Master of Education inTeaching & Educational Leadership
Why GET YOUR MASTER'S IN Teaching & Educational Leadership at ORU?
ORU’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Educational Leadership equips you with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to make a lasting impact in K–12 education. Grounded in research, this Spirit-empowered program prepares you to teach, lead, and inspire with excellence in today’s classrooms and schools.
Students choose from the following concentrations:
- Building-Level Leadership: For experienced educators preparing to serve as principals, assistant principals, or other school administrators who lead with integrity and vision.
- Interdisciplinary: For educators seeking flexibility to design a personalized program of study by taking courses across multiple ORU colleges that align with their professional goals and interests.
- Teaching: For individuals seeking to their first teaching credential and classroom experience. This concentration in Teaching offers two distinct routes—Initial for those entering the profession for the first time, and Alternative for individuals transitioning from other careers.
Through research-based coursework and practical, real-world application, you’ll strengthen your instructional practice, grow as a leader, and transform learning environments with excellence and purpose.
Start your graduate education journey at ORU today!
Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life
at our main campus. Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning
environment. Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.Flexible Study Options
ON CAMPUS
ORU FLEX
ONLINE
When you serve, you have to be careful not to exhaust the people at the expense of actually serving them. At ORU, we focus so much on meeting the needs of those we serve and leaving them better than we found them.
Gabe Frohlich
California
This concentration equips aspiring school administrators with the leadership, management,
and policy skills needed to serve as principals or other building-level leaders in
K–12 schools. Upon completion of the program, graduates have the opportunity to apply
for certification. Applicants must complete the program, all key assessments and benchmarks
included in the program, and pass the designated certification exams required by the
state of Oklahoma. Because Oklahoma participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement,
candidates are eligible to transfer their teaching certificate to other member states,
pending that state’s specific requirements. This concentration allows educators to customize their studies by integrating coursework
from multiple disciplines, equipping them to address the many educational challenges
with creativity and innovation. This concentration prepares candidates for careers in education through both Initial
and Alternative Certification pathways, equipping them with the pedagogical skills
and content knowledge necessary for effective classroom instruction. The Initial Certification
pathway offers comprehensive preparation for future educators, culminating in a full-time
student teaching semester that fulfills Oklahoma licensure requirements through practical,
hands-on experience. Upon completing all program requirements, key assessments, and
state certification exams, graduates may apply for licensure. Because Oklahoma participates
in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, candidates may transfer their certification to
other member states, pending each state’s requirements. The Alternative Certification
pathway provides a streamlined route to licensure in Oklahoma, designed for candidates
seeking to meet the state’s unique educational standards and workforce needs.Concentrations
Building-Level Leadership
Interdisciplinary
Teaching
Teaching & Educational Leadership Courses offered
- Philosophy of Education
- Spiritual Perspectives in Education
- Leadership of Instructional Strategies
- Introduction to Research
- Pre-Clinicals & Internships
- Plus, specialty courses in your concentration
Degree Path
The College of Education offers 50% off tuition for anyone employed full-time at a
Christian school or an Oklahoma public school for up to 6 semesters. Explore our graduate
financial aid page to discover scholarship opportunities designed to support your
education journey.Tuition and Scholarships
Careers with a Teaching & Educational Leadership Degree
Through the teaching and educational leadership graduate program, you'll be equipped for careers such as:
- Instructional Leader
- Building-Level Principal or Administrator
- Classroom Teacher
- Academic Advisor
- Student Support Specialist
- Education Program Manager
- Adjunct or Dual-Credit Instructor
- Educational Consultant
- Professional Development Coordinator
- Adult Educator or GED Instructor
Classes are taught in a hybrid, modular format consisting of 2½ days of face-to-face
sessions, Thursday evening through Saturday afternoon, accompanied by online pre-
and post-assignments. There is also the option to participate remotely in a live class
via Zoom or by viewing the Zoom recording of a class on your own schedule. Fall sessions are held in September, October, and November; spring sessions are held
in January, February, March, and April. This 35.5-hour, non-cohort, program is designed
to be completed in a minimum of three years, including dissertation. Admission is
continuous, with program entry at any point in the fall or spring. This program emphasizes practice over theory, integrating practical post-assignments
that directly connect coursework to your professional setting. Each project is designed
to address real-world challenges in your workplace, allowing you to apply research,
leadership, and problem-solving skills in meaningful, hands-on ways. You’ll learn from highly qualified faculty who bring extensive experience as educators,
administrators, and researchers, and who genuinely care about your personal and professional
success. Through Spirit-empowered teaching and mentorship, they model the heart of
transformational leadership, guiding you to grow in both excellence and purpose. As part of the program, candidates complete comprehensive exams that assess their
mastery of key concepts, leadership principles, and research-based practices gained
throughout their coursework. These exams ensure graduates demonstrate the depth of
knowledge and professional readiness expected of advanced educational leaders. The College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation
of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and
Accountability (OEQA). It is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher
Education (AACTE).Program Features
ORU’s teaching and educational leadership faculty are experienced educators and leaders
passionate about preparing Spirit-empowered teachers. With expertise in K–12 education,
curriculum, administration, and research, they bring practical skills and a strong
Christian worldview to every classroom.MEET YOUR FACULTY
