Be a Guide Through Change

MA IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

MA in Education Leadership and Administration

The MA in Education Leadership and Administration program develops a strong foundation and understanding of leadership in education and administration. These skills will help you reshape how you analyze and implement sound administrative policy, create successful strategies for change and put into service leading practices for the day-to-day needs of your schools. Key elements of the program include service learning through civic engagement, study abroad option, and job search opportunities.

We offer 4 tracks as part of the degree program. Choose from:

Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching
Global Leadership
Critical Pedagogy
Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation (see the LTLI Certificate)

As a student in the Education Leadership and Administration program, you will:

Discover the foundations of education leadership and leadership theories.
Apply organizational theory to educational research and school administration.
Develop research skills for use in schools and other professional settings.
Be prepared to contribute to the common good in both the local and global arenas.

Where you'll learn:

On-campus (Minneapolis) or online.

When to start:

Year round

Contact

education@stthomas.edu

Phone Number

651-962-4550

Required Courses

Students need a total of 31 credits of the below courses.

EDLD 800 Foundations of Educational Leadership (3 credits)
EDLD 801 Leadership and Organizational Theory (3 credits)
EDLD 807 Foundations of Leadership: An Intellectual and Ethical Practice (3 credits)
EDLD 838 Educational Management (3 credits)
EDLD 845 Communication, Conflict and Decision Making (3 credits)

Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching Track

EDLD 845 Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching (3 credits)

EDLD 808 Education and Race: Creating Systemic Change (3 credits)

EDLD 805 Professional Development and Instructional Supervision (3 credits)

EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)

Global Leadership Track

EDLD 891 Biography and Leadership (3 credits)

EDLD 868 International Development (3 credits)

EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad course)

EDLD 843 Field Experience in Global Leadership (3 credits)

Critical Pedagogy Track

EDLD 856 Paulo Freire: His Life and Pedagogy (3 credits)

EDLD 808 Education and Race (3 credits)

EDLD 861 Dialogue in Education (3 credits)

EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)

Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation (LTLI) Track*

EDLD 580 Instructional Design for Leaders (3 credits)

EDLD 581 Visionary Leadership for Systems Planning (3 credits)

EDLD 582 Promoting Equity with Technology (3 credits)

EDLD 583 Creativity and Innovation (3 credits)

EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)

*Students who wish to earn the Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation Certificate should apply to the LTLI program and complete EDLD 580-583 courses.

EDLD 621 Research, Analysis, and Critique (3 credits)
EDLD 622 Research, Analysis, and Critique II (1 credits)

Choose 9 credits from one track. Students should consult with the faculty advisor to determine the elective courses.

EDLD 780 Master's Integrative Seminar (3 credits) (Service learning/civic engagement)

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study Abroad: Leadership in Global Contexts

Real-World Field Experience

Community Partnerships

Study Abroad: Leadership in Global Contexts

Experience the uniqueness of another country while gaining cross-cultural insight into the education and culture through academic lectures and guided visits. Application deadline is March 15 each year. Past study abroad destinations have included Egypt (2023), Uganda, South Africa, Brazil, Tanzania, and Cuba. Scholarships are available.

Real-World Field Experience

Dedicated faculty and staff in your program will work with you to ensure that your experience will meet your interests and facilitate your growth, both personally and professionally. You will conduct service learning through civic engagement and conduct real-world research in professional settings.

Community Partnerships

The School of Education takes pride in engaging in innovative partnerships with a variety of organizations. Students will find many opportunities for professional growth while working with non-profits. University of St. Thomas is a changemaker university in which students can make a difference in communities through their course work.

Study Abroad: Leadership in Global Contexts

Real-World Field Experience

Community Partnerships

Uganda Study Abroad 2022

Testimonials: Leadership in the International Context of Uganda

Group photo of St. Thomas students in Uganda with Tommie banner

Examine Leadership Theories and Practices

"Traveling to the Global South, Uganda, as a part of EDLD 869: Leadership in Educational Contexts was a transformative experience. Winston Churchill describes Uganda as 'The Pearl of Africa,' and I observed first-hand the beauty of the people and the country. What I remember most is the kindness shown by individuals in Uganda and the importance of relationships and connections. The University of St. Thomas and EDLD 869 provided such an incredible opportunity to focus on 4 core areas of learning including governance, healthcare, education, and politics/economy in Uganda. The best part of engaging with these core areas was immersing myself in the culture of Uganda, not simply observing. I look forward to partnering with leaders in Uganda as learning from one another shall only enhance my own practice in leadership and my role as an educator. I highly recommend studying abroad!" -Annie T.

Group of St. Thomas student in Uganda holding Tommie banner

Immerse Yourself in a Host Country

"The EDLD 869 Leadership in International Context provided me with a hands-on educational experience and supported my growth as a leader. We learned through experiences and observations in the private and public primary and secondary education schools, private and public colleges, with tours of hospitals, the parliament, the economy/tourism by taking a safari, and the full immersion in the culture. The University of St. Thomas and its partner, the University of Kisubi, developed a program that developed ongoing leadership skills and to be an ambassador for our partnerships across the world. I will be forever grateful for this experience and the memories!" -Kelly W.

Group of St. Thomas students in Uganda visiting the Equator

Grow as a Leader

"The Leadership in the Educational and Global Contexts of Uganda course was one of the most enriching educational opportunities I have had to privilege to engage with. Being able to immerse myself in the Ugandan culture while examining our course on-site learning through leadership theories and practices gave me new insight that I know will be used in years to come in my career. The relationships built between UST colleagues, and those we partnered with in Uganda, are ones I hope to remain for many years to come as we work together in collaboration towards the advancement of the common good." -Korto D.

Advocate for Sustainable Change

"Uganda was one of the best experiences of my life, and each day felt like I was in a dream. I learned so much about myself, the world, and other people. The lessons I learned will stay with me, and I am forever positively changed. I am already excited to travel back to Uganda next summer." -Kennedy R.

FACULTY

Our faculty lead by example through teaching, research and professional service. They are experienced leaders in higher education and K-12 education.

Fr. Jean-Pierre Bongila

Director, MA in Education Leadership

Dr. Bongila is a champion of building cultural bridges of learning and understanding. His most recent book, "Developing global positioning leadership: learning experience in Cuba" (2018), deals with the pedagogy of study abroad. He is the recipient of the 2017's International Citizen Educator Award from the International Leadership Institute (MN).

Fr. Jean-Pierre Bongila

Dr. Aura Wharton-Beck

Director, K-12 Administrative Licensure Programs

Dr. Wharton-Beck joined the School of Education in 2018 after 36 years as an educator and school administrator. She has received awards as a school principal and researcher advocating for equity. Her areas of expertise include K-12 school leadership, arts education, race, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Aura Wharton-Beck

Dr. Candace Chou

Chair, Department of Education Leadership

Dr. C. Candace Chou is a professor of Learning Technology. She teaches courses on the topics of digital storytelling, use of technology for instruction and principles of educational research. Her main research interests include instructional strategies of online learning, pedagogy of emerging technologies, mobile learning, virtual reality and digital equity.

Dr. Candace Chou

MA IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION