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Schools are facing unprecedented change and need a new generation of strong leaders to guide and direct them. Step into a leadership role with the University of Central Missouri’s Educational Leadership MSE, K–12 Principal option.

UCM has prepared generations of education leaders in the Kansas City area and throughout Missouri. We understand the challenges that elementary, middle and high school principals face, and our expert faculty provide the tools and skills you need to meet those challenges and deliver effective leadership at your school.

With more than 200 UCM graduates in educational leadership roles in the state of Missouri, you may have already witnessed what a UCM Educational Leadership degree looks like in action — we value caring, service and excellence above all. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role, we’ll help you get there with the quality principal education requirements you need.

Flexibility is a top priority

We know that work-life balance is important, so we make it easy to earn a graduate degree on your schedule. Our MSE courses are available at our Warrensburg and Lee's Summit campuses — just 30-45 minutes from Kansas City — so you won’t have to drive far to attend class. Classes are also offered online and you can take your summers off for added flexibility. Most students complete the program in 18 to 24 months.

What you will study

At the University of Central Missouri, we ensure you’re ready to lead your school and gain principal education requirements for the state of Missouri. As a graduate student in UCM’s Educational Leadership master’s program, you’ll learn how to set a vision for your school that promotes student learning and continuous school improvement while creating a positive culture and an equitable learning environment. You’ll also learn how to supervise school personnel and strategically allocate school resources.

To support this learning, our graduate program curriculum includes courses on finance, law, data analysis and curriculum development and assessment. Then you’ll choose an elective focused on a leadership experience to customize your master’s degree.

You’ll also work Â鶹ԭ´´ a mentor throughout the program to observe, participate and facilitate school management and improvement roles while maintaining your current teaching status.

What can you do with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UCM?

As an MSE graduate, you’ll fulfill principal education requirements to advance in a leadership role at your school or elsewhere — and enjoy the salary boost that comes with earning a master’s degree. Our master’s program supports leadership roles such as:

School leader, grades K–12

Elementary, middle or high school principal

Dean of students

Teacher-leader

Department chair

Athletic director

Team leader

Instructional coach

Activities director

If your career goals include getting a doctorate, our MSE will prepare you for advanced education and the pursuit of the highest levels of educational leadership.