Salem offers a master of education in educational leadership in a fully online format that integrates opportunities to connect with faculty and a cohort of colleagues through digital platforms, face-to-face Saturday residencies and a range of technologies that span our distances.

Tailored to meet working educators’ needs for flexibility, this program also provides the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with fellow students and faculty. It is designed as an inclusive leadership opportunity for individuals seeking to become principals as well as educators wishing to pursue other leadership roles within a school and district such as assistant principal, curriculum facilitator, instructional coach and district administrator.

In order to be considered for admission, all candidates must submit an application and meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in graduate-level coursework (minimum of 12 completed hours of graduate coursework)
• Candidates with a 2.7-2.9 GPA may be eligible for provisional admission
• Hold a valid North Carolina Professional Educator’s License
• Have taught a minimum of three years
• Reside in North Carolina

Students in educational leadership engage in a series of four residency experiences during their time at Salem. Time invested in each residency strengthens cohort members as it affords camaraderie and a collective sharing of ideas and strategies. In addition, mental health topics are discussed not only for personal growth, but for supporting educators and students as well. The intended result for program participants is increased clarity, confidence and calm as they work to become effective school leaders in their respective communities.

• Students also engage in EDUC 673, a course that examines positive strategies for creating and impacting school cultures. Mental health and wellbeing are among the topics discussed as well as strategies for ensuring a positive, productive school culture.
• Health leadership is woven throughout our coursework, field experiences, and internships.  K-12 schools are deeply involved in teaching the whole child, which includes supporting students and their families through social/emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed instruction, and restorative justice, to name just a few current topics.
• School leaders are also responsible for the health and safety of their students and staff, via such tasks as maintaining up-to-date crisis management plans, supervising nutrition services, or coordinating parent training on family wellness initiatives. As future leaders of these K-12 schools, Salem MEd Educational Leadership students view health leadership as integral to all that they do.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for a North Carolina Level 1 Administrator License.

Your application is only valid with the following materials:

• submission of a complete application packet, including contact information for two professional recommendations, a signed statement of adherence to the college honor code, a CPL (Candidate for Professional Licensure) form, and consent for criminal background check.
• submission of an official transcript from an institution accredited by an accreditor that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education or the U.S. Department of Education showing completion of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
• submission of official transcript(s) of all graduate coursework
• submission of copy of A level teaching license or evidence of eligibility
• submission of a writing sample as outlined on application