student working on his computer in the Loyola Water Tower business buildingEXPLORE YOUR FUTURE

Learn more about Loyola’s Educational Leadership programs

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Become a transformative leader in education

Loyola University Chicago’s Educational Leadership programs will prepare you to lead schools and districts with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Through a comprehensive curriculum taught by experienced leaders in education, our graduate programs equip educators and administrators with skills needed to drive meaningful, sustainable change in diverse educational communities. Whether you aspire to school or district leadership, Loyola offers flexible, online pathways designed to support your growth as a transformative leader.

30 percent

tuition
discount*

97 percent

employment rate
at graduation**

Top 3

best graduate
education programs
in Chicago***

*Educational Leadership degree programs only

**Across all SOE graduate programs

***U.S. News and World Report, 2025

leftQuoteright Quote

When I think about the importance of our work as educational leaders, I think about Loyola’s mission, which is leading people to live extraordinary lives. There’s an expectation that we will take our learning and go out there to create a better world for the people after us. Leadership is a tough job, but I truly believe that the students that enter this program will be prepared to work anywhere.

— LeViis Haney, EdD ‘11

Graduate Programs

Educational Leadership for School Leaders MEd
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With an MEd in Educational Leadership for School Leaders, you’ll position yourself as a school leader with the vision, knowledge, and skills needed to address social justice and equity issues in education. Our comprehensive curriculum will provide you with foundational knowledge in leadership, management, curriculum and instruction, and diversity and inclusion. This fully online, part-time program can be completed in two years, including summers.

Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd for ISBE Endorsement Online
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This program will provide you with compressive training needed to become an effective, justice-oriented school principal. Through focused, in-depth coursework, you will gain the skills, perspectives, and knowledge needed to positively transform schools and improve student outcomes. This fully online, part-time program will prepare you for principal licensure in Illinois.

Educational Leadership for Principal Preparation MEd: Catholic Principal Preparation for ISBE Endorsement Online
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This program will empower you to become an effective principal capable of navigating complex challenges and promoting the spiritual, academic, and social growth of students in Catholic schools. Delivered through a Jesuit, Catholic university, this program emphasizes the distinctive responsibilities of Catholic school leadership, including instructional leadership, enrollment management, development, and mission-centered decision-making. This part-time, fully online, two-year program will prepare you for principal licensure in Illinois.

Catholic School Leadership MEd
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With an MEd in Catholic School Leadership from Loyola, you’ll gain the skills needed to meet the complex challenges of leading today’s Catholic schools. Guided by experienced faculty, you’ll learn how to build a resilient culture, implement data into decision making, manage faculty and staff, and communicate your school's Catholic mission in everything from curriculum to extracurricular activities. This 33-credit hour, part-time program can be completed in two years and is open to practicing educators and administrators with at least two years of relevant experience.

Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online
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As a student in Loyola’s Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD program, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and professional values you need to lead school districts with integrity and vision. Through advanced coursework, mentorship from experienced licensed educators, and a yearlong internship, you will develop the leadership skills and professional judgment required for district-level leadership. This part-time, online program includes a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses, as well as a two-week study abroad experience in Rome, Italy.

Educational Leadership: Principal Endorsement EdD Online
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With an Educational Leadership: Principal Endorsement EdD from Loyola, you’ll gain the advanced preparation needed to transition confidently into the role of school principal. Through a comprehensive curriculum supported by experienced faculty mentors, you will gain the depth and breadth of training necessary to positively impact students, teachers, and school communities. This part-time, online program is open to teachers and administrators with at least two years of professional experience.