Department of Educational Leadership

This is a hybrid graduate program that’s designed to provide current and future college and university professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to take on roles in higher education administration and student development and campus life. You’ll explore the history and philosophy of higher education, learn about organizational structures and policy, and gain the skills to address the evolving challenges facing today’s campuses. Full-time students complete the program in 2 years. 
 

Find out more here. 

Core Choice: This program offers the most flexibility of our Educational Leadership options. You can take anywhere from 1-4 classes in a given term to work within your schedule and budget. Coursework is offered in a diverse number of formats: online (7-week or 14-week sessions), hybrid (including weekend), and campus-based instruction, so you can select the format that works best for you. This is also a good option if you need to take a certain semester off due to commitments such as coaching or activity advisor. 

Fast-Track: This option allows you to earn the full Master’s degree with both Principal and Supervisor Certifications (if eligible) in 14 months while working full-time. This cohort-based program runs on a summer-to-summer schedule, with three classes each semester (mostly two classes at a time are concurrent, making the program very manageable while meeting your pacing needs). Classes are offered on select weekends and evenings in both synchronous and hybrid asynchronous-synchronous formats.

Online: Our fully-online option gives you the flexibility to learn on your own time each week. In the 7-week online format, students immerse in one course at a time, building a strong foundation in educational leadership while enjoying the flexibility of an asynchronous schedule. You’ll learn from wherever you are, giving you the space you need to move your career forward without compromising your life.

Offsite: This program is available to educators in districts that have established partnerships with the University. Courses are delivered within participating districts across New Jersey, allowing educators to learn alongside peers in their own communities. These district-based cohorts bring Montclair’s renowned faculty expertise directly to local schools, fostering collaboration between University and district leaders to prepare the next generation of educational change-makers. Courses are a mix of in-person (in a district building) and asynchronous online, which provides maximum flexibility. 

Find out more here. 

Interested in Certification?

Supervisor Certification Online: Designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree, a New Jersey teaching or educational services certificate and three years of experience, this fully online, 12-credit program meets the NJDOE requirements for Supervisor certification. You’ll learn how to support and evaluate teachers, lead curriculum development, and use data to drive meaningful change in teaching and learning. Find out more here. 

Director of School Counseling Services Certification Online: This 12-credit, fully online program is designed for experienced, licensed school counselors who want to move into administrative leadership roles. You’ll gain the skills to oversee counseling staff, manage departmental operations, and design comprehensive, data-driven counseling programs that meet the needs of diverse student populations. Find out more here. 

Principal Certification: By graduating from this program, you’ll meet the requirements for both the Principal and Supervisor Administrative Services Certifications in the State of New Jersey – adding even more credentials to your resume and setting you up to pursue leadership opportunities. Find out more here.

If you already hold a New Jersey Supervisor Certification you can accelerate your career by completing our M.A. in Educational Leadership program in just 24 credits. You’ll not only earn your Master’s degree, but also have the opportunity to attain your New Jersey Principal and School Administrator Certifications.
 

Find out more here.