M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy

Curriculum

The 36-credit Educational Leadership and Policy program at the University of Rhode Island prepares aspiring leaders through a dynamic curriculum that integrates foundational knowledge, applied skills, and real-world experience. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in 8 to 9 semesters, offering flexible start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. Candidates collaborate with the program coordinator to develop a personalized course sequence that aligns with their professional goals.

The curriculum is structured into three key components:

  • Foundation Coursework (15 credits): Establishes a strong theoretical foundation in educational leadership.
  • Methods & Application Coursework (15 credits): Provides hands-on strategies to drive school improvement and instructional leadership.
  • Internship (6 credits): Immerses candidates in real-world leadership experiences through two internship courses paired with reflective seminars.  The internships are designed to be integrated with candidates’ current professional roles, allowing them to apply leadership concepts in their existing school or district settings while fulfilling program requirements.

Connection to Standards

The program aligns with the Rhode Island Standards for Educational Leaders (RISEL), the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, and applicable International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. These frameworks ensure that candidates acquire the essential leadership competencies required to drive positive change in schools and districts. Coursework, assignments, and field experiences are strategically integrated to meet these standards, fostering continuous reflection and growth.

Courses

Foundation Coursework

  • EDC 529 Foundations of Educational Research
  • EDL 500 Engaging Communities for Change
  • EDL 501 Legal and Ethical Issues in Educational Leadership
  • EDL 502 Fiscal Management for Educational Leaders  
  • EDL 503 Operations & Management for Educational Leaders

Methods & Application Coursework

  • EDL 504 Program Evaluation for School Leaders
  • EDL 505 Supervision of Instruction
  • EDL 506 Instructional and Curriculum Leadership 
  • EDL 507 Managing Human Capital
  • EDL 508 Leading School & District Improvement

Internship

  • EDL 510 Internship I + Seminar
  • EDL 511 Internship II + Seminar

Program Curricular Map

* EDL 520 – This course is for candidates interested in obtaining a superintendents certificate.

** EDL 521 – This course is for candidates interested in obtaining a director of special education certificate.