M.Ed. Culturally Responsive Leadership Concentration

Three woman sit at a table with a laptop.

The culturally-responsive and community-based leadership concentration of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is a 30-credit-hour program designed to prepare school and community leaders with foundational theory, research and skills related to culturally responsive and community-based leadership. Curriculum will focus on leadership and understanding and mitigating power imbalances related to race, ethnicity, culture and/or class, as well as establishing policies and practices that nurture an anti-racist organizational climate.

Additional topics include dimensions of human diversity, community and youth-based activism and praxis; immigration and adaptation; gender and power; ableism; children and youth; social inclusion; health disparities; poverty; racism; colonization; and inequality. 

This program offers:

  • The opportunity to gain leadership development for positions in multiple areas (youth development, program management, research and policy analysis; equity and community engagement officers; school and district-level leaders; nonprofit management and development related to education)
  • The opportunity to leverage practices of critical inquiry in promotion of equitable educational environments
  • The opportunity to apply leadership skills that engage internal and external communities in mutually beneficial ways
  • The opportunity to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills in culturally responsive leadership
  • Access to experienced faculty and instructor practitioners
  • Online and face-to-face options

Designed for full-time students and working professionals, this program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Students will exit the program prepared to enact culturally-responsive and sustaining leadership approaches in K12 schools and school-supporting organizations.

Please keep in mind exact course requirements may vary so consult your adviser or the program coordinator with any questions.

CONCENTRATION/VCU BULLETIN INFO

PROGRAM BASICS

How to apply: Graduate application
Semester of entry: Fall
Application deadline: April 1

EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE Fall 2023: May 1

Late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Resources and Checklists

Application checklist [PDF]

Please note, we suggest you identify the best concentration for your future career and connect with our Enrollment Management team and/or program coordinator if you have questions. Each application requires an individual application fee.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    1. Clarify your motivations and goals for pursuing a graduate degree in Culturally Responsive Leadership.
    2. Provide examples from your professional and/or personal experiences that further illustrate your objectives.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from previous academic work

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO

Additional Concentrations

Ready To Get Started?

Jenna Lenhardt, Ph.D.