M.A. in Educational Leadership FAQs

I want to become a top leader in early childhood, higher education, or a corporate training environment. Is this the right degree program for me?
Yes. In most states, a master's degree is the preferred minimum level of education for top-level leadership candidates in early childhood, higher education, or corporate training environments. The online Master's in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota contains the ideal combination of courses in ethics, policy/law, leadership development and communications training to give you the well-rounded skills you need to pursue your career goals.

I want to become a Principal, Director of Special Education or Superintendent.  Does this program lead to professional administrative licensure in K-12 public schools?
Administrative licensure requirements vary by state. If your goal is to become a Principal, Director of Special Education or Superintendent of a K-12 public school in Minnesota you will need to complete an education-related masters degree plus complete an administrative licensure preparation program such as our Ed.S. in Educational Administration which includes the coursework and field experience necessary to prepare to become an administrator in Minnesota. If you are looking to become a K-12 public school administrator in another state, it is your responsibility to check with the administrative licensing body in your state for specific licensure preparation requirements.

Will my degree say that it is from an online program?
No. The degree you earn online from Saint Mary's University is identical to the degree offered on campus.

Is this program accredited? 
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Are there set times when I can start the program?
You may apply for admission to Saint Mary’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking online classes at the start of any semester: spring, summer or fall.

How long does the program take?
To earn your online master's degree, you will complete 33 credit hours of program work. If you stay on the recommended course schedule of two online Educational Leadership classes per consecutive semester, you will complete your coursework in about 22 months. Advisers are available to help you stay on track.

Can I transfer credits from another university and graduate program?
You may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with the approval of the dean. Your transfer credits are subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.

Is there a campus residency requirement, or is the program entirely online?
The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary’s ground campuses.

Will I be required to attend online classes during set times?
No. As long as you submit your assignments by the time they are due, you can work and study when it is most convenient to you.

Is this a self-paced program?
No, these are instructor-led courses. While there are no set class times, there are assignments with set due dates.

What are the admissions requirements?
All the information about eligibility and admissions requirements can be found on the Admissions Page.

What type of support is available to me? What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?
All of the support systems available to on-campus students at Saint Mary's University are available for online learners as well. If you need academic support, a team of advisers is ready to assist. Professors are just a phone call or email away, and every online Saint Mary's University student is paired with a dedicated student services coordinator who will make sure your educational and professional goals stay on track. Technical support is also available to online students 24/7 at 877-308-9954 ext. 3.

Is financial aid available?
Absolutely. Many different types of financial aid are available to those who qualify. To discuss tuition rates and a number of different financial aid options, call 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor.

How do I get started?
Your journey to a more rewarding educational leadership career starts by calling 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor, or you can request more information and we’ll reach out to you.