Master of Education in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
LEARN FIRSTHAND FROM EXPERIENCED SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WHILE PREPARING FOR STATE LICENSURE.
Lead the Way for a Better Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership coursework prepares you
to grow from educator to administrator, equipping you for positions such as principal,
assistant principal, and central office leadership through real world experience.
Education at all levels needs experienced, passionate, and engaged leaders. Principals
and superintendents play vital roles in the vision and community relationship of elementary,
middle, and high schools.
Education is constantly changing. Leaders must be able to address concerns, create
policies, inspire confidence in the value of education, and motivate and lead faculty
to improve schools and strengthen communities. These positions require a master's
degree.
Take the Next Steps
Have questions about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program, career
outcomes, or applying? Our admissions team is ready to help you move forward.
The Fairmont State Difference – What Sets Us Apart
At Fairmont State, graduate education is personal, affordable, and built around your
goals. You will learn from approachable and experienced faculty mentors in small,
engaging class sizes and gain career-ready skills designed to help you reach your
career goals, move forward, and move up in your career field all at a cost-effective
rate.
Students in the program will receive field experience in their local schools, regardless
of if they are in West Virginia or another state.
Program Highlights
Built for Professionals
100% online master in educational leadership
Designed for full-time teachers and school employees
Complete coursework while continuing your career
Leadership Qualified
Career-aligned curriculum focused on leadership, policy making, and community engagement
Curriculum aligned with leadership credential pathways
Designed to support advancement across school systems
Lead with Confidence
Apply policy and ethics in real scenarios
Strengthen communications with staff and community
Lead team, manage change, and support student success
Accessible & Affordable Learning
Low tuition with maximum support
Build a network that supports long-term career goals and mobility
Gain experience aligned with district hiring expectations
Program Timeline & Format
18
Month Estimated to Complete
100%
Online
~$11K
Estimated Total Cost*
*Based on 2026–2027 tuition rates and assuming completion within one calendar year. Individual student costs may vary based on course load, fees, and time to completion.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
A Master of Education in Educational Leadership opens doors for a potential 8% increase
in earnings and school administrator roles. Potential Career Paths Include:
Principal - $93,000/year
Principals are responsible for the overall operation of a school. They oversee daily
activities, supporting and managing staff, setting academic goals, and counseling
students. Principals also manage budgets, organize professional development programs,
meet with parents of students to discuss a student’s performance, assess and report
test results, and evaluate teachers’ performances. They are responsible for the school
to meet local, state, and federal education requirements.
Assistant Principal - $80,000/year
Assistant Principals work under the Principal to accomplish the Principal’s goals
in school administration. Assistant Principals often focus on some of the specific
duties of the Principal. In some school districts, Assistant Principals are responsible
over individual subject areas, including literacy or math. They can also take charge
of security, student counseling, attendance policy, buses, and maintenance.
Superintendent - $141,000/year
Superintendents oversee the operations of an entire school district and report directly
to the school board. Superintendents choose principals for individual schools and
have the final word on disciplining and firing school employees. Superintendents work
year-round to address issues their districts are facing. They also have a say in school
budgets and maintenance.
Central Office Administrator - $99,164/year
Central Office Administrators work with Superintendents to carry out the direction
and vision of the School Board. Central Office Administrators specialize in different
departments of a district’s central office. Some areas include Human Resources, budgeting
and financial resources, operations, maintenance, and education. Some Central Office
Administrators may work directly with the Superintendent in a cabinet.
Supervisor of Instruction - $67,568/year
Supervisors of Instruction focus on improving the education methods of a school. They
advise teachers and administrators on how to develop curriculum and implement it in
the classrooms. Supervisors of Instruction will train teachers on classroom procedures,
instructional materials, and teaching aids. They also address concerns from the public
and ensure curriculum follows state education codes.
Faculty
Dr. Kurt Meader
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Kurt Meader is an Assistant Professor and Educational Leadership Program Director
at Fairmont State University. He brings extensive experience in K–12 education and
school administration to the program. He teaches graduate courses in school principal
and superintendent leadership. His work emphasizes practical leadership preparation,
bridging theory with the real-world challenges facing today’s schools and districts.
He focuses on helping candidates to develop leadership skills in communication, collaboration,
school improvement, and organizational management.
