Educational Leadership

The Core Choice program offers the most flexibility of our Educational Leadership options. You can take anywhere from 1-4 classes in a given term to work within your schedule and budget.

Coursework is offered in a diverse number of formats: online (7-week or 14-week sessions), hybrid (including weekend), and campus-based instruction, so you can select the format that works best for you. If you’re receiving reimbursement from your school district, you may need to match the pacing of the program to your district’s reimbursement schedule. This is also a good option if you need to take a certain semester off due to commitments such as coaching or activity advisor.

Our Fast-Track option allows you to earn the full Master’s degree online with both Principal and Supervisor Certifications (if eligible) in 14 months while working full-time. This cohort-based program runs on a summer-to-summer schedule, with three classes each semester (mostly two classes at a time are concurrent, making the program very manageable while meeting your pacing needs). Classes are offered on select weekends and evenings in both synchronous and hybrid asynchronous-synchronous formats.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; interested applicants should submit their applications by March 15. Applications completed by the early application deadline will receive a decision within 7 business days, The final deadline is May 8.

Missed the summer deadline? You still have time to catch up with the summer cohort.

Fall- priority deadline of July 10
Spring- priority deadline of November 30

Fall and spring have a first and second half start, and decisions will be made on a rolling basis after the priority deadline. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admission decision.

Our fully-online option gives you the flexibility to learn on your own time each week. In the 7-week online format, students immerse in one course at a time, building a strong foundation in educational leadership while enjoying the flexibility of an asynchronous schedule. You’ll learn from wherever you are, giving you the space you need to move your career forward without compromising your life.

Fall Deadline: Priority application deadline of July 9. Applications completed by this early application deadline will receive a decision in 7 business days. Rolling basis until the program is full, and if space allows.

Spring Deadline: Priority application deadline of November 30. Applications completed by this early application deadline will receive a decision in 7 business days. Rolling basis until the program is full, and if space allows.

The Off-Site Master’s in Educational Leadership program is available to educators in districts that have established partnerships with the University. Courses are delivered within participating districts across New Jersey, allowing educators to learn alongside peers in their own communities. These district-based cohorts bring Montclair’s renowned faculty expertise directly to local schools, fostering collaboration between University and district leaders to prepare the next generation of educational change-makers.

The deadline varies by district partnership.

By graduating from this program, you’ll meet the requirements for both the Principal and Supervisor Administrative Services Certifications in the State of New Jersey – adding even more credentials to your resume and setting you up to pursue leadership opportunities. 

You must have three years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Supervisor Certification from the State of New Jersey and five years of teaching or educational services experience to earn the Principal Certification. However, you can apply to the MA Educational Leadership program (as well as our Principal and Supervisor Administrative Services Certifications) with less experience. If you are applying to our Principal or Supervisor certificate programs, you must already have a master’s degree. If you work in a private school that is not approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, you can pursue this program as a degree only student. 

Fall and Spring- Rolling admission 

See the curriculum.

Do you already hold a New Jersey Supervisor Certification? If so, you can accelerate your career by completing our M.A. in Educational Leadership program in just 24 credits. You’ll not only earn your master’s degree, but also have the opportunity to attain your New Jersey Principal and School Administrator Certifications.