School Leadership, MSEd
The School Leadership Program prepares professionals in independent, public, and charter schools to inquire into their own practice and develop their identities as leaders, building confidence and excellence. Our integrated program of study focuses on the dynamics of instructional, organizational, public, and evidence-based leadership with coursework designed to help students draw connections between theory and practice by applying learning in school settings. We emphasize cross-cutting competencies, including habits of mind, intrapersonal/interpersonal growth, reflective practice, communication skills and professionalism. In a field where practitioners are frequently siloed within their schools, grade levels, and sectors, the master’s in School Leadership Program brings together students representing a diverse array of public, charter, and independent schools—not only from across the region but also the nation.
For more information: https://slp.gse.upenn.edu/
Curriculum
Independent MSED Track1,2
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDSL 5010A | Sustainability In Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5010B | Sustainability In Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5020A | Leadership in Public, Independent & Parochial Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5020B | Leadership in Public, Independent & Parochial Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5030 | Developing Instructional Leadership in Practice | 1 |
| EDSL 5040 | Field Internship Seminar: Inquiring Into Organizational and Legal Dimensions of Principal Leadership | 1 |
| EDSL 5050 | Aligning Fiscal, Human, and Community Resources in Support of the School's Instructional Mission | 1 |
| EDSL 5060 | Instructional Leadership to Promote Learning | 1 |
| EDSL 5070A | Practitioner Research | 1 |
| EDSL 5070B | Practitioner Research | 0 |
| EDSL 5070C | Practitioner Research | 0 |
| EDSL 5080A | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5080B | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5080C | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5090 | Field Internship Seminar: Leadership for School Improvement | 1 |
| EDSL 5100A | Critical Issues in Education | 1 |
| EDSL 5100B | Critical Issues in Education | 0 |
| EDSL 5100C | Critical Issues in Education | 0 |
| Program Meetings | ||
| 1 weekend/month | ||
| All-day Sat & Sun | ||
| 1 virtual class/month | ||
| Focused Observations | ||
| 3 of 5 daylong visits | ||
| Summer Master's Seminar | ||
| 2 weeks in July | ||
| Internship Requirements | ||
| 240 Hours Under Head of School | ||
| Capstone Projects | ||
| Portfolio | ||
| Practitioner Research Project | ||
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
Public MSED Track1,3
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDSL 5010A | Sustainability In Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5010B | Sustainability In Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5020A | Leadership in Public, Independent & Parochial Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5020B | Leadership in Public, Independent & Parochial Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5030 | Developing Instructional Leadership in Practice | 1 |
| EDSL 5040 | Field Internship Seminar: Inquiring Into Organizational and Legal Dimensions of Principal Leadership | 1 |
| EDSL 5050 | Aligning Fiscal, Human, and Community Resources in Support of the School's Instructional Mission | 1 |
| EDSL 5060 | Instructional Leadership to Promote Learning | 1 |
| EDSL 5070A | Practitioner Research | 1 |
| EDSL 5070B | Practitioner Research | 0 |
| EDSL 5070C | Practitioner Research | 0 |
| EDSL 5080A | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 1 |
| EDSL 5080B | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5080C | Teaming and Collaborative Leadership in Schools | 0 |
| EDSL 5090 | Field Internship Seminar: Leadership for School Improvement | 1 |
| EDSL 5100A | Critical Issues in Education | 1 |
| EDSL 5100B | Critical Issues in Education | 0 |
| EDSL 5100C | Critical Issues in Education | 0 |
| Program Meetings | ||
| 1 weekend/month | ||
| All-day Sat & Sun | ||
| 1 virtual class/month | ||
| Focused Observations | ||
| 3 of 5 daylong visits | ||
| Summer Master's Seminar | ||
| 2 weeks in July | ||
| Internship Requirements | ||
| 360 Hours Under Principal | ||
| Capstone Projects | ||
| Portfolio | ||
| Practitioner Research Project | ||
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
Required Milestone:
Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a comprehensive examination in their area of study. The examination/portfolio/thesis serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork. Comprehensive formats vary.
- 1
The School Leadership Program is unable to provide immigration sponsorship for international students.
- 2
To be admitted into this track, students must have several years professional experience in a school setting. Most often our students' school experience comes from teaching in a classroom but special to the Independent School Track is the ability for those in admissions or development roles at private schools to participate in the program without having had prior classroom experience.
- 3
To be admitted into this track, students must either have at least three years teaching experience or two years teaching experience and be in a teaching position while completing the program.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.