School of Education
at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

The School of Education offers programs for new and experienced teachers, school administration, and those seeking an advanced degree.

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Get More Info Today (612) 728-5100

Make an impact on the world.

Saint Mary’s has educated the next generation of teachers and leaders for over a century. With its strong reputation for preparing highly skilled teachers and administrators, our program empowers you to adapt to complex challenges to serve students and communities. We are innovators in adult education, dedicated to supporting the unique needs of each learner. The School of Education provides personalized support to ensure every individual thrives and succeeds. With the challenges facing education today, there’s no better time to begin your journey at Saint Mary’s — and make a difference in classrooms, districts, and beyond.

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Administrative Licensure for Superintendent

Administrative Licensure for Superintendent
Online

Help students realize their full potential

  • Our online Ed.S. in Educational Administration program – Director of Special Education specialization is designed for experienced educators ready to take the next step. We’re committed to preparing passionate, driven professionals like you to become transformative leaders in special education. We believe every student deserves an advocate — and that advocate could be you.
  • If you hold a master’s degree in any field, a valid classroom teaching license (valid for the position or positions in which the experience was gained), and have at least three years of special education teaching experience — this program offers a clear pathway to leadership.
  • This program goes beyond management — you’ll gain the tools to navigate complex challenges, lead with integrity, and become a creative problem-solver dedicated to serving students and communities.
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Program Highlights
What You'll Learn
Career Outlook
  • Strengthen your leadership skills with courses embedded in character and virtue formation, developed to enhance our Ed.S. program that emphasizes the moral character of educational leaders.
  • Attend our annual one-day Summer Institute, connecting you with faculty, peers, and inspiring speakers to explore character education and leadership.
  • Engage in a 320-hour immersive field experience across elementary, middle, and high school administration.
  • Receive personalized guidance from a dedicated advisor who will support you every step of the way.
  • See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with several school districts. Learn more.
  • Lead curriculum, assessment, and instruction planning
  • Interpret and apply local, state, and federal policies
  • Design and support instruction, assessment, and behavior management
  • Practice ethical leadership and nurture diversity
  • Manage human, financial, and physical resources
Saint Mary’s Educational Administration program prepares you for Special Ed. licensure, addressing the growing need for strong leaders as 15% of public school students received SPED services in 2022–23.

Director of Special Education

To explore career outlooks, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook at bls.gov/ooh, or the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Educational Specialist Degree and Principal Licensure
Online

Embrace the role you were meant for.

  • Our fully online Educational Administration (Ed.S.) program with a specialization in K–12 principal licensure is designed specifically for educators ready to take the next step. Prepare to lead with confidence, character, and impact — right where you are.
  • Grounded in Minnesota’s K–12 administrative competencies and shaped by our Lasallian Catholic tradition, Saint Mary’s Ed.S. program with a principal specialization blends rigorous, research-based coursework with real-world application.
  • You’ll be prepared to design effective systems, foster inclusive school cultures, and lead continuous school improvement — all while reflecting the Lasallian mission to educate and inspire.
  • If you hold a master’s degree and have at least three years of teaching experience, we invite you to join our program and take the next step toward principal licensure. In less than two years, you’ll be prepared to lead high-performing, value-driven school communities.
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Program Highlights
What You'll Learn
Career Outlook
  • Strengthen your leadership skills with courses embedded in character and virtue formation, developed to enhance our Ed.S. program that emphasizes the moral character of educational leaders.
  • Participate in our annual one-day Summer Institute that connects you with faculty, peers, and inspiring speakers from across the state.
  • Engage in a 320-hour immersive field experience across elementary, middle, and high school administration.
  • Receive personalized support from a dedicated advisor to guide you throughout your journey.
  • See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with several school districts. Learn more.
  • Manage people, budgets, and facilities
  • Drive effective teaching and learning
  • Create inclusive, engaging learning environments
  • Model ethical, student-centered leadership
Saint Mary’s Educational Administration program prepares you for Minnesota K–12 principal licensure and leadership in today’s complex educational landscape. With demand for principals projected to grow 8% by 2030, now is the time to lead with skill and integrity.

