UMass Lowell's Master's of Education in Education Administration and Education Specialist in Administration, Planning and Policy degrees focus on educational administration and instructional leadership by offering cutting edge, practically based courses that provide future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for roles as school principals in Massachusetts.

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Program Overview

The Master's of Education in Education Administration is 30 credits and Education Specialist in Administration, Planning and Policy is 33 credits. For Massachusetts teachers, the degrees culminate in a two-semester practicum. The degrees are approved for principal licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Education for those candidates who work and are licensed in Massachusetts.

As the degrees are online, out of state students benefit from the coursework, but cannot be endorsed by UMass Lowell for licensure in any state including Massachusetts. We do not offer licensure programs for candidates who work in other states and these degrees culminate in either the Ed.S. seminar or the M.Ed. Action Research and not in a practicum.

  • PreK-12 Administration (for Principal Licensure and Non-licensure)

    1. Approved Massachusetts Licensure Programs for Massachusetts Educators Seeking Principal Licensure
      • M.Ed. Education Administration:: Massachusetts Teachers only (online coursework, field experiences and practicum) leading to principal licensure (3O Credits)
      • Ed.S. Administration, Planning and Policy: Massachusetts Teachers only (online coursework, field experiences and practicum) leading to principal licensure. (33 Credits)

      Massachusetts Teacher seeking principal licensure must be employed in a school which uses the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, where MCAS data are used and where your practicum can be overseen by a Principal and/or Assistant Principal who hold a Massachusetts Principal License.

    2. Non-Licensure Programs for Educators in States Other Than Massachusetts
      • M.Ed. Education Administration: 30-credit degree that culminates in Action Research and does not lead to licensure.
      • Ed.S. Administration, Planning and Policy: 33-credit degree beyond the master's level that culminates in an Ed.S. seminar and does not lead to licensure.

    These program do 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 or Ed.S. Degree, but cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or in their own state. 

  • The program includes eight courses that are common to all programs. 
    For Massachusetts teachers the degree culminates in a two-semester practicum and leads to principal licensure. For candidates who work in other states the degrees culminate in either the Ed.S. seminar or the M.Ed. Action Research and not in a practicum. 
    The program of study pathway for each option can be found in the catalog.  
  • Paperwork and fees for admission are submitted to Graduate Admissions. There are specific requirements for admission to the M.Ed. and the Ed.S. in administration listed below. Once you have completed the admission cover sheet and submitted your fee, the other materials may be sent individually and will be added to your admissions file until it is complete. The file is not reviewed until it is complete; review takes about one to two weeks if materials are received during the semester.

    • Cover sheet which can be completed electronically on the admissions website or may be submitted in hard copy
    • Admission statement:
    • Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses. 
    • Minimum of three years PK-12 professional experience PRIOR to admission
    • Proof of Initial Teaching License or relevant professional support educator license
    • Two letters of reference including one from the candidate's principal or vice principal speaking to the their potential for leadership 
    • Official transcripts
    • Undergraduate and/or graduate GPA of 3.000 or better
    • For Massachusetts teachers only: Proof of having passed the MTEL in Communications and Literacy
    • For Massachusetts teachers only: Completed UMass Lowell Principal's Acknowledgment Form supporting: the need for the candidate to engage in field-based work during the practicum which may require him/her to gain release from the classroom on occasions; and the intensive practicum and willingness to facilitate, mentor and support the experiences in which the candidate must engage.

Named a Best Online Graduate Education program by U.S. News & World Report.

2024 US News Online Grad Education

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