Educational Leadership (M.S.)

Program of Study

The Hood College Educational Leadership Program provides participants the opportunity to build leadership capacity while meeting the Maryland State Department of Education academic requirements for administrator certification. Knowledge acquired through courses such as school law, leadership and group dynamics, curriculum development and educational supervision, is balanced with practice when theories and skills acquired through coursework are applied during a yearlong, school-based internship.

Evening courses offered during the fall and spring semesters and two summer sessions allow successful full and part-time educators the opportunity to complete the 36-credit Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in as little as three years. Participants holding relevant graduate degrees may meet requirements for administrator certification in two years by completing the 18-credit certificate preparation track in this state-approved program. The maximum time allowed for program completion is seven years.

Relevant, Student-Centered Instruction

Successful school administrators experienced at all levels of public school administration and committed to student success provide instruction. A recent Middle States assessment noted that while instructors have “good academic qualifications”, their experience allows for “specific application of theoretical knowledge.” Guesmine cant lectures are given by outstanding practitioners in areas ranging from the culturally competent classroom to interacting with the media.

Program Requirements

The 36-credit program, which offers courses in the evenings and during the summer, is designed for teachers who wish to pursue a Hood graduate degree in school administration and supervision on a part-time basis. Candidates for certification must have taught for at least three years. More...

Success of Graduates

Hood College Educational Leadership graduates hold a variety of educational leadership positions finding that they were well prepared for assignments including assistant principal, principal, coordinator and supervisor. Here’s what program graduates say:

“The program’s emphasis on best practices and real-world problem solving has prepared me for the many new challenges I have faced in my transition from teaching to administration.” Don Brady, secondary administrator, M.S. in Educational Leadership

“The leadership program at Hood provided a wonderful experience that tailored the training to the needs of the participants.” Katheryn Mathes, Ph.D., Instructional Specialist, Certification Preparation track

“The skills and knowledge I acquired through the Hood College Educational Leadership graduate program prepared me to be an effective principal. The highly experienced faculty was always available to support my individual needs, especially since there is a small student-to-faculty ratio." Charlene Eroh, Elementary Principal, M.S. in Educational Leadership

"After receiving my bachelor's degree from Hood, I returned to Hood twice. The first time, I earned my master's degree; the second time I took the courses I needed for certification as an administrator. What impressed me the most - as an undergraduate and a graduate student -- is that Hood always seems to recognize and respond to the needs of students." Melanie Hoffman, Lead Psychologist. More...

Hood College Educational Leadership Faculty

Successful school administrators—including a former public principal—teach graduate students in the program, supplemented by specialists who serve as guest lecturers and adjunct instructors. Guest lectures are given by outstanding practitioners, including superintendents, principals and Board of Education members. More...

Educational Leadership Credit-Count Program

Teachers who already hold a master's degree in an education-related field can take 18 credit hours of specific, state-approved courses from the M.S. in Educational Leadership Program and be state-certified as an Administrator I, provided they have completed three years of successful teaching.