High School Principal in Minnesota

To explore career outlooks, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook at bls.gov/ooh, or professional organizations such as the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Educational Specialist Degree and Superintendent Licensure
Online

Drive lasting impact in your school district.

  • With over a century of experience, Saint Mary’s has a strong reputation for preparing skilled, award-winning administrators who’ve made lasting impacts in schools across Minnesota and beyond.
  • As part of our fully online Ed.S. program with a superintendent licensure specialization, you’ll join a community of compassionate, values-driven educators dedicated to student success and shaping the future of education.
  • Designed for those with a master’s degree, three years of teaching experience, and a current K-12 administrative license, this program blends organizational leadership theory with practical skills crucial for effective district administration.
  • Our comprehensive curriculum equips you with the operational expertise and collaborative leadership skills to lead with vision, purpose, and integrity.
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Program Highlights
What You'll Learn
Career Outlook
  • Strengthen your leadership skills with courses embedded in character and virtue formation, developed to enhance our Ed.S. program, that emphasizes the moral character of educational leaders.
  • Engage in a 320-hour immersive field experience across district administration.
  • Receive personalized support from a dedicated advisor to guide you throughout your journey.
  • See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with several school districts. Learn more.
  • Lead with vision and collaborate in strategic decision-making
  • Manage human, financial, and physical resources effectively
  • Promote and cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion
  • Build and maintain positive community and stakeholder relationships
  • Navigate and respond to the complexities of a global educational environment
Saint Mary’s Educational Administration program provides the training and credentials you need for superintendent licensure and leadership success.

Superintendent

To explore career outlooks, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook at bls.gov/ooh, or professional organizations such as the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Master’s Degree Programs

Master of Arts in Education
Online

Go above and beyond your calling.

  • Our fully online program helps licensed teachers elevate their careers by earning a master’s degree while enhancing their skills to address today’s educational challenges and optimize their teaching practices.
  • At Saint Mary’s, we create a collaborative environment where you can engage with faculty and fellow educators while exploring cutting-edge approaches to educational theory and research.
  • Customize your master’s degree with one of five content specializations to fit your professional goals and take your career to the next level. Including two new specializations – Education Technology and Lasallian Education.

Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree from accredited institution and overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
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Program Highlights
What You’ll Learn
Career Outlook
Choose from five content specializations:

  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educate-WI
  • Education Technology
  • Lasallian Education
  • Mental Health
  • Child growth and development supporting students’ growth
  • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment design and differentiation
  • Instructional strategies to manage classrooms
  • Effective assessments and analyze assessment data
  • Studies and design research to improve educational practice
  • Ethics and laws to guide relationships and decision making
Our online MAED degree program can help leverage your career and become a master teacher and leader.

Instructional Coach

Curriculum Specialist

Education Consultant

Lead Teacher

Professional Development Coordinator

For career insights, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, bls.gov/ooh, or professional organizations such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Master of Arts in Teaching
Online

  • If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can be hired to teach elementary or secondary school in Minnesota. You can work as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 teacher while taking online coursework to prepare you for your Tier 3 teaching license through this program.
  • Earn your first teaching license in one of 12 licensure areas. You’ll attend virtual, synchronous evening courses once per week, taught by experienced K-12 teachers with real-world insights.
  • Our MAT program offers two main pathways: The Path to Licensure, which includes the coursework and practical experience required to earn your teaching license, and the master’s degree option with only two additional classes, where you will obtain your teaching license and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
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Program Highlights
What You’ll Learn
Career Outlook
  • PELSB-approved teacher preparation program
  • Participate in the ISTEP project to become a STEM teacher, while receiving financial support, training, and mentoring. Learn more.
  • Hands-on experience through 100 field experience hours and student teaching.
  • See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with numerous school districts. Learn more.
  • Learning experiences that are meaningful for students
  • Learning opportunities that support a student’s personal development
  • Instructional opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds
  • Student development through instructional strategies
  • Active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom
  • Evaluate, synthesize, and disseminate research related to educational practice
The M.A. in Teaching at Saint Mary’s is designed for career changers and aspiring educators seeking initial teacher licensure. Common job titles include:

Elementary or Secondary School Teacher

STEM Teacher

Literacy Coach

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Alternative Education Instructor

For additional insights, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, bls.gov/ooh, or professional organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA).

