Educational Leadership Programs

NLU’s National College of Education offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Educational Leadership for the broad educational aim of developing performance capacities in individuals seeking to lead schools and other learning organizations, develop teachers professionally, and promote the success of all students. 

The Ed.S. and M.Ed. degree program develops leader capacities based on national building-level standards advocated by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council. The program fosters capabilities in developing a shared vision of learning; sustaining positive and safe school cultures and instructional programs; managing school operational systems; using performance information to improve school programs; leading with integrity and equity within professional, legal, and policy frameworks; and advocating for school students, teachers, staff, families, and caregivers. The program develops leaders through substantial and sustained educational leadership projects, guided application experiences within educational settings, and key assessments of proficiency in developing leadership competencies.

State Credential Track:

Applicants in Illinois who do not have a master’s degree and are seeking the principal endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (state credential track, Illinois).

Applicants in Florida who do not have a master’s degree and are seeking educational leadership/school principal certification should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (state credential track, Florida).

Applicants in Illinois who have a master’s degree and are seeking the principal endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (state credential track, Illinois).

Applicants in Florida who have a master’s degree and are seeking educational leadership/school principal certification should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (state credential track, Florida).

General Education Leadership Track (non-endorsement):

Applicants who do not have a master’s degree and are not seeking state endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (General Education Leadership).

Applicants who have a master’s degree and are not seeking state endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (General Education Leadership).

District Level Educational Leadership Track:

Applicants in Illinois who have a master’s degree and the principal endorsement and wish to seek superintendent licensure should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (district level educational leadership track, Illinois).