The master of educational leadership program at Rocky Mountain College is designed to prepare educational leaders for careers as principals or other administrative leadership roles. This cohort-based program incorporates state and national standards for educational leadership and is based on Effective Schools Research. Blending theory and practice through coursework and intensive internship, candidates will be prepared to be instructional leaders at the P-12 level. 

The principal-preparation program is 34 semester hours in length depending on previous coursework and has a minimal residence requirement. Graduates of this program will meet the education requirement for licensure as a principal in the state of Montana. Separate courses are also available for superintendent endorsement. Candidates should check with the Montana Office of Public Instruction for licensure requirements. 

Accelerated Program Structure & Format
This 11-month accelerated masters degree is designed with a working professional in mind. The program has a minimal residency requirement that includes a five day on campus orientation and a five day on campus capstone seminar. With the exception of the mentioned 10 days, all courses can be completed in person or virtually. Instructional courses typically take place on various evenings throughout the week, allowing dedicated educators to continue working while pursuing their degree. Courses are taught in a module-based format where students focus on one topic at a time for a period of four weeks. With a combination of instructional, seminar, and practicum courses, students will average 17 completed credits each semester. 

Program Courses & Internships
For completion of the Master of Educational Leadership Degree, 216 internship hours and 34 credit hours with the following courses are required:
EDL 500: Foundations of Leadership
EDL 505: Dimensions of Leadership I
EDL 510: Dimensions of Leadership II
EDL 520: Supervision of Educational Personnel
EDL 530: Montana School Law
EDL 554: Montana School Finance
EDL 560: Organizational Change
EDL 570: School Curriculum
EDL 575: Public School and Community Relationships
EDL 590: Leadership Seminar I and II
EDL 591E: Internship in the Elementary School
EDL 591S: Internship in the Secondary School
EDL 583: Educational Leadership Capstone

Program faculty have excellent connections with school administrators throughout Montana and the West. Upon matriculation, an internship arrangement will be made with an institution local to the student’s residence where the student can complete their 216 required internship hours. 

Administrators who have served as a licensed principal for one year and who complete 12–18 semester hours beyond the master’s degree in areas determined by the Montana Office of Public Instruction are eligible for a Class 3 Administrative Endorsement as a superintendent. A review of the student’s transcript will result in a specific plan of study. 

Program Structure & Format
There is no residency requirement for students in the Superintendent Preparation Program. Students can enroll in courses  for a Fall or Spring Semester start. Courses are offered in evenings during the week in an in person or online format.

Program Courses & Practicum
Depending on prior coursework, a student may need between 12-18 credits total to obtain their Superintendent Endorsement. A review of the student’s transcript will result in a specific plan of study. EDL 691 and EDL 693 are required courses for all students.

The following courses for the superintendent endorsement are offered on demand:
EDL 662: District Superintendent Challenges: Boardrooms and Courtrooms
EDL 665: Getting District Results: The Role of the Superintendent
EDL 676: Superintendent as CEO
EDL 690: Superintendent Seminar
EDL 691: Superintendent Practicum (required of all students)
EDL 693: Education Personnel and Collective Bargaining in Montana (required of all students)
EDL 554: Montana School Finance
EDL 530: Montana School Law

Program faculty have excellent connections with school administrators throughout Montana and the West. Upon matriculation, a practicum arrangement will be made with an institution local to the student’s residence where the student can complete their required practicum hours.

Candidates should check with the Montana Office of Public Instruction for other endorsement requirements.