Drive Change with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (EdM)
Be a transformational leader in any PreK-12 school or district. This degree offers everything you’d find in a master’s degree in education administration, while diving deeper into leadership and policy. Our program offers field work and research experience, faculty mentorship, and flexible licensure and non-licensure options, including principal licensure programs. Bring your vision for better education to life here.
Program Pathways
Become a Licensed Administrator
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development’s master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM) gives you the coursework and clinical experience you need to be eligible for a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrator license, including:
- Principal/Assistant Principal (PreK–8 or 5–12)
- Special Education Administrator
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
- Supervisor/Director
Gain Meaningful Field Experience
As part of the principal licensure program and other licensure pathways, you will complete a practicum in a school setting. Gain meaningful experience and put coursework into practice. The practicum is required for licensure. This is just one of the ways our master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM) provides you with more options than a typical master’s degree in education administration.
Non-Licensure Leadership Options
Interested in leadership and policy roles at the local, state, or federal level? Or looking to work at an independent, international, or charter school? Opt for the non-licensure pathway for your master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies.
I chose the Educational Leadership program at BU Wheelock because I wanted to grow into a multifaceted leader in education—someone who can lead at the intersections of policy, equity, and justice.
Career Outcomes in Education Administration
Become a life-changing leader in education. Learn to implement policies and create school environments that make all students feel included. With a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM) from BU Wheelock, you’ll have the skills to:
- Implement policies and build high-performing schools
- Establish healthy school cultures
- Develop inclusive and collaborative decision-making and governance skills
- Manage systems for talent development and fiscal planning
- Develop and evaluate innovative educational programs, practices, and services
Alumni in Education Administration
When considering a master’s degree in education administration and comparable programs, it’s important to look at student outcomes. BU Wheelock delivers.
Whether you choose a licensure path, like the principal licensure program, or take the non-licensure option for completing your master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM), you’ll be prepared for leadership roles in a variety of school environments. Our graduates go on to make a difference at local, regional, national, and international schools, institutions, and organizations.
BU Wheelock alumni go on to lead as:
- Principals
- Heads of school
- Assistant principals
- Curriculum coordinators
- Program directors
- District leaders
This program has helped me connect my personal values to real-world educational leadership. It’s not just preparing me for a job—it’s shaping the way I want to lead, serve, and contribute to education.
Featured Faculty
The faculty for BU Wheelock’s master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM) includes successful school and district leaders with experience in a variety of educational settings and communities.
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Ramon Gonzalez
Professor of the Practice
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Stacy Scott
Senior Lecturer
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Pipier Smith-Mumford
Field Director, EdD Program
Master Lecturer -
Jalene Tamerat
Director, Carol Johnson Leadership Fellowship
Senior Lecturer -
Jeffrey M. Young
Program Director, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Master Lecturer

Learn from instructors like award-winning principal and innovative community educator Dr. Ramon Gonzalez. He founded two public schools and mentored over 100 aspiring leaders to school leadership positions.
Education Administration, Leadership, and Policy Courses
Build your knowledge, skillset and confidence as a leader in PreK-12 education administration at BU Wheelock. Our master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM) curriculum is designed to help you apply research to meet the changing needs of students, schools, and communities.
Courses include topics such as:
- Family and Community Engagement
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Educational Equity and the Law
- School Governance, Finance, and Operations
Scholarships Available
Ready to start your master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies (EdM)? Let us help you figure out how to fund your dreams. Merit-based scholarships are available to graduate students.
Admissions & Dates
Spring & Fall 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Application Opens
Spring 2025 Semester
Dec 15, 2024
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan 15, 2025
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 1, 2025
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the master’s degree program in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: PreK–12. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.