We prepare professionals in independent, public, and charter schools to develop their identities as leaders.
Our 11-month School Leadership master's program features convenient scheduling, highly specialized course offerings, and research projects that are directly tied to your professional life. The program culminates in a master’s degree and/or eligibility for state principal certification. In a field where practitioners are frequently siloed within their schools, grade levels, and sectors, we bring together education professionals representing a diverse array of public, charter, and independent schools—not only from across the region but also the nation.
What Sets Us Apart
About the Program
Our School Leadership master's program integrates coursework with an internship, enabling you to earn a master’s degree and/or eligibility for state principal certification—without career interruption. We seek educational leaders deeply committed to enhancing learning opportunities for all our children, leaders eager to work with a community of their colleagues.
Tracks offered
- The Independent School Track M.S.Ed. in School Leadership
- The Public/Charter School Track M.S.Ed. in School Leadership & Principal Certification
- Principal Certification-Only Track
Culminating experience
- M.S.Ed.: Practitioner research project and portfolio
- Principal Certification–Only: Portfolio
- Executive-Style
Our master's program in School Leadership focuses on the dynamics of instructional, organizational, public, and evidence-based leadership—with coursework designed to help you draw connections between theory and practice by applying learning in school settings. We emphasize cross-cutting competencies, including habits of mind, intrapersonal/interpersonal growth, reflective practice, communication skills, and professionalism.
A Diverse Cohort Model. Our cohort model creates a collaborative learning community that leverages collective expertise to address the challenges facing schools. Through lively and intellectually stimulating dialogue, students broaden their perspectives and achieve new insights. Sharing these diverse experiences prepares students for the practical realities of assuming new leadership roles, often outside of their present school. Our accomplished faculty further reflect the immense value of varied experiences for professionals pursuing leadership in education.
Extensive Mentoring. One of the most important assets for aspiring school leaders is the cultivation of strong mentoring relationships. Unique to the School Leadership program is the establishment of a mentoring relationship assigned by the university. With a wealth of school leadership and administrative success, these mentors work directly and deeply with our students over the course of the year. University-assigned mentors have an enormous impact on our students’ growth as leaders.
Curriculum
Schedule
School District of Philadelphia Scholarship
The School Leadership Program Experience
See what School Leadership alumni have to say about their experience in the program
Our Faculty
Program Leadership & Staff
Mentors
Our Graduates
Graduates of our program serve in leadership positions in public, private, and charter schools around the country. They have the opportunity to network with more than 15,000 Penn GSE alumni and with more than 300,000 Penn alumni. The Penn GSE Alumni Relations office offers many opportunities to get involved and stay in touch with the GSE and Penn Alumni communities.
Careers
- Assistant Principal, William D. Kelley School, School District of Philadelphia
- Dean of Faculty, Riverdale Country School
- Head of School, Heathwood Hall School
- Head of School, Miami Country Day School
- Head of School, Northfield Mount Hermon
- Principal, Carver High School of Engineering and Science, School District of Philadelphia
- Principal, Comly Elementary, School District of Philadelphia
- Principal, Meredith Elementary, School District of Philadelphia
- Principal, Universal Audenried Charter High School
- Middle School Head, Friends’ Central School
- Middle School Head, Sidwell Friends
SLP Alumni
Admissions & Financial Aid
Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements, as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.
Contact us if you have any questions about the program.
Financial Aid
Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-6415
admissions@gse.upenn.edu
finaid@gse.upenn.edu
Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.
Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
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