M.A. in Educational Leadership
Get to Know LMU's M.A. in Educational Leadership
The M.A. in Educational Leadership at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, prepares aspiring and practicing school leaders to serve effectively in diverse educational settings. Designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis, the program allows working educators to advance their leadership preparation while continuing in their professional roles. Through leadership coursework and applied learning, students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to social justice. Eligible candidates may also earn California's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, combining advanced academic preparation with practical experience for effective school leadership.
Our comprehensive curriculum develops expertise across mission-focused, organizational, and instructional leadership. Over two years, students study areas including school finance and human resources, governance and policy, instructional leadership, stakeholder engagement, innovation, community care, and current issues in educational leadership. Through applied action research and leadership-focused coursework, students connect their learning to the challenges and opportunities they encounter in schools and educational communities.
M.A. in Educational Leadership Quick Facts
- Units: 30
- Part-time: 2 years
- Modality: Online (Synchronous and Asynchronous)
- Class Times: every other Saturday morning in Year 1, weeknights in Year 2
- Enrollment Terms: Fall and Spring
- May Also Earn: California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (for eligible candidates)
Did you know?
Students who have completed LMU’s Catholic School Administration Certificate may apply 9 units of certificate coursework toward the M.A. in Educational Leadership.
Our M.A. in Educational Leadership by the Numbers
School of Education in California*
* U.S. News and World Report, 2026
LMU School of Education Students Awarded Grants and/or Scholarships
Average LMU Graduate Class Size
M.A. in Educational Leadership Admission Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from a foreign institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants who do not meet this requirement may submit a form to request an exception to the GPA requirement.
Applicants pursuing the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential must also have:
- Five years of successful, full-time experience in an eligible school-based professional role by the time they are recommended for the credential.
- California residency during the first year of your program, while completing coursework and fieldwork associated with the credential.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are received; there is no need to wait until a deadline to submit your application. Applicants should expect to receive an admission decision within one month of submitting a complete application.
Spring (January) 2027
- October 15, 2026: Priority Deadline
- November 15, 2026: Final Deadline
Fall (August) 2027
- May 15, 2027: Priority Deadline
- June 15, 2027: Final Deadline
M.A. in Educational Leadership Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Application: Resume, personal statement, and $50 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- College/university transcripts
- Interview (by invitation only)
Students who are also pursing California's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential have additional admission requirements.
International applicants have additional admission requirements.
LMU does not issue student (F-1) visas for the M.A. in Educational Leadership program.
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Tuition and Fees
LMU's School of Education offers strong value through rigorous, practice-based learning and a supportive academic community. Students can invest in their education while building the knowledge, skills, and experience to deepen their impact in schools and communities.
Financial Aid
All need-based financial aid and most other aid awards at the Federal, State and University level are determined in whole or in part by the information submitted in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may submit your FAFSA and apply for financial aid prior to applying for admission to LMU. Our Financial Aid Office recommends applying for aid as soon as possible. Visit Financial Aid for financial aid application instructions and other important information regarding the types of aid you may receive.
Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens are able to receive federal or state-funded types of financial aid. International students should visit Financial Aid for more information.
Each year, Financial Aid prepares a student expense budget defining estimated standard allowances for education costs for graduate and professional students. This Cost of Attendance budget is used to determine a student's financial aid eligibility for scholarships, grants, loans and work awards.
Career Advancement and Opportunities
Career and Professional Development at LMU offers a wide range of resources and personalized support to help students and alumni navigate their professional journeys. Services include career advising, employer engagement, alumni networking, workshops, and other opportunities designed to support career exploration, professional growth, and lifelong development.
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LMU School of Education’s centers and institute extend learning beyond the classroom by connecting faculty, students, educators, schools, and communities around areas of shared expertise and impact. Through research, professional learning, partnerships, outreach, and applied practice, they advance the School of Education’s mission in areas central to today’s educational landscape.
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Never Miss a Deadline
Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allow for appropriate planning.