What you will study
At the University of Central Missouri, we ensure you’re ready to lead your school
and gain principal education requirements for the state of Missouri. As a graduate
student in UCM’s Educational Leadership master’s program, you’ll learn how to set
a vision for your school that promotes student learning and continuous school improvement
while creating a positive culture and an equitable learning environment. You’ll also
learn how to supervise school personnel and strategically allocate school resources.
To support this learning, our graduate program curriculum includes courses on finance,
law, data analysis and curriculum development and assessment. Then you’ll choose an
elective focused on a leadership experience to customize your master’s degree.
You’ll also work alongside a mentor throughout the program to observe, participate
and facilitate school management and improvement roles while maintaining your current
teaching status.
Excellence in Educational Leadership
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in educational leadership for principals
At the University of Central Missouri, we offer multiple opportunities for hands-on
experiences designed to strengthen your expertise and apply it in a practical and
meaningful way. Because most of our MSE students are already full-time teachers, we
ensure these opportunities work around your teaching schedule. Most are available
within your current school, so you can address real challenges that directly impact
your school and students:
- Practicum: Lead change during an administrative practicum at your school or another location
of your choice. You’ll have the opportunity to tie together everything you’ve learned
throughout your courses in real-world scenarios while interacting with local administrators.
Practicums are also designed to support those completing the DESE Performance Tasks
required for elementary, middle or high school principal certification, so you meet
principal education requirements.
- Collaborative Principals Preparation Program (CPPP): We partner with 14 Kansas City area school districts to offer classes close to home.
You’ll benefit from the guidance and support of an administrative mentor from your
school district and interactions with teachers at other schools in the area.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UCM?
As an MSE graduate, you’ll fulfill principal education requirements to advance in
a leadership role at your school or elsewhere — and enjoy the salary boost that comes
with earning a master’s degree. Our master’s program supports leadership roles such
as:
- School leader, grades K–12
- Elementary, middle or high school principal
- Dean of students
- Teacher-leader
- Department chair
- Athletic director
- Team leader
- Instructional coach
- Activities director
If your career goals include getting a doctorate, our MSE will prepare you for advanced
education and the pursuit of the highest levels of educational leadership.
Careers related to educational leadership
Use the tool below to explore career possibilities, including salary potential, employment
trends and other data.
Financial assistance options for your Educational Leadership master’s degree for Principals
A master’s degree in K–12 Educational Leadership for Principals is an investment in
your future and in the future of your school and students. At the University of Central
Missouri, we’re proud to support your investment by offering low tuition in addition
to numerous scholarships and grants to keep your UCM education affordable. In fact,
we’re a top-ranked university for low student debt by LendEDU and we offer multiple
resources to finance your college education.
In addition to the scholarships available through the university, our MSE students
in K–12 Educational Leadership for Principals can apply for three program-specific
scholarships:
- Cliff and Patty Mohn CPPP Scholarship
- School Administration Scholarship
- Dr. John Paul Mees Scholarship
- James L. & Judith A. Cockrell Middle School Leadership Scholarship
- Mary E. Warren Elgeva Waller Education Administration Scholarship
- Sandra and Charles Braithwait School Administration Scholarship
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
Meet Cara F.
MSE Educational Leadership - K–12 Principal ’21 - Second grade teacher
“The content of the courses gave me real-world experiences, knowledge from experts
and collaboration with peers. The program also gave me a strong network of colleagues
that I am so thankful for.”
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Study at UCM’s Missouri Innovation Campus
Built in partnership with the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, our Missouri Innovation
Campus features a dedicated space for collaboration and team projects, providing a
cutting-edge learning experience for students.
Meet Our Faculty
Former K–12 school leaders
100% of our MSE program faculty hold doctorates, have previous experience in K–12
leadership and advise state and regional associations. Their experience in rural,
suburban and urban settings and specialties such as special education, public relations,
curriculum development and superintendency mean you’ll learn from professors who understand
your challenges and are ready to help you succeed.
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