Educational leadership
Master of Education
Leading beyond the classroom
Today’s schools and districts need forward-thinking leaders — educators with the vision, passion and skills to drive meaningful change. University of Idaho’s educational leadership M.Ed. is designed to prepare you for these essential roles.
Whether your goal is to become a principal (M.Ed.), program administrator or to deepen your leadership as a classroom educator, this program offers the knowledge, research foundation and real-world tools to make a lasting impact. You'll gain the insight to shape policy, guide institutional improvement and elevate student outcomes at the local, state and national levels.
We’ve also partnered with school districts and communities across Idaho to offer convenient cohort models, making it easier for working educators to pursue advanced degrees without stepping away from the classroom. These partnerships ensure that learning is rooted in practical application, directly benefitting the communities we serve.
Overview
Related Topics
Lead the future of education
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Have an academic and professional background in education
- Have a desire to make positive changes in education
- Possess strong leadership and communication skills
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,428 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Education Teachers
$48,689 - Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
$84,410 - Postsecondary Education Administrators
$67,185 - Education Administrators for Preschool and Childcare Programs
$40,893
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
The educational leadership program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning for reinforcing new concepts. You’ll do this through an internship, where you’ll observe and learn from a practicing administrator in an elementary or secondary school or district office.
Internships
You will work alongside experienced administrators and professors during your internships, which are grounded in learning about best practices in educational leadership.
Application information
Applicants for the Ed.S.Ed.Ldrshp. program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: Yes
- Writing sample: Provide ONE professional sample (thesis, journal article, term paper or handbook, etc.) previously completed by you.
- Letters of recommendation: Demonstrated support for your potential as an eventual school administrator is one of the criteria for admission into the Educational Leadership Program. Please include at least one Letter of Recommendation from a recent supervisor such as a principal or superintendent.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Note: Due to the nature of this program, immigration regulations prohibit students requiring an F-1 or J-1 visa admission to this program. Other visa categories may be eligible to study in the U.S.
Contact the International Programs Office for rules governing enrollment while in the U.S. prior to application submission.