{"id":396,"date":"2023-09-27T07:53:19","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T11:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/?page_id=396"},"modified":"2026-04-29T07:35:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T11:35:46","slug":"master-of-arts-in-educational-leadership","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/master-of-arts-in-educational-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Arts in Educational Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEvery activity I participated in during the program helped me to grow as a leader and develop a leadership philosophy. I feel very well prepared as I start this new chapter in my career as a highly effective school leader.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2013 Marla Guerity \u201923, Assistant Principal, Rocky River Elementary<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Our Program: Empowering, Fast-paced, Fully Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How do exceptional educators become exceptional leaders in today\u2019s K-12 landscape? It starts here, with our Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MEL) program, designed to empower future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspire meaningful growth among today\u2019s students. Our competitive tuition means you\u2019ll get an outstanding education at an incredible value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fully Online &amp; Asynchronous.<\/strong> Built to accommodate busy teaching schedules, our program allows you to complete your degree on your own time and at your own pace, whether it takes 12 months or 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experienced Faculty.<\/strong> Our faculty members have decades of real-world experience and have served as both educators and leaders within K-12 institutions, which includes experience supervising principals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Focus on Empowerment.<\/strong> You will emerge from our program with the skills, knowledge, and requirements necessary to take on a variety of roles, including principalships, administrative leadership positions, department chairs, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real-world Simulations.<\/strong> These simulation exercises &#8211; found in each course you take &#8211; will allow you to practice your skills in a unique hands-on way. Queens is the only school in North Carolina providing this type of simulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licensure Alignment.<\/strong> Our program is designed to align with all North Carolina licensure requirements. When you graduate, you will be ready to change the future for our children right here in the Tar Heel State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.queens.edu\/register\/?id=53a90e90-6fd1-4863-a827-54d79cbbd83c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want More Information<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quengage.queens.edu\/events?group_ids=35467\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Attend an Info Session<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/apply.queens.edu\/apply\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MEL Program Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Number of credits<\/strong>: 33 credit hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Number of courses needed to graduate<\/strong>: 11<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Average completion time<\/strong>: 16 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost per credit<\/strong>: $567<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total tuition<\/strong>: $18,711<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexible Program<\/strong>: Online and asynchronous<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No GRE required<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>N.C. licensure alignment<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certificate option available<\/strong>: Contact us to learn more about our new Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate that\u2019s available to those who already have a master\u2019s degree in education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Scholarship Available<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A new scholarship will support school educators and administrators on their professional journeys, ensuring they have the resources to advance in their ever-changing field. The Harriet James Hopkins Leadership in Education Fund is a <em>$1,000 annual scholarship<\/em> given to select Queens students pursuing a graduate degree in education or professionals who are part of the School Executive Leadership Academy. All students who begin in the summer term (May) will be considered for a scholarship, and the priority deadline to be considered for is April 1, so <a href=\"https:\/\/apply.queens.edu\/apply\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">apply today<\/a>. Recipients will also have access to mentoring sessions after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your MEL in Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This program meets the requirements for the master&#8217;s level add-on Principal licensure, which is required for the following careers:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A Principalship in North Carolina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An Assistant Principalship in North Carolina.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative leadership positions that advance the field of education, such as district leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, Human Resources, and other various fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instructional Coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dean of Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dean of Faculty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Department Chair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selected Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Supervision to Improve Instruction (EDU 631)<\/strong>: This course provides a deep dive into the school executive&#8217;s role in supervising and improving instruction, with topics like teacher coaching, professional development, and shared leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Leading in a Global Society (EDU 642)<\/strong>: This course introduces candidates to the critical role of school leaders, including learning focused on the history of the principalship, leadership theories, systemic thinking, planning and management, and challenges that face leaders who act as change agents within their schools and communities. Plus, you\u2019ll engage in the first component of your culminating capstone action plan for continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Education Law and Ethics (EDU 667)<\/strong>: Examine both the ethical and legal dimensions of school leadership, with an exploration of topics such as due process, search and seizure, staff evaluation, sexual discrimination and harassment, bilingual education, and exceptional children education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Improving Instruction Using Data (EDU 676)<\/strong>: Explore the critical role of the school leader in creating processes for the collection and use of student assessment data. You\u2019ll learn the knowledge and skills necessary to address this important responsibility culminating in the production of a digital product for use in sharing analyses, conclusions, and recommendations with school faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAs I reflect on [my capstone project, I saw the growth in my academic knowledge and real-world experiences. Rereading early reflections allowed me to see how far I have come in applying content knowledge and data to support decision-making and goal-setting. I believe I am becoming a school leader who is capable and ready to lead a school to success through a deep commitment to instructional and cultural leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite>\u2013 Debbie Watkins \u201923, Assistant Principal, Charles E. Boger Elementary<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program Contacts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/11\/Dixie-Abernathy-Sm.jpg\" alt=\"Dixie Abernathy\" class=\"wp-image-4436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/11\/Dixie-Abernathy-Sm.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/11\/Dixie-Abernathy-Sm-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dixie Abernathy, Ed.D.<\/strong><br>Program Director<br>Associate Professor, Cato School of Education<br><a href=\"mailto:graduateadmissions@queens.edu\">graduateadmissions@queens.edu<\/a><br>704-688-2759<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/04\/Graciela-Perez.jpg\" alt=\"Graciela Perez\" class=\"wp-image-4975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/04\/Graciela-Perez.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/04\/Graciela-Perez-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Graciela Perez<\/strong><br>Graduate Recruiter<br><a href=\"mailto:graduateadmissions@queens.edu\">graduateadmissions@queens.edu<\/a><br>980-920-5876<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Your Professors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-8631861a wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/education\/cato-school-of-ed-dept-faculty\/\">Faculty Directory<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want More Information?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width: 800px; margin: auto;\"><div id=\"form_53a90e90-6fd1-4863-a827-54d79cbbd83c\">Loading&#8230;<\/div><script async=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apply.queens.edu\/register\/?id=53a90e90-6fd1-4863-a827-54d79cbbd83c&amp;output=embed&amp;div=form_53a90e90-6fd1-4863-a827-54d79cbbd83c\">\/**\/<\/script><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cEvery activity I participated in during the program helped me to grow as a leader and develop a leadership philosophy. I feel very well prepared as I start this new chapter in my career as a highly effective school leader.\u201d \u2013 Marla Guerity \u201923, Assistant Principal, Rocky River Elementary Meet Our Program: Empowering, Fast-paced, Fully [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page_with-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-396","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=396"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/396\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4978,"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/396\/revisions\/4978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.queens.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}