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Program Director: Kathleen Kingston, Ed.D.
Phone: (814) 871-5626
Email: kingston002@gannon.edu

Philosophy

The intent of the Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership is to reflect the vision of Gannon University’s Department of Education, to integrate the goals of faculty members, and priorities of professional administrative associations and organizations, and to incorporate and reflect the standards adopted by the PA Department of Education.

The Master of Education program is based on the premise that a significant shift has occurred in recent years relative to the leadership paradigm, from an authoritative, hierarchical model to a decentralized, collaborative model. This transformation has evolved as research on effective organizations suggests that leadership of a special sort is required to manage fundamental change in organizations. This type of leadership recognizes that organizations do not change unless the individuals who comprise them change first. The challenge for educational leaders is, therefore, to teach individuals the value of making changes that affect them and their organizations. This can only be accomplished if the leadership of the school entity is viewed as an integral part that infuses the total system, not a segmented function that resides in isolated positions of the organization.

The program in Educational Leadership designed by Gannon University is based upon the premise that one of the major areas of competence for a principal is that of being a functional visionary for the 21st century - one who strives for continuous improvement through the utilization of a dynamic systems approach to administration and leadership while simultaneously reflecting upon the diversity of the school district and community. This model will stress the development of astute leadership, rather than ordinary leadership.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must:

• Complete an application for admission and submit three letters of recommendation - one from a chief school officer where the applicant is employed and another from a principal or immediate supervisor
• Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Possess personal and professional characteristics and an academic background believed to be conducive to success in the field of school administration as determined by the program director

Degree Requirements
Students are required to:

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the length of the program
• Complete program requirements within 6 years of taking the first course (exceptions may be granted by the program director)