Why study educational leadership at Rider University?

Rider’s M.A. in Educational Leadership (Principal Leadership Program) prepares experienced teachers to step into school-wide leadership with confidence. In about two years, this 36-credit program combines executive-style hybrid learning with field-based growth projects and a yearlong internship, so you can apply what you learn in real time. Aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration, the program ensures you graduate not only with New Jersey’s Principal and Supervisor Certificates, but also with the vision, skills, and practical experience to lead schools that thrive.

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The Rider advantage

Designed for working educators, our program connects leadership standards to hands-on practice while keeping your career moving forward.

Standards-aligned, practice-driven leadership

Offered through Rider’s CAEP-accredited College of Education and Human Services, you’ll engage with leadership frameworks tied to real-world goals such as planning, decision-making, and school improvement. Through Leadership Growth Projects and field experiences, you’ll connect theory to practice and compile a professional portfolio that highlights your growth as a school leader.

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What you'll learn

In Rider’s educational leadership graduate program, you’ll gain the tools to shape a school’s vision, elevate instruction, and create a culture where students and teachers succeed. Coursework builds your expertise in governance, school finance, law, curriculum design, and data-informed decision-making, while leadership growth projects connect theory to your district’s real needs. A yearlong internship lets you practice the responsibilities of a school leader firsthand. By graduation, you’ll have both a professional portfolio and eligibility for New Jersey’s Principal and Supervisor Certificates. You’ll be ready to step into roles like assistant principal, principal, supervisor, athletic director, or district-level administrator.

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Claire Corliss
By choosing Rider, you are choosing to be trained by professors who know how to be practitioners and partnering with serious classmates who will hold you to a high standard."
Claire Corliss ’12, ’24
Assistant director of student services at Robbinsville Public Schools

Alumni spotlight

Career opportunities with an M.A. in educational leadership

Graduates of Rider’s program are prepared to take on leadership roles across schools and districts, from the building level to central office administration.

Typical career roles include:

  • Assistant principal
  • School principal
  • Instructional supervisor
  • District curriculum director
  • Director of instruction
  • Content/intervention specialist
  • Instructional coach
  • Athletic director
  • Director of student services
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Build your degree step by step

At Rider, you can build your credentials in stages. You’ll earn the Supervisor of Instruction Certificate and the Principal Certificate on your way to the M.A. in Educational Leadership. Both apply directly toward the degree, so coursework isn’t duplicated. Along the way, you’ll add credentials that strengthen your résumé and expand your career options.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Next steps

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Contact

Bonnie Lehet

Assistant Professor, Director of Teacher Leadership/Principal Leadership, Director of Doctorate in Education Leadership

Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling

Bierenbaum Fisher Hall 202 I

blehet [at] rider.edu

609-896-7750

Academic Focus: Educational Leadership

Education building with flowers in front of it.