Lead confidently with UMass Lowell鈥檚 online graduate programs in Education Administration, M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees.

Graduate Programs in Education Administration

Prepare for leadership roles in PK-12 schools with UMass Lowell's online master's or education specialist degree programs.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in PK-12 Education Administration:听Designed for current teachers, the听Master's in Education Administration (PK-12)focuses on school management and foundational leadership skills and will prepare you for educational leadership roles such as school principal. An听听is available for Massachusetts residents, while a听听is available for out-of-state students.听

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administration, Planning and Policy:听The Ed.S. degree program is for experienced educators who already hold a master's degree and seek further specialization in PK-12 school leadership. For Massachusetts teachers, an听听is available. Teachers who reside out-of-state may choose to pursue the听.

Please note: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are not required for admission to this program.

Education Administration Curricula

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education Administration are 30-credit graduate degrees.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

The M.Ed. in Education Administration: Principal Option is a 30-credit degree program. The program is a blend of online course work, field experience and practicum.

The program is for Massachusetts teachers only.

  • Candidates must have three years of PK-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license.
  • Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses.
  • To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible

Group A Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

In order to enroll in the practicum, candidates must have a GPA of 3.250 and be employed in a public school district or in a charter or private school where the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are followed. Additionally, they must be mentored by a Principal or Assistant Principal who holds a Mass. Principal license.

Practicum

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.5922Principal Practicum I (Fall)3
EDUC.5932Principal Practicum II (Spring)3
Total6

The M.Ed. in Education Administration: Non-licensure Option is a 30-credit degree program. The program is a blend of online course work with field experiences and a capstone project.

  • Candidates must have three years of PK-12 teaching/professional experience.
  • Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses.
  • To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Elective

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.6XXXAppropriate 6000 level course chosen after consultation with advisor3
Total3

Capstone Project

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6900Action Research3
Total3

NOTE: This program does NOT lead to licensure in any field. Instead, it provides the professional knowledge required for the continuing education of experienced practitioners. Candidates who complete the program successfully are awarded a Master of Education degree, but cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or in their own state.

Candidates must have three years of PS-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license. Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses. To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instruction Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Seminar
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
EDUC.6560Ed.S. Seminar3
Practicum
Course #Course NameCr.
Total6
EDUC.5922Principal Practicum I (Fall)3
EDUC.5932Principal Practicum II (Spring)3
In order to enroll in the practicum, candidates must have a GPA of 3.250 and be employed in a public school district or in a charter or private school where the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are followed. Additionally, they must be mentored by a Principal or Assistant Principal who holds a MA Principal license.
This program is for Massachusetts Teachers only.

Candidates must have three years of PS-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license. Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses. To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instruction Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Non-Licensure Option

Seminar

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6560Ed.S. Seminar3
Total3

Electives

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6XXXElective in consultation with advisor3
EDUC.6XXXElective in consultation with advisor3
Total6

Important Information

This program does NOT lead to licensure in any field. Instead, it provides the professional knowledge required for the continuing education of experienced practitioners. Candidates who complete the program successfully are awarded an Education Specialist 杏吧原创, but cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or in their own state.

Why Choose UMass Lowell for Your EducationAL Leadership Journey?

A UMass Lowell UTeach student interacts with students in a classroom.

Licensure-Ready

Both the M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs are approved for principal/assistant principal licensure in Massachusetts, equipping you with the credentials needed for leadership roles in PK-12 schools.

 U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate education program.

Affordable, Nationally Recognized Programs

Ranked as the Best Online Graduate Education Program in New England by U.S. News & World Report, scholarships and financial aid are available in addition to our competitively priced tuition.

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Flexible Learning Options

Fully online course work with interactive learning experiences. Designed to fit the schedules of working educators. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.

Students walk up pathway to the front of Coburn Hall on UMass Lowell's South Campus

Research-Based Leadership Training

Learn best practices in school leadership, curriculum development, policy implementation and data-driven decision-making to drive meaningful improvements in education.
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Expert Faculty and Strong Professional Network

Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support our student-centered approach to learning. Engage with experienced educators, administrators and policymakers who provide real-world insights and mentorship to help you excel in your leadership journey.

What Our Graduates Do

With the increasing demand for qualified school leaders, earning a graduate degree in Education Administration positions you for success in shaping the future of education. Our education administration programs prepare you for PK-12 leadership roles, including:
  • Principal or Assistant Principal
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • District Administrator
  • Director of Special Education
  • Superintendent or School Executive

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655

Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see听听for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).听Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit听Financial Aid听if you have questions about your eligibility.

All Master鈥檚 and Doctoral Applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Resume
  7. Writing Sample/Artifact (Ph.D. programs only)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on 鈥淧rogram Materials鈥 to update your application. Leadership in Schooling applicants must directly to graduate admissions. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.

Ed.D. Applicants: The Ed.D. is a cohort program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted from July - November 30th the year before the start of the program.

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: Visit the Bachelor's-to-Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.


1. Online Application application

Applications are only accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Tips for accessing and completing the online application:

  • Capitalize your proper name.
  • Once the form is submitted, changes can only be made by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year between July and November 30.


2. app-feeApplication Fee

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.


3. Statement of Purpose statement

For applicants to M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs: In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two-page recommended maximum.

For applicants to Doctoral programs:

Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D. - Candidates should submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words, that responds to two questions:

  1. What are you interested in researching during your doctoral studies, and why?
  2. How would doctoral studies at UMass Lowell advance your career goals?

Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. - A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their understanding of equity-based educational problems and identifies and articulates the reasons to address a contextually relevant, equity-based problem (for STEM applicants should have a STEM focus).


4. lorLetters of Recommendation

Two (2) letters of recommendation are required for all programs EXCEPT Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D., which require three (3) letters. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the online application process and an automated request will be sent out after the completion of your application. Alternatively, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) to request letters of recommendations.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.


5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution(s) that awarded or will award you a bachelor鈥檚 degree and, for doctoral programs, a master's degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

Please request official transcript delivery by email to: graduate_admissions@uml.edu. If electronic delivery is not available, official transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes by mail to:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Graduate Admissions - Graduate and Professional Studies Center (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

For international transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated.

Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from an NACES member agency, such as or .


6. Resume resume

A resume is required for M.Ed. Higher Ed., M.Ed. and Ed.S. Language Arts and Literacy, and doctoral programs.


7. writing-sampleWriting Sample / Artifact (Ph.D. Programs Only)

  • Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D. - Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's ability to present a cohesive, focused and persuasive response to an education issues of his or her choice. The writing sample should be accompanied by a brief note explaining the context in which it was written and identifying the kinds of support received by the applicant producing it.

All others, if you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents:

  • log in to your application portal (links vary),
  • click on 鈥淧rogram Materials鈥 to update your application.

Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Request More Information

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:听
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu