Educational Administration and Leadership

About the Program

Lead the change!

Education is at a precipice; what will it look like in the next 10, 15, or 20 years? As school leaders, you can influence this change by standing in the gap and leading the charge based upon best practices, parent hopes and student dreams. Be a part of this change with us!

Our Educational Administration and Leadership program (EDAL) at Southwest Minnesota State University leads to licensure as a K-12 Principals, Superintendents, and/or Special Education Directors. We are a Minnesota Board of School Administrator approved program, with national reach. This is a post-master degree program that requires at least 3 years of previous experience in the education field. This program is a hybrid model that meets face-to-face two times a semester. Once at the beginning and once at the end of the semester. All of this through our Learning Communities.

Program Aspirations

We will grow as educational leaders, enhancing your knowledge and experience through a relevant curriculum that will stretch and challenge you.
Through hands-on experiences, grow and learn as an educational leader, while supported by cutting edge curriculum and “current” educational leaders who are viewed as some of the best in their respective fields.
Our program connects practices that support all learners, focused on the outcome of preparing the best educational leaders in our field. Average is no longer an option as we face continued competition in the K-12 educational market.

Time Commitment

The Educational Administration and Leadership program is designed as a five-semester program. Each semester ranges between a one and ten credit course load to accommodate teachers’ busy schedules. The program will begin with one weekend per month to earn it in under two years.

Cost & Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition rates at SMSU are AFFORDABLE!
SMSU offers in-state tuition to nearly everyone. No out state rates! Reciprocity rates may apply.
U.S. Citizens and eligible noncitizens can apply for Federal Aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Those in the Masters Education and Special Ed programs checkout the Teach Grant and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
Also, don’t forget to check out the different Scholarship opportunities available for graduate students.

You are required to have a 3.0 GPA for admission into the program. If your GPA is under the requirement, you may still qualify for provisional admission through demonstrating your skills and abilities within your application. Provisional admission does require students to attain a 3.0 GPA in their first semester.

Completed 60 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree that includes a master's, specialist, or doctoral degree.

Submit evidence of three years of successful classroom teaching experience holding a classroom teaching license valid for the position in which the experience was gained, or will be able to complete the third year of teaching experience by the end of the program. This is required by BOSA in order to apply for an administrative license in Minnesota.

View the course requirements within our academic catalog.

View Academic Catalog