Doctoral Programs

Executive Doctor of Education in Leadership
Online

Fast-track your leadership potential.

  • Our Executive Ed.D. program, designed for experienced professionals seeking a doctoral degree. Our fully online program equips you with essential executive-level skills applicable across a range of industries. Ideal for those with a master’s degree and 10+ years of leadership experience, this accelerated curriculum will enhance your career trajectory and create new executive opportunities.
  • Saint Mary’s eliminates the dissertation, offering a streamlined path to a terminal degree. It’s perfect for those seeking advanced leadership skills without pursuing tenure-track positions, focusing on the legal, ethical, and social challenges facing today’s leaders.
  • Our dedicated faculty will support your development as an ethical leader by blending theoretical understanding with an emphasis on character, virtue education, dignity, and inclusion.
  • In as little as two years, you can complete the program and emerge as a leader of purpose, integrity, and character.

Requirements

  • A master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 10 years of experience in a leadership position
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Program Features
What You’ll Learn
Career Outlook
  • No comprehensive exam
  • No dissertation
  • Project-based capstone, allowing you to delve deep into a specific area of interest
  • When you graduate, you’ll be referred to as a Doctor of Education — no matter what industry you lead
  • Engage in complex critical thinking
  • Engage others with justice, empathy, compassion, and cultural competence
  • Create and nurture learning organizations
  • Lead appropriate organizational change
  • Operate in a complex, global environment
  • Demonstrate leadership competencies
The Executive Ed.D. in Leadership at Saint Mary’s is designed for senior leaders in education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors seeking to drive organizational change. Common job titles include:

University Administrator

Professor

Academic Dean

Chief Learning Officer

Education Consultant

Executive Director (Nonprofit or Education Sector)

Corporate Training Director

For career insights, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook or professional organizations such as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED).

Doctor of Education: Leadership
Online

Empower your leadership journey.

  • Our online Ed.D. in Leadership is tailored for working professionals with a master’s degree who aspire to lead K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, or other educational institutions. It’s also designed for those pursuing roles like professor, academic dean, or college president.
  • In this innovative educational journey, you’ll complete courses in both qualitative and quantitative research, along with a comprehensive exam and dissertation that will influence your field’s discourse.
  • At Saint Mary’s, our esteemed scholar-practitioners are committed to enhancing your research skills and promoting collaboration with fellow students. We provide the support and resources you need to grow into a confident, visionary leader with character and integrity.

Requirements

  • A master’s degree from an accredited institution
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Program Highlights
What You’ll Learn
Career Outlook
  • Advance through the program alongside a close-knit group of peers from diverse careers and backgrounds, expanding your horizons and gaining valuable perspectives.
  • Learn from our full-time faculty of seasoned practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring you receive practical and up-to-date knowledge.
  • Join a thriving community of over 500 program alumni, providing you with valuable networking opportunities and connections in the field.
  • Engage in complex critical thinking.
  • Create and nurture learning organizations.
  • Engage others with justice, empathy, compassion, and cultural competence.
  • Lead appropriate organizational change.
  • Operate in a complex, global environment.
  • Demonstrate leadership competencies.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership at Saint Mary’s prepares leaders in education, business, and nonprofit sectors for high-impact roles in policy, administration, and research. Common job titles include:

Corporate Executive

Higher Education Faculty

Education Policy Analyst

Corporate Leadership Consultant

Director of Training and Development

For additional career insights, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, bls.gov/ooh.
Get More Info Today (612) 728-5100
Minneapolis Campus
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403
(612) 728-5100