Lead confidently with UMass Lowell’s online graduate programs in Education Administration, M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees.

Graduate Programs in Education Administration

Prepare for leadership roles in PK-12 schools with UMass Lowell's online master's or education specialist degree programs.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in PK-12 Education Administration:Designed for current teachers, theMaster's in Education Administration (PK-12)focuses on school management and foundational leadership skills and will prepare you for educational leadership roles such as school principal. Anis available for Massachusetts residents, while ais available for out-of-state students.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administration, Planning and Policy:The Ed.S. degree program is for experienced educators who already hold a master's degree and seek further specialization in PK-12 school leadership. For Massachusetts teachers, anis available. Teachers who reside out-of-state may choose to pursue the.

Please note: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are not required for admission to this program.

Education Administration Curricula

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education Administration are 30-credit graduate degrees.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

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

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

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

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.5922Principal Practicum I (Fall)3
EDUC.5932Principal Practicum II (Spring)3
Total6

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

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Elective

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
XXXX.6XXXAppropriate 6000 level course chosen after consultation with advisor3
Total3

Capstone Project

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6900Action Research3
Total3

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

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instruction Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Seminar
Course #Course NameCr.
Total3
EDUC.6560Ed.S. Seminar3
Practicum
Course #Course NameCr.
Total6
EDUC.5922Principal Practicum I (Fall)3
EDUC.5932Principal Practicum II (Spring)3
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 MA Principal license.
This program is for Massachusetts Teachers only.

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

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6320The Inclusive School3
EDUC.6431The Principalship3
EDUC.6421Principles of Supervision3
EDUC.6130Leading a Professional Learning Community3
EDUC.6580The Role of the Curriculum and Instruction Leader3
Total15

Group B Courses - Required

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6220Managing Resources and Finances3
EDUC.6230School Policy and Law3
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
Total9

Non-Licensure Option

Seminar

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6560Ed.S. Seminar3
Total3

Electives

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6XXXElective in consultation with advisor3
EDUC.6XXXElective in consultation with advisor3
Total6

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.

Why Choose UMass Lowell for Your EducationAL Leadership Journey?

A UMass Lowell UTeach student interacts with students in a classroom.

Licensure-Ready

Both the M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs are approved for principal/assistant principal licensure in Massachusetts, equipping you with the credentials needed for leadership roles in PK-12 schools.

 U.S. News & World Report badge for best online graduate education program, UMass Lowell.

Affordable, Nationally Recognized Programs

Ranked as the Best Online Graduate Education Program in New England by U.S. News & World Report, scholarships and financial aid are available in addition to our competitively priced tuition.

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Flexible Learning Options

Fully online course work with interactive learning experiences. Designed to fit the schedules of working educators. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.

Students walk up pathway to the front of Coburn Hall on UMass Lowell's South Campus

Research-Based Leadership Training

Learn best practices in school leadership, curriculum development, policy implementation and data-driven decision-making to drive meaningful improvements in education.
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Expert Faculty and Strong Professional Network

Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support our student-centered approach to learning. Engage with experienced educators, administrators and policymakers who provide real-world insights and mentorship to help you excel in your leadership journey.

What Our Graduates Do

With the increasing demand for qualified school leaders, earning a graduate degree in Education Administration positions you for success in shaping the future of education. Our education administration programs prepare you for PK-12 leadership roles, including:
  • Principal or Assistant Principal
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • District Administrator
  • Director of Special Education
  • Superintendent or School Executive

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Cost Per Credit
Online Education: $470
Online 7000-level Education: $655

Term Registration Fee: $30

Please seefor more information.

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 visitFinancial Aidif you have questions about your eligibility.

All College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for:
    1. (GRE) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    2. (GRE) Global Studies, Ph.D.
    3. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Music Education, Master of Music (M.M.)
  7. Resume- required for:
    • Music Education, M.M.
    • Public Administration, M.P.A
    • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
      • Optional for the Education Administration PK-12 option
    • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
    • Doctoral level education programs
      • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
      • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV)
  8. Writing Sample (Education Ph.D. programs only)
  9. Forms (M.Ed In Education Administration, PK-12 Option only)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. Supporting documents may be uploaded directly to your GradCAS application. If you have trouble uploading materials after applying, you may email them directly to graduate_admissions@uml.edu.

Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.

Program Application Deadlines for Fall Admissions:

  • Global Studies Ph.D. - January 15
  • Psychology Ph.D. - January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D. - February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies - February 15

Program Application Deadlines for Summer Admissions:

  • The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort-based program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year between July - October 15.

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will need to apply via the application portal. Visit the page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are accepted through the GradCAS application portal.

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or the applicant inputs a coupon code at checkout.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

For applicants to Doctoral education programs:

Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D. - candidates should submit a statement of no more than 1,500 words, that responds to two questions:

  • What are you interested in researching during your doctoral studies, and why?
  • How would doctoral studies at UMass Lowell advance your career goals?

Leadership in Schooling Ed.D.- A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant describes their understanding of equity-based educational problems and identifies and articulates the reasons to address a contextually relevant, equity-based problem (for STEM applicants should have a STEM focus).

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's and Ed.D. applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral (Ph.D.) applicants are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide contact information for your referees during the application process, and an automated request will be sent out.

Criminal Justice, M.A.: Letters of recommendation are optional, not required.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. Master’s transcripts are required for students applying to the Ed.D. and Education Ph.D. programs. Otherwise, submission of any master’s coursework is optional.

You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework, which may be beneficial for supporting your candidacy. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Review the . Candidates are encouraged to submit their official transcripts directly to GradCAS, which is particularly advantageous if you are applying to multiple schools. GradCAS will attach your transcripts to all existing applications for all schools, allowing you to request these official documents just once.

Transcripts are also accepted in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions or electronically directly from your university. Send to graduate_admissions@uml.edu. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Graduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's/master's degree require a course-by-course credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency, such as:

  • (CED)
  • ® (ECE)
  • (WES)

Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated.

test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Submission of the GRE test score report is required for applicants to the following programs:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
  • Global Studies, Ph.D.

Submission of passing MTEL(Massachusetts Teachers Education License) is required for the following program:
  • Master of Music in Music Education, MM - Applicants to this program must submit proof of successfully passing the MTEL test in Music.

Please request that the appropriate agency send an official test score for the GRE/GMAT or MTEL to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Lowell's school code is 3911.

For more information about standardized tests, our Admissions Standards page provides current information.

7. Resume

The programs listed below require a resume for admissions consideration:

  • Music Education, M.M.
  • Public Administration, M.P.A
  • Master of Education, M.Ed., programs
    • Optional for the Education Administration, PK-12 option
  • Language Arts and Literacy, Ed.S
  • Doctoral
    • Optional for the Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.

8. writing-sampleWriting Sample / Artifact

  • Leadership in Education Ph.D. and Research & Evaluation in Education Ph.D.- Please submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's ability to present a cohesive, focused and persuasive response to an education issues of his or her choice. The writing sample should be accompanied by a brief note explaining the context in which it was written and identifying the kinds of support received by the applicant producing it.

If you have any trouble with the application process, please call Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390 or emailgraduate_admissions@uml.edu.

9. Forms

Students applying to the M.Ed. Education Administration, PK-12 Option should have their principal complete the Principal's Acknowledgment Form, which can be uploaded to the Documents section of the GradCAS application.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Request More Information

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu