Education Leadership

Lead Change in Education: Advance Your Career with George Mason's Education Leadership Programs

Master's, Certificate, and Doctoral options available fully online or in hybrid formats

Effective education leadership is the critical element that transforms schools, drives policy, and ensures student success. It's more than education administration; it's the ability to inspire faculty, implement meaningful change, and build an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Our programs are designed to develop these exact competencies, preparing you to lead at the school, district, and policy levels. This is where you gain the vision and skills to navigate complex challenges and make a lasting impact on PK-12 education.

At George Mason's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), we build the leaders our communities trust. Our programs are designed for ambitious professionals, whether you're a current teacher ready to advance your career into administration or switching careers and are passionate about making an impact in education. If your goals include becoming a school principal or assistant principal, a district-level administrator, or a policy analyst, our education leadership degree pathways provide the critical skills for leadership. We offer flexible Master's, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate programs—available in fully online or hybrid formats—so you can earn a respected credential and advance your career while balancing your professional life.

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Flexible formats for working professionals. Advance your career with our 100% online education leadership program and hybrid models designed to fit your schedule.
Nationally recognized & accredited. Earn a degree that is nationally accredited by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) and fully aligned with national standards for educational leadership preparation and licensure.
Focus on inclusive leadership. Develop into an ethical, reflective, and innovative leader prepared to foster diversity and guide data-informed decision-making.
Exceptional value & support. Benefit from competitive tuition and a 15% discount for Virginia educators, making your career goals more accessible.
Versatile career pathways. Our programs prepare you for diverse education leadership careers, including school and district-level positions, educational consulting, and policy roles.

What Sets Us Apart?

Master "improvement science." Learn to leverage specific methods and tools to identify root causes, test strategies, and lead sustainable change on pressing issues of practice.
Learn from practitioner faculty. Gain insights directly from distinguished faculty who are current and former principals, superintendents, and leading educational researchers.
A powerful regional network. Join an unparalleled alumni network. Over half of all school administrators in the Northern Virginia region are proud George Mason graduates.
A legacy of award-winning leaders. Benefit from a program with a proven track record, with 13 alumni named finalists or winners of The Washington Post's Principal of the Year award since 2016.
Rapid career advancement. Many of our graduates advance to senior leadership positions and roles of formal authority within their first year after graduation.
Immediate real-world impact. Engage in a curriculum with a strong, practical connection to the field, equipping you to solve the immediate challenges you face in your PK-12 leadership role.