School and Systems Educational Leadership (MSE)

Professional Administrator Certificate (PAC) Program

Degree: Master of Science in Education (MSE)
Credits: 30
Start Term: Fall
Format: Online (with job-embedded fieldwork)

Deadlines for review: February 16th (Priority Deadline); June 1 (Final Deadline)

Overview

The MSE in School and Systems Educational Leadership prepares educators to improve teaching, learning, and organizational coherence within schools and districts. Moving beyond a traditional focus on single-site leadership, the program develops the knowledge and skills needed to lead instruction, manage systems, and enact change at both the school and district levels.

Delivered in a flexible online format, the program is designed for working professionals and integrates coursework with candidates’ ongoing leadership responsibilities in their schools and districts. The program is especially well-suited for educators working in Catholic and other faith-based school systems, where mission, governance, and long-term sustainability require a distinct approach to leadership.

The program is offered in two professional contexts, allowing candidates to apply leadership learning within the environments in which they serve:

Faith-Based Schools Leadership Track
Designed for leaders in Catholic and other faith-based school systems, this track prepares candidates to lead mission-driven organizations while navigating governance structures, resource constraints, and community expectations unique to faith-based education.

Public Schools Leadership Track
Prepares leaders to navigate public education systems, including district governance, policy, accountability structures, and community engagement within public school settings.

Both tracks share curriculum, faculty, and expectations, with applications tailored to the professional context. Key areas of study include:

Instructional Leadership
Law, Policy, and Advocacy
Supervision and Professional Learning
Organizational Leadership and Team Development
Family and Community Engagement
Research for Educational Change

What Makes This Program Distinct

Fully Online, Practice-Integrated: Coursework is delivered online and designed to connect directly to candidates’ professional contexts, allowing immediate application of learning.
School and Systems Focus: Preparation extends beyond the school building to include district-level leadership, cross-school collaboration, and system-wide improvement.
Equity as Practice: Candidates conduct equity analyses, examine resource allocation, and lead initiatives that promote meaningful access and opportunity for all students.
Clinically Rich, Job-Embedded Internship: Fieldwork includes both school-based and district-level leadership experiences, culminating in a cross-school or system-level project.
Cohort-Based Learning: Students progress through the program as part of a professional learning community, building strong networks and shared expertise.
A Track for Strong Alignment with Faith-Based School Systems: The program is intentionally designed to support leaders working in Catholic and faith-based education, with attention to mission-driven leadership, governance structures, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Leadership Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to:

Lead instructional improvement across classrooms, schools, and systems
Use data and inquiry to guide decision-making and continuous improvement
Design and implement policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion
Develop and support teachers others within school systems and professional learning systems
Build strong partnerships with families and communities
Manage organizational systems, resources, and change processes

Career Pathways

Graduates pursue leadership roles such as:

Principal or Assistant Principal
Instructional Supervisor or Department Leader
District or Network-Level Administrator
Central Office Leadership Roles
Leadership roles within Catholic and faith-based school systems
Policy and Advocacy Positions in