Offered entirely online, the independent school leadership non-licensure concentration caters to working professionals with a focus on the leadership of directors, heads of schools, and other professionals responsible for the growth and management of private and independent schools. Students will develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision-making, reflective practice, and success for all learners, with an emphasis on the independent school context.
Ideal candidates are interested in pursuing leadership positions in independent school settings and are:
- invested in improving instruction and student achievement;
- self-directed and focused on connecting theory to practice;
- prepared to engage in scholarly and professional dialogue through collaboration;
- committed to life-long learning;
- willing to embrace a disposition for advocacy, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and responsibility for one’s own learning.
- The Independent School Leadership Program incorporates the use of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation's Model Core Standards.
- Mason’s Education Leadership Program is supported by a large faculty comprised of professors with impressive backgrounds as researchers and current and former school and district leaders. Each has a genuine interest in developing your potential to positively impact PK–12 student learning.
- A selective admissions process means you’ll learn alongside colleagues who are experienced, high-performing educators. Your fellow students will become part of a professional network that lasts a lifetime.
- The program is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation, and all coursework is aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program Recognition Standards.
- The program is carefully structured for an online format and designed to fit a busy life, with 1–2 courses offered online each semester. This allows for timely completion, with most students earning a master’s degree within two years.
- Mason is a great value, with in-state graduate tuition among the lowest of comparable institutions.
- Classes are offered entirely online.
- Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience working or teaching in an independent, charter, or private school or at an educational nonprofit organization.
- One recommendation should be from a current supervisor and the other from a professional colleague.
- head of school
- assistant head of school
- dean
- athletic director
- activities director
Core Requirements (18 credits)
Concentration in Independent School Leadership (12 credits)
Total credits: 30
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: March 15
Space Available: August 18 |
Priority*: October 15
Space Available: January 10 |
Applications not accepted for this term |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
- An earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate and/or graduate degree prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the admissions policy here for information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. The GPA requirement may be higher for some graduate programs. The university, at its discretion, may, in evaluating the meeting of this requirement, additionally consider the difficulty of the baccalaureate degree, relevant work experience, and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in graduate study.
- At least two years of documented successful, full-time teaching in an accredited public or non-public school
- Valid teaching license
- Admissions Interview
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$748.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$948.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$635.50
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$773.50 - $832.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$979.50 - $1,038.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* |
$660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Contact the Education Leadership program: faculty and staff will answer any questions that you may have about your program or degree.
Additional contact information
4400 University Drive, 4C2
Thompson Hall, 1300
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Phone: 703-993-3633
Fax: 703-993-3643
Regina Biggs
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Farnoosh Shahrokhi
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Supriya Baily
Seth Hunter
Maureen Marshall
Roberto Pamas
Anthony Terrell
Samantha Viano
Scott Kizner