Educational Leadership Graduate Programs

The College of Education offers a complete educational leadership graduate studies program, from graduate certificates and leadership endorsements to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees.

The program focuses on developing leaders in educational settings, emphasizing PK-12 settings. For program leads to professional building or district licensure as a school principal or superintendent for most graduates.

Our primary goal is to prepare educational leaders to acquire knowledge, establish beliefs, and develop skills in the following areas:

  • Mission, Vision, and Improvement
  • Ethical Decisions and Professional Norms
  • Equity, Inclusiveness, and Cultural Responsiveness
  • Learning and Instruction
  • Community and External Leadership
  • Operations and Management
  • Policy, Governance, and Advocacy
  • Building Professional Capacity
  • Internship Experience

We believe an educational leader promotes the success of all students through the actions outlined in the Kansas Building and District Leadership Standards and the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program Standards.

The Educational Leadership programs are available online with synchronous or self-paced asynchronous delivery options. Some links below will take you to the K-State Online website for additional information about the traditional synchronous online options.

 

Educational Leadership Master's Degree

(Two delivery options available: online with synchronous sessions or self-paced online asynchronous delivery.)

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership is a professional degree program that prepares skilled practitioners for leadership roles in PK-12 settings.

Beginning in August 2025, K-State will offer this degree program in 30 hours, reduced from 36, and a new self-paced asynchronous delivery option in addition to the traditional synchronous online program.

This program is for:

  • Students who desire a building-level (principal) endorsement should select this degree/program to meet the requirements of the state of Kansas for professional licensure.
  • Students who intend to assume other significant leadership roles in public schools, apart from professional licensure, should consider this degree.

There are two online delivery models available: self-paced and traditional:

Self-paced asynchronous online program. Students move at their own pace through the courses, using their experience and knowledge to demonstrate mastery of the competencies.

Traditional synchronous online program. Traditional online program courses are 8 weeks long and have synchronous and asynchronous class sessions.

 

Educational Leadership Doctorate (Ed.D.)

(Distance with Synchronous class sessions)

The Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership is a professional degree program that prepares skilled leadership practitioners. Students who do not already hold a district-level (superintendent) endorsement may tailor coursework in their emphasis area to meet that license requirement.

Each student’s program of study is individualized with the approval of the major professor and the supervisory committee to optimize the student’s interests, expertise, and goals.

 

Qualitative Research Graduate Certificate (Online)

This 18-credit-hour graduate certificate is offered in response to the demand for trained qualitative researchers at the national and international levels.

In the program, students are introduced to qualitative research methods from a broad social science perspective so they understand how qualitative research is conducted in education and other fields.

This experience allows students to make connections between different parts of the inquiry process, thereby developing a stronger understanding of how to conceptualize, execute, and report projects conducted through qualitative inquiry.

Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate (Online)

This graduate certificate is for educators passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous students. Designed to complement your current role, you can complete the program in just one year.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, American Indian education program coordinator, or work in tribal education, this program will deepen your knowledge and enhance your ability to serve Indigenous communities.

 

 

Leadership Licensures

For more information about Educational Leadership graduate programs, contact Dr. Royce Ann Collins at racollin@k-state.edu.