Toni Poling
Assistant Professor and Education Department Chair
Toni M. Poling is an Assistant Professor of Education at Fairmont State University,
where she served as Department Chair from 2021-2026 and continues to lead initiatives
in teacher preparation, curriculum development, and accreditation. A nationally recognized
educator and the 2017 West Virginia Teacher of the Year, Toni brings more than 20
years of experience in K–12 and higher education, with expertise in literacy, instructional
design, mentoring, and teacher development.
Curriculum: What You’ll Learn
Effective school leadership principles
Community engagement and partnership
Working with teachers, staff, and students
Planning as a superintendent
Organizational Leadership
Examine components of building or reconfiguring new school, fiscal and personnel management,
staff safety, and the internal and external implications of decisions made by principals.
Transformational Leadership
Familiarize yourself with the skills and characteristics of transformative leaders
and how the principal as a leader empowers all members of the learning community to
improve form within.
Current School Issues
Study educational issues that impact student learning, the classroom, and management
of the school. You'll also research local issues of the educational setting (e.g.,
disgruntled employee, parent, student, or community member) and the impact of these
issues on the school.
EDUC 5000 - Principal as a Leader
EDUC 5005 - Organizational Leadership
EDUC 5010 - Ethics and School Law
EDUC 5015 - Community Relationships
EDUC 5020 - Transformational Leadership
EDUC 5025 - Current School Issues
EDUC 5030 - Superintendent Role Regarding Board, Community and Curriculum
EDUC 5035 - Superintendent as Leader/Manager
EDUC 5040 - Building-Level Internship
EDUC 6301 - Research in Education
EDUC 6395 - Capstone Research Project
Admissions Requirements
Rolling Admission - No Deadline to Apply
To be admitted to the Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Fairmont State,
you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
Submit admissions application to the Office of Admissions.
Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA.
Have three (3) years of management level or teaching experience.
Once the Fairmont State Office of Admissions receives all of the required documents,
your application file will be reviewed by the College of Education, Health and Human
Performance.
You are not required to have a passing score on the Praxis II: Educational Leadership
assessment prior to starting this program.
Fairmont State provides high-quality graduate education at a cost that makes sense
for working professionals. Our graduate programs are designed to combine quality instruction
and reasonable costs, delivering an extraordinary return on investment.
Graduate tuition is charged on a per-credit basis, giving students transparency and
flexibility as they plan their education.
Costs
As an online graduate student, you’ll pay the same costs regardless of whether you’re
a West Virginia resident or a non-resident.
Fairmont State graduates with a Master of Educational Leadership typically pursue
roles earning $67,000-141,000 depending on role and experience, according to the West
Virginia Department of Education.
Yes. A master’s degree in Educational Leadership can open the door for a potential
8% increase in earnings than just having a bachelor’s degree depending on what state
you teach in.
Yes. All candidates for the standard certification as a school principal or superintendent
must have a master’s degree.
Education Administrator positions in West Virginia are expected to have 110 openings
annually from 2022 to 2032. An additional 20,000 openings are expected annually across
the nation, including 3,300 new openings, according to Projections Central.
Fairmont State’s Master’s in Educational Leadership is for teachers who wish to advance
their careers in education.
Yes. The Master in Educational Leadership is 100% online and designed for flexibility.
Fairmont State’s faculty are distinguished educators, principals, and superintendents
that are actively engaged in leadership roles within professional organizations.
Specific faculty may vary by course and term. Current faculty listings are available
through the College of Education, Health, and Human Performance webpage [link] at
Fairmont State University.
The Master’s in Educational Leadership program length depends on enrollment status.
Students typically complete the degree in as few as 18 months. Classes are only available
in part-time schedules.
Admission requirements generally include:
A completed graduate application
Official undergraduate transcripts
A minimum undergraduate GPA (as determined by Graduate Admissions)
Additional requirements may apply. Applicants should consult Graduate Admissions for
the most current criteria.
Have questions about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program, career
outcomes, or applying? Our admissions team is ready to help you move forward.
*Based on 2026–2027 tuition rates and assuming completion within one calendar year.
Individual student costs may vary based on course load, fees, and time to completion.
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Assistant Professor and Education Department Chair
