Education Administration Degrees, PK-12

The M.Ed. in Education Administration: Principal Option is a 30-credit degree program. The program is a blend of online course work, field experience and practicum.

The program is for Massachusetts teachers only.

• Candidates must have three years of PK-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license.
• Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses.
• To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible

Group A Courses

Group B Courses

In order to enroll in the practicum, candidates must have a GPA of 3.250 and be employed in a public school district or in a charter or private school where the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are followed. Additionally, they must be mentored by a Principal or Assistant Principal who holds a Mass. Principal license.

Practicum

The M.Ed. in Education Administration: Non-licensure Option is a 30-credit degree program. The program is a blend of online course work with field experiences and a capstone project.

• Candidates must have three years of PK-12 teaching/professional experience.
• Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses.
• To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses

Group B Courses

Elective

Capstone Project

NOTE: This program does 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 degree, but cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or in their own state.

Candidates must have three years of PS-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license. Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses. To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses - Required

Group B Courses - Required

Candidates must have three years of PS-12 teaching/professional experience and hold an initial or professional PK-12 license. Candidates must be working in a school system in order to complete field experiences in all courses. To build a systematic knowledge base, students are encouraged to take Group A courses before Group B courses, if possible.

Group A Courses - Required

Group B Courses - Required

Non-Licensure Option

Seminar

Electives

Important Information

This program does 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 an Education Specialist Degree, but cannot be endorsed for licensure in Massachusetts or in their own state.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

• Application:
  • Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
  • Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
• Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
  • Master of Music Education
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
  • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
  • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
• Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
• Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

• Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
• Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
• Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
• TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+