The Educational Leadership, M.Ed. (Higher Education Concentration) degree is one of ETSU’s well-established online programs. With its blend of theory, research, and hands-on experiences that connect learning and practice, students receive a high-quality education.  

Dr. Susan Epps, professor and program coordinator, described how the program’s faculty are dedicated to delivering career-focused, real-world learning experiences that offer students long-term value.

“The faculty who teach in the program, they're practitioners in their areas,” she said. “We've worked diligently to make sure that the experiences the students have in each course are something that they can take and apply in their work or in their future jobs.”

Students will move through a program of study that explores leadership, development theories, and the higher education system, all while discovering ways to apply leadership practices across different functional areas within colleges and universities.  

Students will also learn about college student development by studying key theories of development, including intellectual, ethical, social, and career models, as well as how individuals grow and succeed in higher education and how campus environments and campus services support student growth.  

In addition to leadership and development studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the higher education system, including its historical roles, structures of power, and issues of access.

The Higher Education concentration within the Educational Leadership, M.Ed. program requires 36 credits (12 classes). Most students complete the program in six semesters. The program offers part- and full-time options for those who need flexible scheduling and study time, allowing students to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments.

“A lot of our students work full time, and being able to do an online program is really a benefit to them because they don't have to quit a job, or they're not working all day and then going to class for six hours, three nights a week,” said Dr. Epps.  

The online experience is not just for working professionals. The Educational Leadership master’s program is also well-suited for recent graduates who want to begin or prepare for a career in higher education.  

Recent program graduate, Chrislyn Shuford, says the blend of experience levels among her classmates offered unique perspectives and a sense of belonging during her time in the program.  

“A lot of the nontraditional students have full-time jobs, whether it be here or at a community college or technical school or a different institution. I found it so amazing that we could connect on different levels and share our experiences,” she said. “I brought in that component of being a student who just came out of undergrad, and they may have that component of being someone who leads students as an advisor or a dean or some type of leadership role.”

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No matter the experience level, career interest, or life circumstances, graduates leave with the credentials and confidence needed to advance, take on greater responsibility, and lead with impact.

Educational Leadership alumni have gone on to positions such as:

  • TRIO Program Director  
  • Career Coach
  • Academic Advisor
  • Access ETSU Coordinator
  • Admissions Counselor  
  • Department of Student Success and Flourishing Program Coordinator
  • Director of Physical Security  
  • Coordinator of Student Life and Engagement
  • Assistant Bursar
  • IRB Specialist
  • Academic Program Specialist

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A program overview, including a course list and admissions requirements, can be found in ETSU’s Academic Catalog.