What You’ll Learn
As a student in Dominican’s Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership program, you’ll be equipped with the essential skills, knowledge and ethics-focused foundation for success in an increasingly diverse educational landscape.
Alongside expert faculty, you’ll analyze systems of inequality and identify how societal barriers impact student outcomes and opportunities. You’ll study and respond to current challenges in teaching, curriculum, and assessment within learning environments, implementing strategies to support students’ diverse needs. And, you’ll understand how to make data-driven decisions for organizational improvements that promote inclusive and equitable school settings. Our students graduate prepared for leadership roles in schools, community organizations and higher education, including assistant principals, instructional supervisors, curriculum directors, and leaders in equity, assessment and data use.
Dominican’s MAEd in Educational Leadership licensure track prepares candidates for the Illinois State Board of Education Principal Endorsement, resulting in building-level leadership roles, including principal and other school administrative positions.
MAEd in Educational Leadership Admission Requirements
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework.
ISBE Principal Endorsement (PK-22) Licensure Track Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the above, candidates in the licensure track must also meet the following requirements:
- Hold an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
- Currently work in a PreK–12 educational setting
- Meet all Illinois State Board of Education requirements, including four years of teaching or school support personnel experience
The Principal Endorsement is not available to out-of-state or international students who do not hold an Illinois PEL and meet all Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) endorsement requirements.
Degree Requirements
- Successfully complete 33 credits of required coursework
- Complete two semesters of administrative internship and leadership portfolio
- Pass the ILTS 195/196 examination
This non-licensure track prepares professionals for leadership roles across schools, community organizations and higher education, with a focus on leadership practice and organizational improvement.
Non-Licensure Track Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
- Have at least two years of full-time teaching or school/community leadership experience before enrollment. Four years of recent part-time experience is also acceptable.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework
Degree Requirements
- Successfully complete 33 credits of required coursework
- Complete a capstone research project
