Educational Leadership, M.Ed.

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The College of Education and Human Development offers one graduate degree program in Educational Leadership: Master of Education (M.Ed.). Courses leading to an M.Ed. are taught by a core faculty with expertise in areas of educational foundations, organizational development, climate and culture, school administration, supervision and evaluation, curriculum development, school law, school finance, higher education, and diversity, equity, & inclusion.

Contact Information

Jafeth Sanchez, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
College of Education and Human Development
jesanchez@unr.edu
(775) 682-9078

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Nevada Leads is an innovative, university-district partnership created to prepare cohorts of exceptional teachers for educational leadership positions. Guided by experienced University faculty and principal mentors, Nevada Leads cohorts will earn their M.Ed. in Educational Leadership through participation in an intensive, experiential program of study aligned to the 2015 Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. The accompanying internship will provide candidates with real world school-based leadership experiences focused on the skills and dispositions needed to serve as change agents and advocates for equity in 21st century schools.

The master’s graduate program in Educational Leadership aims to generate graduates who are well-versed in content, theories, research methods, and the application of knowledge to practice. The program of studies is designed to provide skills, knowledge, and understanding for entry level leadership positions.

Admission Requirements

Application to the program is made through the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno. Nevada Leads follows a cohort model, so applications are considered in the fall semester only. Cohorts begin coursework each spring.

Apply for admission to the Graduate School. Application must be made online at http://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions. Select “Educational Leadership M.Ed.” as your major. The application fee ($60) must accompany the submission.
Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. (If coursework was completed at UNR, Admissions and Records would already have your transcripts available for the Graduate School, and you need not send them.)
The graduate application and Educational Leadership MEd application are streamlined as one and must include:

Three letters of recommendation that speak to your potential for success both as a graduate student and as an educational administrator. These letters should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School’s confidential process as part of that application. When you insert your references; they will get a notification to upload their letter. Be sure to follow-up with them to ensure they are submitted.
A statement of purpose in joining the program, maximum of 1,000 words.
Although not required, applicants may submit additional information such as a vita/resume and cover letter that may provide relevant information for assessing professional promise.
A signed College of Education & Human Development Dispositions form must be submitted for the application to be considered complete.

Admission Criteria - Full Admission Status

Most applicants to the M.Ed. program surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School” chapter in this catalog), concerning specific regulations on graduate standing). Full admission is based on the following criteria:

Academic ability
Research and writing skills
Professional promise
Teaching and leadership experience
The collective professional judgment of the selection committee

Use of these criteria provides our department, program, and the applicant with an indication of probable success in the program.

I. Program Requirements

Nevada Administrative Endorsement

Elementary, Middle School, Junior High and Senior High School Principalship* (meets Nevada Administrative Certification requirements)

* Students who will obtain administration certification in another state should obtain requirements from the appropriate Department of Education, Office of Certification. We will attempt to accommodate students so that appropriate certification can be granted.

EL 700 - Basic Principles of Educational Administration (3 units)
EL 701 - Administration of School Staff Personnel (3 units)
EL 702 - Equity and Administration (3 units)
EL 703 - Administration and Curriculum Improvement (3 units)
EL 715 - Supervision and Evaluation of Teaching (3 units)
EL 726 - School Business Management (3 units)
EL 734 - Special Education Law (3 units)
EL 735 - The Law of Public Education I (3 units)
EL 746 - Data Based Decision Making (3 units)
EL 747 - Research Analysis and Development (3 units)
EL 798 - Internship (1 to 9 units) (6 units; 1 unit per semester required)

Undergraduate Requirements

Most applicants to the M.Ed. program surpass the minimum requirements established by the Graduate School (see the “Graduate School” chapter in the catalog).