It has been my pleasure to serve all students!
Education
- EdS - School Administration, Wayne State University (2003)
- MA - Elementary Education, Wayne State University (2001)
- BA - Arts - French, Wayne State University (1995)
Research Interests
- Literacy in the elementary classroom
- School Funding models
- Building principal support networks
Teaching Interests
- School leadership
- Best educational practices
- Helping all students to succeed
Q: How long does the program take?
A: The program takes 18-24 months to complete, depending on the number of courses that you take per semester. This would include a 6-month internship.
Q: I am already a building administrator. Do I have to complete the internship?
A: The 6-month internship is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education. All students must complete the internship as a requirement of the program.
Q: Can I complete the internship in the building where I am currently working?
A: Yes, it is recommended that you complete the internship where you are currently employed.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The tuition is $690 per credit hour.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Yes! Concordia offers a scholarship for any student working in one of our partner schools through our Academic Community Scholarship. There are also scholarships for alumni, veterans, and those who work in Christian schools.
Q: Do you accept transfer credits?
A: Yes! Master’s level credits from other education programs can be accepted towards credit in this program if the courses were taken in the past seven years.
Q: What is the format for courses?
A: The courses are online and are completely asynchronous, which means that you will not have to log in at a specific time. Assignments begin on Monday of each week, and are due on the following Sunday. Some assignments may be due on Thursday, with a follow up due on Sunday.
Q: How long are the courses?
A: The courses are eight weeks long.