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Educational Leadership

Also offered as: Graduate

Our department provides programmatic and professional growth opportunities for our students, both on-campus and at sites where our presence is requested.

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Educational Leadership

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Degree Level
Master of Science in Education
Delivery
In Person
Credit Hours
33 Total
Careers
Education, Preschool, Daycare, Secondary, Postsecondary
Educational Leadership students at EIU

Why Study Educational Leadership at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
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"I chose to attend EIU's graduate program to earn my master's degree in educational leadership with principal endorsement due to my positive experience as an EIU undergraduate student. EIU's education program is highly regarded so I wanted to pursue further education here, as well. My family and I live in Charleston where I teach at Charleston Middle School, my wife, Shelly, teaches in the EIU Department of English, and our two children will be in Charleston CUSD1 schools."
Spencer Spear
Class of 2025, Educational Leadership major
Spencer Spear, Educational Leadership at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Educational Leadership students at EIU

What You'll Learn

In addition, we promote educational forums at which faculty and students can meet with other educators, practicing administrators, community agency representatives and other professionals to continue their educational growth and professional development.

View in Catalog
$72,758
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Education & Childcare Administrators,…
  • Education Administrators,…
  • Education Administrators,…
  • Training & Development Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,665 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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17% of lifetime limit

$16,665 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Aaron Mattox, Department Chair & Graduate Coordinator
Associate Professor, Assistant Chair, Graduate Coordinator (EDL)
akmattox@eiu.edu
2328 Buzzard Hall
Dr. Aaron Mattox, Department Chair & Graduate Coordinator Message Dr. Mattox

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or email akmattox@eiu.edu directly
Cliff Karnes
Adjunct Instructor (EDL)
cdkarnes@eiu.edu
Cliff Karnes Message Cliff

Message Cliff

or email cdkarnes@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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