Impact the Future of Education

Earn the credential you need as a professional educator to go further in your field.

Bethel University’s online Master of Education features three unique cognates (specialized areas of study designed for accelerated learning) for licensed teachers wishing to advance their careers. The online M.Ed. School Leadership cognate helps you gain the academic background you need to successfully work as committee or department chair, head of curriculum, or to assume other leadership roles within your field.

With a curriculum designed around the needs of working educators, the online master’s in educational leadership builds on your current knowledge to help you advance your career. You’ll study crucial topics like community relations, ethics, meeting the needs of diverse learners, budgeting, research, and more.

All professors are highly qualified, with years of experience in their field. Because they are passionate about what they teach, you’ll gain more than just their expertise. You’ll discover networking opportunities and a sense of community as well.

Since our online educational leadership program is offered fully online, you’ll have the opportunity to easily fit your education around your other work and life commitments. A digital format means you’ll be able to attend class when it’s right for you. With accelerated seven-week courses and six start dates per year, you’ll have the capacity to begin, pause, or expedite your learning at any time. The full-time program, which consists of two courses per session, can be completed in as little as one year.

Accreditation

Bethel University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole. The Education Department is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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Program Details

Next Start Date: 05/05/2024
Credit Hours: 36
Cost/Credit: 460
Transfer Credits: Up to 9*
Est. Completion Time: 1-2 Years
Accreditation: NCATE/CAEP

Course Requirements

Bethel’s online M.Ed. School Leadership features a relevant curriculum in modern education. This program requires a total of 36 credit hours. Students must complete 18 of these credits in required education courses, 9 credit hours in leadership courses, and 9 credit hours in elective courses.

  • ▸ Required Education Courses (18 Credits)

    • EDUC 500: Introduction to Professional Development & Leadership (1)
    • EDUC 521: Curriculum Development & School Improvement (3)
    • EDUC 531: Effective Instruction & Assessment (3)
    • EDUC 535: Mentoring & Supervision of Instruction (3)
    • EDUC 541: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners (3)
    • EDUC 555: Educational Research (3)
    • EDUC 690: Professional Development & Leadership (Capstone) (2)

  • ▸ Cognate Area: School Leadership (9 Credits)

    • EDAD 501: Folklore, Children’s & Adolescent Literature (3)
    • EDAD 541: School – Community Relations & Accountability (3)
    • EDAD 685: Ethics of School Leadership (3)

    *Students must choose an additional 9 credit hours in elective courses.

  • ▸ Elective Courses (9 Credits)

    Students must complete nine credits from courses available in Bethel’s graduate education programs

Program consists of:

13

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
View Transfer Policy

Admission Requirements

Candidates for Bethel’s M.Ed. in School Leadership will need to submit the following:
  • Online graduate application
  • Regionally accredited transcripts with GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A 300-word (or more) autobiography, including information about the candidate’s recent work in education, reason for seeking entry into the program, and significant events in his or her career. Candidates should define their character in terms of basic values, commitment to graduate studies, their philosophy, and their worldview.
  • An updated resumé
  • Two letters of recommendation. Forms are sent electronically for candidates to share.
  • A current, valid teaching license.**

Candidates must also schedule an interview prior to admission.

** If a candidate’s license is expired, he or she may renew during the course of study.

Tuition and Fees

Bethel has long been touted for its value. We were ranked No. 2 on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest list, listed as one of the 50 Best Value Christian Colleges, and have made it to the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities-Midwest” list for fifteen consecutive years.

*Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. Depending on transfer credits, the number of semesters required for completion will affect total cost.

*Transferring any graduate-level credits must be petitioned with the department for approval.

Payment Plan

Bethel University has a monthly installment plan available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Enrollment can be completed online by accessing the student billing link through MyBethel or by calling 800.609.8056. Students will be charged an enrollment fee of $40.

Total cost with max. transfer credits:

$12,260

View Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid

Bethel University is committed to ensuring that all our students receive an affordable education.
We offer financial aid based on need, and military benefits and are proud to offer extraordinarily competitive tuition rates.
FAFSA Information
To learn more about your financial aid options or submit a FAFSA, please see our Financial Aid page.
View Financial Aid

Transfer Credits

Bethel is committed to helping you make the most of your previous educational experiences. Visit our Transfer Credits page to learn more.
Transfer Your Credits
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Career Outcomes

An advanced degree in school leadership can lead to a wide range of exciting new careers. Here are just a few. Career information taken from Payscale.com.

  • ▸ Curriculum Director

    Curriculum directors are responsible for helping educational systems and schools create educational goals and guidelines. They may be responsible for creating and reviewing curricula, recruiting and evaluating staff, long-term strategic goal setting, and other related duties. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $72,708.

  • ▸ Educational Diagnostician

    Educational diagnosticians work to evaluate educational processes and recommend changes. They may be responsible for collaborating with other diagnosticians to solve related problems, translating new educational knowledge and research to school officials, developing relationships with community members, and related tasks. These individuals earn a median annual salary of $56,910.

  • ▸ Department Chair

    Department chairs serve as leaders within their academic departments in colleges and universities. They may be responsible for hiring faculty, teaching courses, coordinating communications within the department and with the university, creating curricula and goals for departmental programs, and other related duties. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $83,274.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.
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Request Information

Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:
  • A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.
  • Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.

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