Prior to formal coursework, students participate in an orientation program where they are introduced to the nature and requirements of the program, some of the major issues involved in being a graduate student, the facilities offered in the program such as the library, online databases and other resources, the Curriculum Resource Center, the Graduate Writing Center, academic reading and writing preparation, and ways of communicating with faculty. During this orientation students form small, informal working teams to provide support for each other during the entire program.

The Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) curriculum consists of 12 courses delivered over a 24-month time frame. The courses are linked to three strands that are based on key aspects of educational leadership. Areas of study include the following:

Strategic Leadership

• EDC 632 Strategic Leadership in Education
• EDC 601 Introduction to Educational Research
• EDC 602 Models of Educational Research
• EDC 635 Assessment and Evaluation
• EDC 695 Research Seminar

 Learning and Instructional Leadership

• EDC 653 Education Standards in an International Context
• EDC 654 Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
• EDC 655 Social, Community, and Family Contexts of Education

 Organizational Leadership

• EDC 640 Leading Educational Organization
• EDC 637 Human Performance and Resource Management
• EDC 636 Educational Improvement and Systemic Change
• EDC 656 Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior