Educational Leadership and Policy Studies M.Ed.

All students must meet the Requirements for the Master of Education Degree

Overview

The master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is designed to cultivate leaders who can apply knowledge toward leading and building learning communities designed to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, families, adults, and communities. The program prepares public and private school leaders, curriculum leaders, teacher leaders, leaders of educational and social service agencies, and leaders for other educational organizations. Additionally, professionals (i.e. non-profit administrators, civil-servants, and care workers) involved in leading educational training and programming for their respective organizations and services are often attracted to this program of study.  The program is designed to prepare leaders to think and act creatively, responsibly, and effectively in leadership roles.

Specific Requirements

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Education

Candidates for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies must have a Bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.00 in their degree. Preference given to candidates with evidence of leadership experience or interest/experience in education policy.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The program requirements include:

  • 30 credits of graduate-level leadership courses and electives,
  • 18 of which comprise the core curriculum, with the remainder making up the student's individual concentration. 
  • Note: This is not a licensure degree, but students are welcome to individually contact the Vermont Agency of Education to inquire about the state's transcript review process.
  • The core curriculum consists of the following courses:
  • A comprehensive exam consisting of a portfolio of leadership and policy research and analysis papers and a brief oral presentation. 
  • A maximum of 6 credits may be accepted in transfer into the program. Transfer credit may be completed prior to admission to the program provided that the credit is approved by the student's graduate studies committee and that the credit conforms to all other Graduate College requirements.

Thesis Option

The EDLP program has a thesis option in which 6 credits of EDLP 6391 , Master's Thesis Research, replaces the equivalent number of elective course credits. A thesis is developed in collaboration with a supervising EDLP faculty member and adheres to policies and procedures of the Graduate College.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination consists of a portfolio of papers already written for classes with a brief analysis of a key leadership issue that has been central to the student's studies in the degree as well as a brief oral presentation.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Education

Successful completion of at least 18 graded graduate credits with a 3.00 GPA or better, including all core courses.