Scholarships for a Master's in Educational Leadership

Information for Educational Leadership Master's Scholarships and Programs

Master's degree programs in the field of educational leadership typically aim to prepare students for careers as school principals, school administrators, curriculum developers, or other types of educational professionals. To help students afford their educational leadership master's degree, there are several scholarship opportunities available, some of which you can learn about below:

• Donald H. and Verna S. Duncan Endowed Scholarship - This is a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International and is awarded to a student who is currently enrolled in an educational leadership graduate program. You must be a PDK member and submit an application, personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
• PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program - PDK International also offers one-time, $500 to $2,000 scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in education. To apply, you must submit a personal statement, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a statement about other educational-related activities. You must also be involved with Educators Rising Collegiate, Pi Lambda Theta, or PDK.
• Leon Bradley Scholarship Program - Offered by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), this program offers 2 scholarships worth $3,500 to minority education students who are in the final year of completing a certification or endorsement requirement.
• Educational Administration Scholarships - The School Superintendents Association (AASA) provides 7 scholarships to graduate students who are planning to pursue a career as a school superintendent. You must be nominated by the chair of your department.

Coursework in an Educational Leadership Master's Program

In your educational leadership master's program, you will likely be required to take 30-36 credit hours of coursework that touches on all aspects of what it entails to effectively lead a school or education organization. These programs usually also require some type of practical experience, such as an internship or a practicum in a school setting, and can be complete in about 2 years.

Leadership in a School Environment

One common course in educational leadership master's programs examines theories, strategies, and practices for effective leadership within a school environment. Usually, you study decision-making and behavioral organizational theory, which is about understanding how individuals and groups behave within a school setting. Some courses also have a focus on ethical leadership and how to navigate various ethical issues that may crop up in a school environment.

Education/School Law

A course in education/school law usually provides a foundational knowledge of executive, legislative, and judicial laws, court decisions, and regulations that affect education and students, including liability, student rights, gender equity, and search/seizure in schools. You might also study the organization and role of school districts and school boards. Courses of this type might focus on laws and regulations of the specific state the program is located in.

Curriculum Development, Analysis, and Evaluation

Another type of course you may take could center on the techniques and methods for planning, developing, implementing, and assessing curriculums. Some courses have a focus on leading curriculum development within an organization and also working with teachers on curriculum implementation and evaluation, while others may have a data analysis component. All courses, however, usually cover current research in the field.

School Finance

As an educational leader, you will likely need to have good financial skills and knowledge in order to run an educational school or organizational effectively. Courses on school finance may cover such topics as school budgeting, accounting, local and federal taxation, and revenue. Most courses also cover leadership skills within the context of making financial decisions.

Instructional Supervision

Instructional supervision is generally a course that is about helping you develop the skills and knowledge needed for overseeing and evaluating instruction and teachers. Specific areas you may study are methods of teacher observation, clinical supervisions, and developing professional development programs. A lot of courses also include the study of historical and theoretical methods for supervising instruction.

Through coursework that helps build your leadership skills and understanding of the financial, legal, and supervision aspects of school administration, a master's degree program in educational leadership may prepare you for a career as a principal, superintendent, or another school leader. When pursuing your degree, you can apply for scholarships that may make your educational leadership degree more affordable.