Educational Leadership and Transformational Change MS

The educational leadership and transformational change program at Saint Joseph’s University prepares aspiring school administrators, curriculum supervisors and special education supervisors to become transformative leaders in PK-12 settings. The program also prepares candidates interested in leadership roles in education who are not seeking certification at this time.

This program of study is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and leads to Administrative I Principal PK-12, Instruction Supervisor PK-12 and/or Supervisory I Special Education PK-12 certifications. Candidates who complete all degree and certification requirements may apply to the Department of Education for certification.

Saint Joseph's educational leadership faculty are experts in their field bringing theory, practice and relevance to the classroom. Our small, dynamic classes allow for discussion, reflection and collaboration.   

We’ve designed our educational leadership and transformational change MS program for the working professional. Flexibility and choice are built-in so you can balance work, family and all the other commitments of a busy life.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition options start at $845 per credit.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

Discount Eligibility

Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

Note: discounts cannot be combined.

Saint Joseph’s University is approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, that assesses institutions for the highest available form of accreditation.

The Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a recognition that represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

Saint Joseph's University is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Service can help you access and understand your benefits.

Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.

To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Submit resume.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.

Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring and summer semesters. 

Start terms: 

• Fall: August
• Spring: January
• Summer: May

If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the graduate admission page for more information about the application process and additional requirements for international students.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, elementary, middle school and high school principals earn a median annual salary of $98,420 per year. 

To become certified in education in the state of Pennsylvania, graduates must take the Praxis exam. Learn more about qualifying praxis scores and which test suits your career track at Saint Joseph's University. 

The master's in educational leadership and transformational change program does not involve fieldwork; however, there is a two-semester professional internship opportunity. You will collaborate with a site mentor and faculty advisor to develop the classroom skills and competencies required of practicing leaders. Particular attention is paid to creating a just and equitable school environment that serves the needs of all students.