M.Ed. Leadership Studies Concentration
“This program gave me the confidence and tools to be successful as a student affairs professional. I’m so satisfied that I’m pursuing my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership here as well.”
- Ra'meer Roberts, M.Ed. ’20
The leadership studies concentration of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a 30-credit-hour program for individuals pursuing educational leadership roles. Through a highly individualized program, students explore essential leadership theory and practice through participation in a rigorous core course of study emphasizing equity and social justice, complemented by individualized course options. The program includes 15 credit hours in required courses and 15 credit hours in a concentrated series of interdisciplinary electives chosen with approval of the student’s adviser.
Designed for working professionals, this program can be completed in as little as 16 months. Applicants are expected to have at least two years of experience in an educational setting.
This program offers:
- 15 credit hours in required courses that provide core knowledge and skills essential to effective leadership
- 15 credit hours in a concentrated series of electives tailored to your interests in leadership (chosen with advisor approval)
- Field-based learning experiences
- Access to experienced faculty and instructor practitioners
Degree requirements for the leadership studies concentration »
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - Leadership Studies Concentration | |||||||
Part-Time (30 Credit Hours: 15 EDLP Required, 15 Approved Electives) | |||||||
Fall - Year 1: | ADMS 633: Multiple Dimensions of Leadership (3) | ||||||
Elective (3)* | |||||||
Spring - Year 1: | Elective (3)* | ||||||
Elective (3)* | |||||||
Summer - Year 1: | ADMS 618: Leadership for Educational Change and Improvement (3) | ||||||
EDUS 660: Educational Research Methods (3) | |||||||
Fall - Year 2 | ADMS 622: Understanding Diversity and Leading for Social Justice (3) | ||||||
Elective (3)* | |||||||
Spring - Year 2 | ADMS 630: Understanding and Engaging Communities (3) | ||||||
Elective (3)* | |||||||
GRADUATE (May) | |||||||
*For M.Ed. Leadership Studies Concentration: Electives must be at the 500 level or higher. If a 500 level course is selected, the course description must indicate that it is a graduate level course. Courses starting with the prefix ADLT, EDUS, ADMS, PADM, or TEDU are automatically approved. Requests for any other courses must be approved in advance by the advisor. |
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, Spring, Summer
Application deadlines: Fall - April 1; Spring - Nov. 1; Summer - March 1
Late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.EXTENDED DEADLINE: May 15
Resources and Checklists
Application Checklist - M.Ed. in Educational Leadership [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
- VCU Graduate School requirements
- Statement of intent
- This is a program focusing on leadership. What are your reasons for applying to this program and what are the goals you will strive to achieve?
- Describe a situation in your professional practice when you were asked to solve a problem and what you learned.
- The statement of intent should be no more than two single spaced pages.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from previous academic work
- Resumé or CV
FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO
Certificate in Medical Education (TiME) to M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Pathway
For alumni of the Certificate in Medical Education who would like to utilize your program credits toward completing an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, please see this application checklist for your next steps. By utilizing your 12 certificate credits, you can complete the M.Ed. program with 15 core leadership courses and one elective of your choice.
This program will benefit medical and health professions faculty seeking to advance in their academic roles. Building on the foundational courses of the graduate Certificate in Medical Education, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program will prepare students for entry-level academic leadership roles as they explore contemporary topics in key areas of higher education administration.
Watch our information session recording and review the slides for additional information.
Additional Concentrations
Ready To Get Started?
- Brandon Norris
- Recruitment Counselor
- (804) 827-2479
- SOEinfo@vcu.edu
- Kristen Brown, Ed.D.
- Coordinator
- (804) 828-1940
- brownkm12@vcu.edu