Leadership Studies, M.A.
Graduate Degree
Program Overview

Graduate Programs in Leadership Studies include the Master of Arts degree, the Doctor of Education, and several graduate certificates. Students pursuing the Master of Arts may choose from two concentrations:
Education Leadership (School Principal, Supervisor, and Superintendent) or Leadership Specialist. Please see program descriptions and plans of study below for further information. We also offer certificate opportunities in Principalship and Social Service and Attendance.

Moments Matter Here
Request Info
  • Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
  • Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
  • Receive invitations to special events for future students.
  • Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Opt-in to receive key updates on enrollment and vital information for your educational journey. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 234373 for help; STOP to 234373 to end. Message & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Marshall University to deliver SMS messages using an automatic telephone dialing system and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of purchasing any property, goods, or services. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages at this time. Click to read Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy.
Program Highlights
Educational Leadership Emphasis

The Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Educational Leadership is a fully online program which includes the coursework for principal administrative licensure.  Students complete a 30 hour program that includes many field-based experiences.  This program provides the coursework to apply for for principal, supervisor, and superintendent licensure as a PreK-Adult administrator in West Virginia and many other states.  Students from other states should check with their state licensing agency for licensure requirements. Those seeking professional licensure as a school principal in West Virginia must pass the PRAXIS 5412 Educational Leadership Administration and Supervision test and also complete the Evaluation Leadership Instituteoffered by the West Virginia Department of Education. For complete information on requirements and applying, please visit http://www.marshall.edu/coepd/graduate/ls/maprincipal.

Leadership Specialist Emphasis

The Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in Leadership Specialist is a fully online program designed for the working adult. The knowledge gained through courses such as Human Resource Management, Grant Writing, and Community Planning are valuable for many professions. Earning this degree will enhance a person’s current position or prepare them for a career transition. At the center of each course is the combination of practical experience with academic content, informed by creative and best-practice approaches to online learning. Every course meets Marshall University’s internal quality standards for online courses. Moreover, all full and part-time faculty who teach in the program are certified in Quality Matters, a national review process that is designed to certify the quality of online courses and online components. For complete information on requirements and applying, please visit http://www.marshall.edu/mals.

Certificate Programs

School Principalship Certificate

The post-master’s school principalship certification program is a fully online program which provides the coursework for professional administrative licensure as a PreK-Adult school principal, supervisor of instruction, and superintendent in West Virginia and many other states.

Social Service and Attendance Certificate

The Social Service and Attendance certification program is designed for education personnel who hold a valid license, or for social workers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree.  Students complete a 12 hour program that includes many field-based experiences.

Career Opportunities
A master's degree in leadership studies provides an opportunity for our graduates to take the next step in their career, from the business world, to education or any field where leaders are valued at a premium.
  • Executive
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Health Services Manager
  • School Principal
  • Sales Manager