This degree program is designed for current and aspiring professionals who seek Catholic school leadership positions in PK-12 Catholic schools, and/or may choose to pursue a post Master’s degree in  higher education in the area of Catholic Educational Leadership.

This degree concentration offers a blend of theology and educational leadership courses, 9 elective credits,  and provides a 16 week professional internship in a PK-12 Catholic school setting.

Students in the M.S.Ed: Catholic School Leadership concentration will:

• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become exemplary Catholic school leaders who embrace and promote Catholic mission and identity and recognize the ways these contribute to the unique character of a Catholic educational institution.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the approaches, strategies and practices that support effective governance and operational vitality of a Catholic school/educational program.
• Exemplify the characteristics of an instructional leader who promotes and supports academically rigorous, relevant, and research-based curricular and co-curricular programs integrated with the NCEA Defining Characteristics of Catholic Schools.
• Cultivate the skills required to be a responsible steward of both the operational management and the ethos of a Catholic educational setting, which includes the planning and ongoing evaluation of school communication, relationship with parents, guardians and families, supervision of school personnel and outreach and collaborations with the larger community.
• Illustrate the qualities of a reflective and intentional practitioner-leader, possessing knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a school, and the ability to translate academic knowledge into actionable strategies to make informed decisions.