MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

University of Denver - Morgridge College of Education
MA Program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Shape the Future as an Educational Leader
At the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education, the MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) program equips aspiring educational leaders to drive meaningful change in their schools, districts, and communities. In just 12 months, students can earn Colorado K-12 principal licensure through the Ritchie Executive Leadership for Successful Schools (ELSS) program. For those seeking to further enhance their knowledge and skills, an additional three quarters of study leads to a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Designed to accommodate working professionals, this program blends flexibility, accessibility, and academic rigor for those currently serving in K-12 education.

Empowering Emerging School Leaders
The ELPS MA program offers a transformative, equity-focused educational experience that combines innovative approaches with practical application. Rooted in project-based learning, the curriculum enables students to critically analyze complex challenges in education and develop actionable solutions. By integrating systems thinking, liberatory design, and improvement science, students build the expertise to address pressing issues and lead with confidence.

Students in the ELPS program identify equity-based problems of practice within their educational settings. Through rigorous research and critical analysis of related policies, programs, and practices, they become experts in understanding and addressing these challenges. A culminating action research capstone project allows students to study their selected problem from the user’s perspective, designing practical solutions that can be implemented directly in their schools, districts, or organizations.

Why choose the ELPS MA program?

• Equity-Centered Learning: Focus on advancing equity and inclusion by addressing real-world problems of practice in education.
• Actionable Solutions: Develop and implement research-informed strategies through a hands-on capstone project that blends liberatory design and improvement science.
• Flexible for Professionals: Benefit from a program tailored to working educators, with accessible learning options that fit your schedule and career goals.

Take the next step in your journey as an educational leader and join a program designed to shape the future of education.

Start Dates: Summer 

Curriculum: 45 Credit Hours (Year 1 - 30 credits principal graduate certificate; Year 2 - 15 credits) 

Program Length: 10 Months (After the completion of ELPS Certificate) 

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