The educational leadership programs apply principles and theory directly to today's K-12 school settings. Classes are taught by proven public school administrators who speak the language of 21st century education. They know how to motivate staff and students and connect with families through a shared vision. The result is instruction that is firmly grounded in sound, practical knowledge. Most courses are offered in the hybrid model.
Hood’s unique school-based internship offers an authentic, real-world leadership opportunity before graduation. Under the mentorship of a working principal, students participate in scheduling and staffing decisions, conduct action research, mentor a teacher and generally immerse themselves in the culture and challenges of the school year.
The completion of the courses in both the Master’s program and the certificate program permits students to earn the State of Maryland Administrator I license that enables a student to apply for school-based assistant principal and central office supervisor positions. When students earn their Master’s degree or their certificate, and then take and pass the Educational Testing Service (ETS) School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), they then qualify for the State of Maryland Administrator II license that enables a candidate to apply for school-based principal positions and central office director and above positions.
* Please note the Educational Leadership master's and certificate programs are not open to F1 students.
Program Director
Director of Graduate Admission
"All of my professors in the Educational Leadership program have been current and past MCPS leaders and administrators. Time spent talking with the instructors, hearing their real-life stories, and getting a fresh and truthful look at the role of a school administrator has been invaluable."
"The Educational Leadership Master's program has helped us network with a variety of educators and professionals within WCPS and FCPS."
"As a faculty member and teacher, I believe wholeheartedly in a growth mindset. I believe in each and every student and welcome all learners"
To apply for the educational leadership master’s or certificate programs, a candidate must complete the online application that includes attaching:
Once the application is complete, the program director will contact the candidate to set up an interview. The interview step will take about one hour for a review of the program along with questions to the candidate about the program. In addition, the candidate will write, or word-process, a response to a prompt.
Note: Applicants for the partnership program with Montgomery County Public Schools are required to have completed five years of tenure with MCPS to be eligible for the in-county cohort program.
Candidates for the Master’s degree must complete the following 12 courses. Candidates should follow the sequence of the courses as listed as much as possible. The last two courses should be 589 and 587/8.
| EDUC 502 | Technology for Literacy,Leadership & Learning | 3.0 |
| EDUC 577 | Introduction to Educational Research | 3.0 |
| EDUC 581 | Research-Based Teaching,Learning & Assessment | 3.0 |
| EDUC 582 | Educational Philosophy in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| EDUC 513 | School Law | 3.0 |
| EDUC 514 | Administration of Student Services | 3.0 |
| EDUC 578 | Educational Leadership and Group Dynamics | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| EDUC 584 | Systemic Change Processes for School Improvement | 3.0 |
| EDUC 586 | Principles of Educational Supervision | 3.0 |
| EDUC 589 | School Business & Personnel Administration | 3.0 |
| EDUC 587 | Elementary School Administrative Internship | 3.0 |
| or |
| |
| EDUC 588 | Secondary School Administrative Internship | 3.0 |
EDUC 587, EDUC 588: The Registrar's office will re-register students for the course in the spring as “IP” (In Progress) until a final grade is submitted.
Program Completion
Students who complete the coursework for the Master’s degree and who maintain a 3.0 grade point average are eligible for the State of Maryland Administrator I license. Students who take and pass the ETS School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) are eligible for the State of Maryland Administrator II license.
Program Follow Up
Program completers in both programs will complete the following activities:
Students enrolled in this certificate must have a master's degree in a related education field and must complete 18 credit hours in six required courses. Completion of the coursework enables a student to qualify for the State of Maryland Administrator I license. Students who successfully complete the coursework and who take and pass the ETS School Leaders Licensure Assessment may qualify for the State of Maryland Administrator II license. Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to transfer in any credits.
| EDUC 513 | School Law | 3.0 |
| EDUC 583 | Principles of Curriculum Development & Appraisal | 3.0 |
| EDUC 584 | Systemic Change Processes for School Improvement | 3.0 |
| EDUC 586 | Principles of Educational Supervision | 3.0 |
| EDUC 589 | School Business & Personnel Administration | 3.0 |
| EDUC 587 | Elementary School Administrative Internship | 3.0 |
| or |
| |
| EDUC 588 | Secondary School Administrative Internship | 3.0 |
