Master of Education in School Leadership
The Graduate Studies Program in School Leadership (formerly Administration) is designed to equip teachers with the skills necessary to become a school administrator. Recipients of Providence College master’s degrees in school leadership have gone on to become assistant principals, principals, assistant superintendents, and superintendents.
All program course work is designed to provide the prospective administrator with an understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the supervisor’s role. Students in the program take a central core of courses in curriculum, evaluation, instruction, law, and finance. To this are added courses that address community concerns, technology, and research techniques. Students are also exposed to innovative governance structures and methods which will further their careers as school administrators. The program culminates with a six-credit internship which requires students to put into practice the theory they have been taught in their classes.
Education Stories
PC Alum Wins 2023 Rhode Island First Year Principal Award
Christine Lopes, Principal of North Smithfield Middle School and a 2020 graduate of the Providence College School Leadership Program, has received Rhode Island’s First Year Principal Award. Ms. Lopes, an educator for more than 20 years, has been principal at North Smithfield since January of 2022, and previously served as assistant principal and dean of students. She was also honored with the Golden Apple Award in 2016 from the Rhode Island Department of Education. Read the article here.
PC Faculty is 2023 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Lawrence Filippelli, Superintendent of the Lincoln RI Public Schools and adjunct faculty at Providence College’s School Leadership Program, has been selected as the 2023 Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year by the Rhode Island School Superintendents’ Association (RISSA).
Dr. Filippelli has been recognized not only for his focus on teaching and learning, but also for upgrading facilities and creating in-district career pathway programs for students.
“The award recognizes outstanding achievement in school district leadership, dedication to the education of all children, commitment to the community, and service to RISSA.” Read the full press release here.
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College Factual, 2022
Admission Requirements
Completed online application
Application fee of $65.00
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Two Recommendation Forms (one from current principal or supervising administrator) – instructions will be emailed to Recommenders. Please note: you may submit a recommendation from an assistant principal, but you must also have a recommendation from your current principal.
Résumé that highlights leadership experience
Professional Statement (approximately 1,000 words)
Guidelines: What experiences have motivated you to pursue a career as a school administrator? Identify 3 to 5 competencies that you bring to the position and provide specific examples of how these skills will benefit you in your anticipated role or position. In your response, consider the following:
- the core values and beliefs that you bring to the position
- the experiences that have shaped your thinking
- your observations of other professionals in this position
- the impact you hope to have on a school community
Application Deadlines:
March 1 for Summer I or II start
July 1 for Fall start
November 1 for Spring start
Students can take up to 2 courses while their application in under review.
A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required for full admission. Admitted students who accept the offer of admission are required to submit a release of records and record of support.
Program Requirements
All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within a period of five calendar years from the time of admission. All teachers who successfully complete the program and pass the Praxis School Leaders Licensure assessment are eligible for certification in Rhode Island as a PK-12 Building Administrator. Successful completion of the program includes:
Completing all required coursework while maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA
Successfully completing and defending a performance assessment.
Passing the Praxis School Leaders Licensure assessment is a program completion requirement as well as a state certification requirement. For information regarding this assessment, please click here.
For more information about program requirements, please refer to the COURSE AND INTERNSHIP HANDBOOK.
Course Sequence
This program has been designed to follow a developmental sequence. Therefore, students should complete all coursework in one strand before moving on to the next strand. Total credits required are 36 hours.
Strand I
EDU 810 Data, Technology and the Principal
EDU 514 Program Evaluation: Research for Continuous School Improvement
EDU 505 School Law
EDU 512 Family and Community Engagement: Promoting Culturally Responsive Schools
EDU 522 Operations and Management: Organizing Schools for Success
Strand II
EDU 504 Supervision/Personnel Problems in Education
EDU 513 Supervision of Instruction
EDU 515 Principal as Instructional Leader: Building Capacity to Support All Students
EDU 516 School and District Finance: Maximizing Resources for Effective Schools
EDU 532 Curriculum Design and Construction
Strand III
EDU 530 Internship in Administration I
EDU 536 Internship in Administration II
Additional Professional Options
Upon completion of the Graduate School Leadership program, candidates may progress to Superintendent or Director of Special Education.
Superintendent
- Only one additional course required: EDU 527 School Plant Planning
Director of Special Education
- One additional administrative course: EDU 567 Administration and supervision of Special Education Services
- 9 graduate-level credits in special education
Requirements may vary for states other than Rhode Island or for individuals who hold an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from institutions other than Providence College.
