Recent Employers
- School districts
- Charter schools
- Private schools
- State and federal education agencies
- Universities and colleges
Graduate Programs
K–12 Educational Leadership (MEd)
Our K–12 educational leadership/principalship master’s program puts you on the fast track to a school administration and leadership career through hybrid coursework that’s ideal for busy professionals.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
Certifications
Format
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
Credits
Master's: 33
Principal Certification: 30
Instructional Coaching Certification: 12
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the K-12 Educational Leadership Programs
Our K–12 educational leadership master of education program puts you on the fast track to a career in educational administration and leadership. We offer a flexible program that is ideal for working professionals. Build your professional reputation and skills while earning your degree at your own pace through hybrid online and on-campus coursework that balances your professional and personal lifestyle with your educational goals.
While pursuing your degree, you can also earn certification to fill the roles of principal, supervisor, or director.
K-12 Educational Leadership Program Options
Our master’s program will build your reputation and leadership skills and enable you to take charge of K–12 schools and districts as a principal, superintendent, or director.
View the academic catalog for Loading...
If your career goal is to become a principal, supervisor, or director, our master’s program can provide the appropriate professional certification with or without the degree.
- Earning the Loading... enables you to be hired for numerous school leadership positions because the administrative nature of this certification extends beyond principalship.
- If you are new to educational leadership, the Loading... may be a pathway for you to strengthen your professional knowledge and skills to work with other teachers in a peer coaching framework for PreK-12 classrooms. You can also opt to become an Instructional Coach, or choose to specialize in Literacy (Instructional Coaching-Literacy Emphasis Endorsement). This program is recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Through our partnership with American Community Schools of Athens, you can earn an MEd in K-12 Educational Leadership with a focus on International and Independent Schools Leadership.
In year one, you’ll travel to Athens for a 3-week summer residency. In year two, you’ll travel to the United States for a 3-week summer residency that includes educational experiences in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
During the school year, you’ll complete your coursework online.
Interested in bringing your children and family to your residency in Athens? A discounted summer camp program will enable them to experience one of the world’s most historic cities while you work toward your master’s degree.
Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for K-12 Educational Leaders
Why Study K-12 Educational Leadership at Widener?
You Set the Pace
Our flexible program lets you set your pace to work around your busy lifestyle. Most master's students choose to take two courses per semester and finish in 1 to 2 years.
Expert Faculty
All of our full- and part-time faculty members have earned doctoral degrees and have extensive administrative, leadership, and teaching experience in education. These engaging instructors build vibrant professional learning communities so you can learn and contribute to the knowledge of your fellow students who are also working professionals.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"My philosophy for teaching graduate courses in educational leadership revolves around the importance of integrating theory and practice. I believe my courses need to be grounded in research and theory related to students' particular areas of study, and also provide opportunities for students to apply that research and theory to practice."
Recent News
New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Says Widener Provided Him with a Foundation for Success
New Jersey's 2021 Superintendent of the Year Joseph Meloche attributes his success in the field of education to his experiences at Widener University.
Widener Collaborates with School in Athens on Educational Leadership Degree Programs
Widener collaborates with school in Athens to offer new degrees in international and independent schools leadership.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed application form
- $35 application fee
- Resume
- Official transcripts sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors.
- A personal statement addressing the following prompt:
- Please describe your experiences in education and how they have informed your current understanding of leadership.
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Kat LeConey
Assistant Director of Admissions & Enrollment
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #320
- (610) 499-1388
- ksleconey@widener.edu
Zora M. Wolfe
Associate Dean of the College of Health & Human Services
-
Bruce Hall
Room 110
- (610) 499-4622
- zmwolfe@widener.edu