Master of Education in
Educational Administration + Endorsement
Master of Education in
Educational Administration + Endorsement
Master of Education in
Educational Administration + Endorsement
Stand Out in your calling.
MAY 11
NEXT START
With several start dates throughout the year.
34
CREDIT PROGRAM
Take one course every 8 weeks to finish in 6 semesters. Includes 27 coursework credits + 7 internship credits.
ONLINE
COURSEWORK
100% online and asynchronous coursework.
$360
COST PER CREDIT
Earn your degree from one of Iowa’s most affordable programs.
Make a difference in your community by turning your abilities and passion to lead into an administrative role. With Northwestern College’s online M.Ed. in Educational Administration + Principal Endorsement program, you will be prepared for a position as a principal, athletic director, or supervisor of special education. You will learn from experienced, practicing administrators through relevant coursework and our unique mentorship program. Our program aligns with NELP and ISSL standards and meets Iowa’s requirements for an initial administrator license.
The program is fully accredited and leads to principal certification in the state of Iowa and in other states on an individual basis. Not teaching in the state of Iowa? We will check with your state’s department of education to determine transferability.
It’s more than a lane change.
Earning a graduate degree doesn’t have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Northwestern College’s online Master’s in Educational Administration + Principal Endorsement allows you to log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it’s most convenient for you. Take one 8-week online class at a time, completing two classes each semester, and you’ll finish your degree in 2 years or less and be eligible for financial aid.
The diverse perspectives and support from the Northwestern community foster growth as a leader, allowing me to build stronger connections with stakeholders and refine my approach to fostering a positive school culture. The program has strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and sense of purpose as I balance professional aspirations with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Jennifer | M.Ed. Educational Administration
Application requirements
Application requirements
Application requirements
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor's degree institution.
- No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.
Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Send official transcripts to: [email protected] or
Northwestern College
Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW
Orange City, IA 51041.
Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
Documentation of valid teaching license.
- A digital or scanned copy from your state's Department of Education website is sufficient.
Documentation showing at least 1 school year of teaching experience.
- Your principal or supervisor can email us a brief statement verifying the number of years you have been teaching.
Program specifics
Program specifics
Program specifics
27 coursework credits. 7 internship credits.
27 coursework credits. 7 internship credits.
27 coursework credits. 7 internship credits.
The required courses and internships below provide a comprehensive foundation in school leadership.
The required courses and internships below provide a comprehensive foundation in school leadership.
The required courses and internships below provide a comprehensive foundation in school leadership.
EDAD510 - Creating a Culture for Learning
The principal is responsible for school culture. This course will foster future principals' ability to nurture and sustain a school culture conducive to student achievement and teacher flourishing. Student learning and development, and teachers' professional development are primary topics. (3 credits)
EDAD520 - Law, Politics and the Principal
The principal serves as a strong advocate for students, teachers and the school. In this course, future principals will delve deeply into current issues in PK-12 education, define their positions on issues, and hone communication skills necessary for advocating on behalf of students, teachers and their schools. Particular attention will be devoted to networking and relationship building among decision-makers and influencers. (3 credits)
EDAD530 - School, Families and the Community
The principal is responsible for ensuring families and the community are integral stakeholders in the success of a school. In this course, future principals will develop an ability to leverage stakeholders using knowledge of their needs, demographics and cultures to improve student outcomes. (3 credits)
EDAD530I - School, Families and the Community Internship
Working closely with a leadership coach, future principals will apply coursework in an internship experience at the early childhood level. This course is to be taken concurrently with EDAD530. (2 credits)
EDAD540 - Operations Management
The principal is responsible for academic and non-academic functions within a school building. In this course, future principals will gain knowledge pertaining to nonacademic duties of the principal including supervision of facilities and services. Course topics will include budgeting, scheduling, resource acquisition, technology, school safety and governance processes. (3 credits)
EDAD610 - Instructional Leadership
The principal serves as the instructional leader of the building. In this course, future principals will learn to set a vision for learning with stakeholders and implement a plan to achieve that vision. Students will know state requirements for curriculum, instruction and assessment, learn to conduct a needs assessment, use systems thinking to develop long-term solutions, and create an action plan to improve student learning. (3 credits)
EDAD620 - Data and School Improvement
The principal must use data to make decisions that impact students, teachers and the school. In this course, future principals will learn to identify areas of need using data; construct action research to solve a school improvement project; discern excellent sources for data; read, interpret and analyze data; plan and monitor goals to address deficiencies; and inform stakeholders of findings, progress and outcomes. (3 credits)
EDAD620I - Data and School Improvement Internship
Working closely with a leadership coach, future principals will apply coursework in an internship experience at the secondary level. This course is to be taken concurrently with EDAD620. (2 credits)
EDAD630 - Ethics, Supervision and Evaluation
The principal is responsible for the quality of instruction and care of students in a school. In this course, future principals will learn to use their knowledge of model teaching to evaluate teachers and programs, using justice, integrity, fairness and courage. Students in this course will complete Iowa Evaluator Training to prepare for licensure. (3 credits)
EDAD630I - Ethics, Supervision and Evaluation Internship
Working closely with a leadership coach, future principals will apply coursework in an internship experience at the elementary level. This course is to be taken concurrently with EDAD630. (2 credits)
EDU560 - Curriculum and Assessment for Student Learning
Through a process of discussion, reflection, reading, discovery and practice, this course will lead students to a more comprehensive understanding of how curriculum and assessment are interrelated. Students will delve into timely issues associated with curriculum and assessment affecting schools. Upon completion, students will be prepared to develop aligned curriculum and assessment that takes into consideration local, state and national standards, best practices and students' diverse needs.
Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree. (3 credits)
SPED612 - Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Special Education
This course is an intensive study of the legislation and litigation involved with individuals with disabilities specifically concentrating on those students between the ages of birth - 21 years. A historical as well as current study of legislation used as the basis for providing special education services on the federal and state level will be covered. The legal system on the federal and state level is covered as well as critical litigations that have influenced the field of special education. The student will become knowledgeable about the legal precedence for all that they do as a special educator. (3 credits)
SPED612I - Social, Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education Internship
Working closely with a leadership coach, future principals will apply coursework in an internship experience in a special education setting. This course is to be taken concurrently with SPED612. (1 credit)
Faculty + Staff
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.

Russ AdamsProgram Director, M.Ed. Educational Administration