Masters
Part-Time Only
Fall
Online
Masters
Part-Time Only
Fall
Online
About the Master's in School Leadership at Loyola
To become a school leader who has the vision, knowledge, and skills to address social justice and equity issues in education, you need a master's in education administration that will help you hone your leadership skills. The MEd in Educational Leadership for School Leaders at Loyola University Chicago will prepare you to lead your school, students, and staff to success.
You can choose one of three pathways to fit your career goals: an MEd degree plus Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) principal endorsement, an MEd degree without principal endorsement, or a principal endorsement only.
Earn your MEd with Loyola's nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate education schools in Chicago (2025), and propel your career and service to your school to new heights.
Program Structure
This master's in school administration is a fully online program. You can complete this MEd degree in two years, including summers.
Why Choose Loyola for Your MEd in Educational Leadership for School Leaders?
This Loyola Master of Education program will prepare you to confront the complexities and issues inherent in running today's schools or education-based community organizations.
- Experienced faculty
- Strong partnerships
- Like-minded community of learners
- Pathways that fit your goals
- Strong career preparation
- Grounded in Jesuit values
You will learn from faculty who are experts in their fields. They also share your commitment to social justice and to solving equity issues in education.
You will benefit from Loyola's strong partnerships with local schools and districts, which will provide you with valuable opportunities for field experiences and networking.
You will join a community of learners who share your passion for education and leadership. Together, you will prepare to make a difference in school communities.
You can choose from three program pathways to achieve your career goals: one of two Master of Education degrees (with or without principal endorsement) or the principal endorsement only.
Prepare to take on the challenges and opportunities of being a school leader so you can make a difference in the lives of students, teachers, and communities through this impactful MEd in Educational Leadership for School Leaders program.
By earning your master's in school administration from a Jesuit, Catholic university, you will not only learn to educate students academically but also ethically and spiritually. You will be a school leader who models the values of excellence, justice, faith, and service.
Educational Leadership Department
The Department of Educational Leadership equips administrators and supervisors to become transformative leaders in education. Our mission is to tackle pressing social justice and equity challenges within school systems. We take pride in our alumni, many of whom hold prominent positions within the Illinois Board of Education and across school districts throughout the state. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd program.
FacultySchool Leadership: Career Connections
Through the Loyola MEd in Educational Leadership for School Leaders, you will be prepared to be a leader and a change agent in school communities, such as public and private schools, charter schools, Catholic schools, higher education institutions, and education-based nonprofit organizations. Your specific job title will vary depending upon whether or not you chose the principal endorsement.
Specific job options include:
- School principal
- Assistant principal
- Instructional coordinator
- Curriculum director
- Education consultant
- Education policy analyst
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers as a school leader.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
- Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd
- Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd For ISBE Endorsement Online
Master's of School Administration Results and Skills
Through this MEd degree, you will gain foundational knowledge in leadership, management, curriculum and instruction, and diversity and inclusion, along with the skills to become an effective school leader, including the ability to:
- Lead and manage
- Collaborate
- Make data-driven decisions
- Advocate for equity and access
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd | 33 | $1,025.00 | $33825.00 |
| Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd For ISBE Endorsement Online | 33 | $1,025.00 | $33825.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
- Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd
- Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd For ISBE Endorsement Online
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd are listed below:
Fall: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3.0 Minimum GPA
Licensure
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Work Experience
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice. This should include any research and professional experiences as well as how you have demonstrated transformational leadership throughout your P-12 experience.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd For ISBE Endorsement Online are listed below:
Fall: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd For ISBE Endorsement Online include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3.0 Minimum GPA
Licensure
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Work Experience
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice. This should include any research and professional experiences as well as how you have demonstrated transformational leadership throughout your P-12 experience.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY