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College of Human Development, Culture, and Media

M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy (Online)

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The online M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy at Seton Hall University is a nationally recognized, CAEP-accredited graduate program designed to prepare the next generation of school and district leaders. Created for working educators, this flexible, five-semester online program offers an accelerated path to earning both supervisor and principal certification in New Jersey. With a focus on leadership, equity, and educational improvement, graduates are equipped to take on meaningful administrative roles, including positions as principals, department supervisors, and district-level administrators.

This advanced degree in K-12 education leadership provides a rigorous and supportive learning environment. Students benefit from convenient online courses that foster practical learning and real-world application. The program’s accelerated structure is tailored to meet the needs of full-time professionals, making it possible to complete supervisor certification requirements in as few as two semesters and principal certification in five.

Seton Hall’s M.A.E. program emphasizes a student-centered, cohort-based model that builds a strong sense of community and collaboration. Learners receive one-on-one academic advising and access to individualized learning opportunities that support personal and professional growth. Courses are taught by a dedicated faculty of accomplished scholars and experienced practitioners, whose expertise bridges theory and practice in school leadership.

Graduates also gain direct access to a robust alumni network, with connections to school systems throughout New Jersey, the tri-state area, and beyond. This professional network, combined with generous scholarship opportunities, ensures that students are well-supported throughout their academic journey and positioned for long-term career success.

Whether you’re seeking to lead a school, oversee a department, or shape policy at the district level, Seton Hall’s online M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy provides the tools, credentials, and connections to make a lasting impact in education.

Accreditation & Awards

US News Best Online Programs Grad Education 2025
CAEP Logo
James Corino, Ed.D.

"The strength of our program lies in the diversity of our cohort members, spanning primary to high school educators, with aspirations to be dynamic leaders."

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Admissions Requirements

The Online M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy program accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling admissions basis.

  • Earned bachelor’s degree
  • Online Application
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Current professional vitae/resume
  • Personal statement 
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references familiar with your character, interests, and academic ability. For recommenders, consider individuals such as supervisors, colleagues, and faculty members.

Criteria and Prerequisites

  • Work experience in education or in a related field
  • Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (or equivalent)

Deadlines

  • Deadline to apply

    Rolling

Curriculum Overview

This M.A.E. degree program prepares education professionals for leadership positions and careers in K-12 educational environments. For qualified students, completion of the coursework, coupled with field experiences, provide a pathway to New Jersey state certification (Supervisor and/or Principal).

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the M.A.E. degree. The culminating experience is an administrative internship that provides meaningful leadership and management-based activities within a school/district setting.  Students collaborate closely with the College’s Office of Fieldwork and Certification to fulfill this requirement.

Recently refreshed coursework prepared students for leadership and focuses in areas such as: Culturally Sustaining Curriculum, Instructional Leadership, Ethical Leadership, and Research for School Improvement.

  • 73

    US News Online Master's in Education Programs Ranking

  • 30

    Credits

  • 5

    Semesters to Complete

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for administrative and school leadership roles as principals, department supervisors, and district administrators.

In addition to traditional school leader roles, graduates pursue opportunities across elementary and secondary institutions as curriculum supervisors, program coordinators, policy analysts, site coordinators, personnel relations, and athletic directors.

A photo of an Professional Educator

$141,310

Annual Mean Wage for K-12 Education Administrators in NJ (bls.gov)

3%

Strong Anticipated Employment Growth (bls.gov)

1:1

Academic & Career Advising

Some of the top employers where you will find our alumni.

School Districts Throughout the State of New Jersey
NYC Department of Education
Newark Public Schools
South Orange/Maplewood School District
Cranford Public Schools

Our Faculty and Students

Outstanding Faculty Honored at Annual Excellence Awards

At the annual Faculty Excellence Awards, Seton Hall faculty members were honored for their teaching and research contributions, including Angelo Gingerelli, Renee Robinson, and Rong Chen.

Professors Gingerelli, Robinson, and Chen with Dean Crable.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.

  • 50%

    Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s different about the new K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy online program?

The refreshed program builds upon Seton Hall’s strong history of preparing school leaders. In response to evolving primary and secondary school challenges, our faculty reimagined coursework that increasingly equips students with a blend of theory and practice to effectively serve as leaders in today’s schools. The program pace and timing were also accelerated, while further aligning it with the demands of working professionals — striking an essential work, life, education balance.  The program also provides qualified students with the opportunity to pursue certification in New Jersey, as well as providing a strong foundation for future educational pursuits, including the Educational Specialist or the Doctor of Education degrees.

Is the program completely online? Will I be eligible for NJ certification as a Supervisor?

Yes! The required coursework to earn the M.A.E. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy is provided completely online. The program’s pace is similarly accelerated. Successful completion of the required curriculum embedded in the degree program, generally scheduled during the first two semesters of the five-semester full program, students are eligible for nomination linked to the New Jersey Supervisor endorsement.

Graduate Admissions FAQs

Additional Resources

Certificate for K-12 Supervisor

Ed.S. for K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Request More Information

Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

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About Seton Hall

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One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

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