Educational Leadership Programs

NLU’s National College of Education offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Educational Leadership for the broad educational aim of developing performance capacities in individuals seeking to lead schools and other learning organizations, develop teachers professionally, and promote the success of all students. 

The Ed.S. and M.Ed. degree program develops leader capacities based on national building-level standards advocated by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council. The program fosters capabilities in developing a shared vision of learning; sustaining positive and safe school cultures and instructional programs; managing school operational systems; using performance information to improve school programs; leading with integrity and equity within professional, legal, and policy frameworks; and advocating for school students, teachers, staff, families, and caregivers. The program develops leaders through substantial and sustained educational leadership projects, guided application experiences within educational settings, and key assessments of proficiency in developing leadership competencies.

For more information on state licensure and certification information please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO1. Candidates acquire dispositions that help to ensure that students are at the center of all educational decisions. 

PLO2. Candidates gain and apply content knowledge in leadership, organizational theory, community relations, education law, curriculum and instruction, resource allocation, data-informed decision making, management and operations, tiered systems of support, and other sub-specialty areas.

PLO3. Candidates experience situations to develop skills to facilitate collaboration, innovation, change, and conflict resolution.

PLO4. Candidates enhance their abilities in listening and communicating effectively, engaging stakeholders in decision making, developing interpersonal effectiveness, and developing problem solving skills utilizing creativity.

PLO5. Candidates learn and employ the leadership dispositions and attitudes that lead to school change. 

State Credential Track:

Applicants in Illinois who do not have a master’s degree and are seeking the principal endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (state credential track, Illinois).

Applicants in Florida who do not have a master’s degree and are seeking educational leadership/school principal certification should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (state credential track, Florida).

Applicants in Illinois who have a master’s degree and are seeking the principal endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (state credential track, Illinois).

Applicants in Florida who have a master’s degree and are seeking educational leadership/school principal certification should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (state credential track, Florida).

General Education Leadership Track (non-endorsement):

Applicants who do not have a master’s degree and are not seeking state endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (General Education Leadership).

Applicants who have a master’s degree and are not seeking state endorsement should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (General Education Leadership).

District Level Educational Leadership Track:

Applicants in Illinois who have a master’s degree and the principal endorsement and wish to seek superintendent licensure should select the Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (district level educational leadership track, Illinois).