Educational Leadership

MAMaster's

Two educational administrators pose together in a school.

If you’re ready to step into leadership and guide positive change in schools and districts, Montclair’s MA in Educational Leadership will give you the preparation to lead with confidence.

This 36-credit program, offered in online, in-person, and hybrid formats, is designed for certified educators and practitioners who aspire to administrative roles such as principal, supervisor, or director. You’ll study leadership theory, organizational management, and educational policy while developing practical skills in supervision, curriculum development, and data-driven decision-making.

The program meets the academic requirements for the New Jersey Principal and Supervisor certifications, allowing you to expand your career opportunities and impact. Coursework emphasizes equity and inclusion, preparing you to create school environments where all students can thrive.

Faculty who are experienced leaders in the field provide theoretical knowledge and real-world insight, while internships and field experiences give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in authentic school settings.

The flexible format is designed with working professionals in mind, so you can pursue your degree while continuing to serve your school community.

If your goal is to influence student achievement at the building or district level, Montclair’s CAEP-accredited MA in Educational Leadership will prepare you to take that next step.
See the curriculum.

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Core Choice

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 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.

Fast Track

Our Fast-Track option allows you to earn the full Master’s degree 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. Classes are offered on select weekends and evenings in both online and hybrid formats. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interested applicants should submit an application by April 1st at the latest to begin in summer.

Online

Our fully-online option gives you the flexibility to learn on your own time. 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.

Hybrid

We blend a mixture of in-person, online and hybrid courses to give you the best of what Montclair has to offer.

Off-site

The Off-Site Master’s in Educational Leadership program is available exclusively 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.

Principal, Supervisor Administrative Services Certifications

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 for leadership opportunities the moment you graduate.

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, but you can apply to the MA Educational Leadership program with less experience. If you work in a private school (and don’t have experience in a public school setting), you can pursue this program as a degree only student.

See the curriculum.

Post-Supervisor Certificate MA Completion Program

Do you already hold 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 New Jersey Principal and School Administrator Certifications.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Two Short Answer Questions (250-350 Words each). The prompts are:
    1. Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership in your school/district OR describe a challenge you have faced that has influenced your leadership approach.
    2. The Educational Leadership Department at Montclair State University aims to prepare culturally responsive and anti-racist leaders who create more equitable schools and a more just society. Describe some ways you could contribute to supporting equity and diversity in your school/district.
  • Resume: Required.
  • Teacher Certification: One.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  • Standardized Test Scores: Not required.

Professional Licensure

All options are designed to prepare teachers and other certified educational services professionals, such as school counselors and school psychologists, to meet New Jersey requirements for principal or supervisor certification. If you are interested in the online program and are seeking certification in a state other than New Jersey, you should contact your state department of education to determine the principal or supervisor certification requirements prior to applying.

Meet our Online Program Advisor

Tara Campos, Advisor and Program Administrator, describes in her own words how we support students in the Online Educational Leadership program.

“The program provided all the necessary resources, the schools of thought, the methodologies, the modeling. I learned transparency, communication and clear expectations.”

Damein Phoenix

Program: Educational Leadership
Career: Assistant Principal, Glen Ridge (NJ) High School

Among the Nation’s Best and Best Online Master’s in Education

Emblem for Best Online Programs for Grad Education Administration and Supervision.
Emblem for Best Online Programs for Grad Education.

Our Educational Leadership program is ranked No. 14 in the nation and No. 1 in New Jersey in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. The online master’s also ranked No. 13. in the country for its Educational Administration and Supervision specialization.

Related Programs

Questions? Find the right contact below.

Connect with our enrollment teams for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates, and your next steps toward enrollment.

For the On-Campus, Off-Site and Hybrid Program

Get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process for on-campus and hybrid programs.

For the Online Program

Get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process for fully online programs.

For Curriculum Questions

Curious about the curriculum? Contact Program Coordinator Dr. Carlos McCray for course planning, electives and faculty guidance.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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