MS K-12 Educational Leadership at University of Rochester

Programme overview

A master's preparing school building and school district leaders, offered with a fully online option and designed as one of the shortest paths to New York certification. Designated Leader Scholarships cover up to 65% of tuition.

Faculty: Warner School of Education and Human Development | Department: Educational Leadership | Duration: Minimum 36 credits (some transferable) | Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Seven leadership courses for the full programme (one fewer for a single certification) and a 600-hour administrative internship covering building and district levels, which can be completed in the student's own district. Faculty areas include school finance, instructional leadership, program evaluation and special education leadership.

Career pathways

Eligible for most K-12 administrative positions: building-level roles such as assistant principal or principal and district-level roles such as director, assistant superintendent for instruction or superintendent. New York administrative certifications are recognized in most other states.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme requirement (K-12 Educational Leadership MS and certificate): minimum three years of teaching or pupil-services experience in a K-12 setting (NYS requirement); school district leader candidates need 60 graduate credits to apply. Warner School graduate applications (master's and certificate): bachelor's degree; two recommendation letters (at least one preferably from a former professor); 2-4 page statement of purpose; resume or CV; writing sample of at least five pages; transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; GRE not required for many programmes; TOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants with a non-U.S. Priority deadline November 1, 2026; start any semester.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026

Duration: Minimum 36 credits (some transferable)

Explore more study programmes

Engineering