Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership

Improve your teaching skills and earning potential with one of the best online Master's in Educational Leadership programs

The online Master of Education program is designed for advanced professional development of educators. The program concentrates on an educational leadership framework that supports the advancement, application, and integration of relevant theory and practices within the classroom with a focus on philosophical and psychological learning theory, appropriate instructional strategies, critical thinking, contemporary issues, and assessment. This program does not lead to teacher certification; however, Master of Education graduates may qualify for a pay increase for earning this advanced degree.

Is the M.Ed. in Classroom Leadership Right for You?

You might consider a Master's in Classroom Leadership if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in education and state certification and wish to advance professionally as an educator.

100% online degree program

Earn your Teacher Leader Endorsement

Earn another endorsement through elective coursework

A dedicated, personal advisor

Ability to apply real-world knowledge

As a Master of Education student, you will practice concepts learned from the program in their own classrooms and conduct educational research. Students have opportunities to work collaboratively with peers and develop skills in classroom management, curriculum, technology, leadership, and research. SWU's top-performing MEDCL degree program is regionally accredited, taught by real-world experts, and offers the flexibility to earn as you learn. Apply online in just 15 minutes!

Palmetto State Teachers Association Members Scholarship

Southern Wesleyan University will award a 10% scholarship to members of the Palmetto State Teachers Association who enroll in our M.Ed. programs. The 10% scholarship will be applied proportionately to each course of the entire program. The scholarship will be applied only toward tuition.

Students receiving tuition benefits from outside sources, including VA benefits, Military benefits, State and Federal scholarships & grants, and Tuition Assistance programs, may still qualify for scholarship assistance up to, but not to exceed, 100% of tuition expenses.

The student must complete the scholarship application form and provide proof of Palmetto State Teachers Association membership.

"This degree was just what I was looking for. Everything is online and the content I am learning is useful and allows growth for the future."

Staci Ulichnie, M.Ed. in Classroom Leadership

"The faculty and staff of Southern Wesleyan University are passionate professionals who provide a quality of service that is Christ-centered and student-focused. I would not have been able to advance without my degrees from SWU."

Jeffery Gaines, 2017-18 District Teacher of the Year for Clarendon School District Two

State Requirement Disclaimer

Southern Wesleyan does not advise students on what will or will not be accepted by their state departments of education. Students are encouraged to contact their state department of education to ensure the degree offered by Southern Wesleyan University meets state requirements. Additionally, Southern Wesleyan cannot determine credentials for individuals desiring to teach at the collegiate level as this varies by accreditor and is based on each individual's collegiate credit history.

(For those students who hold a Georgia teacher certification, Georgia has implemented new guidelines for the pay upgrade for the Master degree. At this time, Southern Wesleyan University’s M. Ed. in Classroom Leadership will not lead to an upgrade. This is because our program major does not meet the in-field or new field upgrade requirement. Individuals that desire to complete advanced degree programs in the transitional fields of Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology and Teacher Leadership must meet the new field upgrade criteria. Please access this PDF for more information. Southern Wesleyan is currently investigating the process for the Master in Classroom Leadership becoming approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.)

Apply Now

Our simple, 15-minute application process is the first step toward earning your M.Ed. Join our Christ-centered community today!

Online Program Start Dates

Monday, January 6, 2020
Monday, May 11, 2020

Not Ready to Apply?

Questions or concerns? We're here for you every step of the way. Submit an inquiry and our SWU team will be in touch soon. We promise not to share your information.

Named one of the Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Programs by Affordable Colleges Online

Named one of the Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degrees by topmastersineducation.com

At a Glance

Program Credit Hours
36 credits

Course Length
7 weeks per course

Average Completion Time
20 months (not including electives)

Program Format
Online

Cost per credit hour
$430

Total Cost*
$15,480

Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Read more about accreditation.

* Total Cost (cost per credit hour x total credit hours) is provided to aid in program comparison only. All stated financial information is subject to change. Total Cost does not include book and material costs.

Earn Endorsements through our M.Ed.

Teacher Leader Endorsement

The three courses and observational experience required for the Teacher Leader endorsement are built into the M.Ed. in Classroom Leadership program (EDCL 5373, EDCL 5183, EDCL 5493). Learn more about on page 27 of this Certification Guidelines document from the SC Department of Education.

In South Carolina, the primary choice available to teachers for leadership is the administration and supervision certification. Many excellent South Carolina teachers do not want to serve as principals or superintendents but want to remain involved in teaching while they serve in a leadership capacity. The Teacher Leader endorsement helps to fill this void in leadership options for South Carolina teachers.

This endorsement was approved by the legislature effective June 26, 2015. The coursework and training prepares educators to serve in leadership roles in schools while remaining classroom teachers. SWU’s School of Education facilitated the development of this endorsement and formed a stakeholder group charged with identifying recommended coursework, practical and observational experiences, and content delivery options for the endorsement.

The Teacher Leader endorsement focuses on providing assistance to practicing teachers in becoming leaders who are trained and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to mentor and coach colleagues. Additionally, they will be able to effectively and efficiently lead school-based teams in setting goals to achieve results; problem solving to find solutions; professional development to meet teaching and learning needs; collaborative professional development to guide learning communities; building school capacity to focus on student outcomes; and interpreting data to impact student performance. Teacher Leaders will develop an understanding of current evaluation models in order to lead and assist peers in strengthening and augmenting their teaching performance with the overarching goal of maximizing student engagement in learning.

Endorsements through Elective Courses

Elective coursework in our M.Ed. in Classroom Leadership program can assist education professionals as they seek to enhance their professional training. Completion of electives could lead to content area endorsements such as: