Online Master’s in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education
What Is a Master’s in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education?
An online master’s in school leadership and management in PK-12 education is a graduate degree designed for educators and other professionals who want to develop leadership, organizational management and school-improvement knowledge without pursuing principal licensure or certification. The Master of Education in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education examines areas such as education law, school finance, curriculum, organizational management, instructional leadership and positive school culture.
Through research-based coursework, you will examine strategies for leading teams, making informed decisions, managing school resources and supporting students, teachers and educational communities. The program is grounded in the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). This degree does not lead to PK-12 principal licensure or certification.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect From an MEd in School Leadership and Management
The Master of Education in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education is designed to help you build upon your experience as an educator while developing a broader perspective on how schools and educational organizations operate. You will consider the responsibilities of educational leaders, from managing finances and academic programs to supporting teachers and cultivating productive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
Throughout the program, you will also examine school leadership through the lens of a Christian worldview, with an emphasis on ethical decision-making, character, service and respect for others. Courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty who bring experience in areas such as instructional leadership, school culture, education law, public school finance, curriculum development and teacher development.
The MEd in School Leadership and Management Degree Experience
Flexible Online Learning for Working Educators
Pursue your online master’s in school leadership and management in PK-12 education while continuing to serve your school community. Our online learning environment allows you to engage with course material, faculty and classmates while balancing your graduate education with existing professional and personal responsibilities.
University Accreditation for Your Master's Degree
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Support Throughout Your Leadership Journey
As you work toward your MEd in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education, you can connect with faculty for guidance, use academic and research resources to strengthen your coursework and access student services for assistance throughout your program. You can also explore resources from the College of Education as you build your knowledge of educational leadership and its application in PK-12 settings.
What Will I Study in an MEd in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education?
Coursework in this master’s in school leadership and management in PK-12 education examines the organizational, instructional and interpersonal responsibilities involved in leading educational communities. You will explore how educational leaders manage resources, navigate education laws and policies, evaluate curricula, support teachers and cultivate learning environments centered on student development and well-being.
Your studies also examine ethical decision-making, data-driven school improvement, communication with stakeholders and strategies for building collaborative professional cultures.
Core School Leadership and Management Course Topics
In this master’s program, you will work to develop a well-rounded understanding of school leadership and management in PK-12 education through coursework addressing the responsibilities of educational leaders.
Key topics you will examine include:
School organization and management
You will be taught organizational and management responsibilities, including staffing, resource allocation, technology, school safety and the development of a shared school mission and vision.
Education law and school finance
The laws, policies and financial practices affecting PK-12 education will be explored, including ethical decision-making, school funding and the management of financial resources.
Curriculum and instructional leadership
You will examine the evaluation of academic programs and curricula using data-driven practices that support accessibility, cultural responsiveness and continuous school improvement.
Teacher coaching and collaborative leadership
You will be taught coaching, mentoring, staff evaluation and distributed leadership practices that can help cultivate a collaborative professional culture and support teacher development.
Built on the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders
The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) form the foundation of the Master of Education in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education. These standards address key areas of educational leadership, including ethics, equity, curriculum and instruction, professional capacity, community engagement, operations and continuous school improvement. By examining leadership through these interconnected areas, you can develop a broader understanding of the responsibilities involved in supporting students, educators and school communities.
What Can You Do With an MEd in School Leadership and Management?
An MEd in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education can help you develop competencies for leadership and administrative roles in educational settings. Through coursework in school operations, finance, curriculum, instructional leadership, staff development and organizational management, you can build knowledge applicable to a range of education administration careers.
Some positions may require additional experience, licensure or certification. This program does not lead to PK-12 principal licensure or certification.
Careers you may consider include:
Education and childcare administrators (preschool and daycare)
Plan, direct and coordinate academic and nonacademic activities at preschool and childcare centers or programs
Education administrators (kindergarten through secondary)
Coordinate and oversee administrative activities within elementary and secondary educational settings; specific roles may require state-issued licensure or certification
Employment of education and childcare administrators (preschool and daycare) as of May 2025(See disclaimer 1)
Employment of education administrators (kindergarten through secondary) as of May 2025(See disclaimer 2)
Master’s in School Leadership and Management Tuition and Costs
As you plan for your master’s in school leadership and management in PK-12 education, review our online graduate tuition rates and available financial resources. Your total education costs can vary based on factors specific to your enrollment.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
FAQs About an MEd in School Leadership and Management in Pk-12 Education
Review answers to frequently asked questions about the MEd in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education, including its focus, admission requirements and potential applications in educational settings.
Why is school leadership important in Pk-12 education?
How can educational leaders help improve school culture?
What's the difference between an MEd in School Leadership and an MEd in Educational Leadership?
Who should consider a master's in school leadership and management?
What other Master of Education programs are available?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the Master’s in School Leadership and Management?
Teaching experience is required for admission to GCU’s Master of Education in School Leadership and Management in PK-12 Education. Applicants must provide documentation of at least one year of verified teaching experience.
Master’s applicants may qualify for admission to GCU with an undergraduate degree from an approved, accredited college or program and by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum GMAT or GRE exam score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program. Please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Build your knowledge of school leadership, management and organizational improvement with an MEd designed for experienced educators. Take the next step toward strengthening your ability to support teachers, students and PK-12 educational communities.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare, retrieved September 2026.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary, retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Education on Sept. 28, 2026.