Candidates complete nine core courses addressing all aspects of school leadership and a 540–hour internship. All courses must be completed prior to the internship. The internship begins each fall and runs for the entire school year. 

Admission Requirements

1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree (either a BA or BS) from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Have earned a grade point average of ≥3.0 on a 4-point scale during the final 90 quarter credits (or 60 semester credits) of enrolled coursework.
3. Submit a copy of an educator certificate with 3 years experience.

Plan of Study

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking with the academic department is paramount in keeping an individual plan current.

Expedited Pace Plan

Typical Pace Plan

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First half of term.

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Second half of term.

Students who earn an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from EWU should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of current theory, research, and effective leadership strategies in P–12 settings -Graduates will understand the research‑based practices, theoretical foundations, and leadership strategies needed to lead schools effectively;
• Demonstrate competency‑based leadership skills aligned with NELP and Washington State Standards - Graduates will apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for effective school leadership, meeting national and state preparation standards for principals;
• Understand and respond to the educational, social, political, economic, and cultural contexts of school leadership - Graduates will analyze the broader systems in which schools operate and lead in ways that reflect awareness of community, policy, demographics, and funding structures;
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal requirements, authority, and responsibilities of school leaders - Graduates will understand school law, policy, and the legal duties and expectations of principals and use this knowledge to guide ethical and compliant decision‑making;
• Lead school improvement and instructional supervision to support positive student outcomes - Graduates will apply supervision strategies, guide instructional improvement, and lead data‑informed school improvement initiatives that enhance teaching and learning;
• Create and sustain a positive, safe, and productive school culture and learning environment - Graduates will build collaborative, culturally responsive, and safe school environments that promote well‑being, belonging, and academic excellence for all students;
• Build strong relationships with families, staff, and community to support student learning and engagement - Graduates will lead effective school‑community relations efforts, communicate openly with stakeholders, and collaborate with diverse groups to strengthen student support systems;
• Demonstrate financial, operational, and organizational leadership - Graduates will apply knowledge of school budgeting, resource allocation, and organizational management to support efficient and equitable school operations;
• Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional growth as a school leader - Graduates will reflect on their leadership strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement, demonstrating commitment to lifelong professional development;
• Apply leadership competencies in authentic settings through a supervised internship - Graduates will demonstrate state‑required leadership competencies during a 540‑hour internship, producing a performance portfolio that evidences readiness for principal certification;
• Successfully complete a principal internship demonstrating readiness for licensure - Graduates will apply leadership skills in authentic PK–12 settings through supervised principal internships, demonstrating competence in all principal‑leadership standards required for licensure.