Dartmouth University

What you'll study

Please note: Dartmouth does not currently run a dedicated Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision. The description below outlines the standard curriculum for this type of programme and indicates how similar learning goals can be met at Dartmouth through other routes and collaborations.

• Core leadership and administration: governance of schools and districts, organisational theory for educational institutions, strategic planning and change management.
• Educational law and policy: legal frameworks affecting schools, compliance, student rights, equity and policy analysis at local and state levels.
• Finance and resource management: budgeting, financial planning for schools, resource allocation and facilities management.
• Curriculum and instructional supervision: instructional leadership, teacher evaluation and development, curriculum design and assessment practices to raise student outcomes.
• Human resources and personnel management: recruitment, staff development, performance management and collective bargaining considerations.
• Research methods and data use: applied research, quantitative and qualitative methods, use of student and school data to inform decision-making and improvement efforts.
• Practicum or internship: supervised leadership practicum in a school or district setting, including project-based assignments and mentorship by an experienced administrator.

At Dartmouth, candidates interested in gaining comparable skills typically combine coursework from relevant graduate programmes (for example leadership courses, public policy, organisational behaviour or applied research methods) with field placements in local schools, executive education offerings, or interdisciplinary study through graduate schools such as management or public policy.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements for a Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, often with a preference for education or a related social science background.
• Several years of professional experience in education (classroom teaching or other school-based roles) is commonly required or strongly recommended.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance at undergraduate level.
• Letters of recommendation, usually at least two from professional or academic referees who can attest to leadership potential and professional competence.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining leadership aspirations, relevant experience and a proposed focus for practicum work.
• Some programmes require a résumé/CV and evidence of state certification if the pathway leads to administrative licensure; others offer non-licensure leadership preparation.
• International applicants may need to provide English language proficiency evidence and credential evaluations where applicable.

For candidates exploring Dartmouth pathways, admissions would depend on the specific graduate school or programme chosen (for example management or public policy programmes). Prospective students should consult Dartmouth admissions offices for precise requirements for interdisciplinary or customised study plans and for information about arranging practicum placements with local school districts.

Career prospects

Graduates of Master's programmes in Educational Administration and Supervision typically progress to leadership roles such as:

• School principal or vice-principal (elementary, middle or high school)
• District administrator roles, including assistant superintendent, curriculum director or director of special programmes
• School business manager or finance director within education settings
• Instructional coach, professional development coordinator or director of teaching and learning
• Education policy analyst, consultant or advisor to non-profit and governmental education bodies
• Leadership roles in higher education administration or in organisations providing services to schools (edtech, assessment organisations, NGOs)

Those completing licensure pathways can seek state certification for school administration where required. Graduates from interdisciplinary routes can also move into roles at the intersection of education, public policy and management.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Although Dartmouth does not offer a standalone Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision, the institution provides strengths that can support leadership development in education:

• Small, collaborative learning environment: Dartmouth emphasises close faculty–student interaction and cross-disciplinary collaboration, which benefits personalised leadership development.
• Access to professional schools: Opportunities exist to draw on coursework and expertise from management, public policy and social science programmes to build a customised leadership portfolio.
• Research and applied resources: Faculty expertise in organisational behaviour, leadership studies, and applied research methods can provide a strong theoretical and evidence-based foundation for educational leaders.
• Local and regional partnerships: Dartmouth's connections with regional school districts and community organisations can facilitate practicum placements, internships and collaborative projects.
• Executive and continuing education options: Short courses and executive education offered by Dartmouth professional schools can supplement leadership training for experienced educators.

Prospective students who require a formal administrative licensure programme should consider established education schools that offer accredited administration degrees; those seeking the benefits of Dartmouth's environment can explore tailored graduate study combined with local practicum arrangements and targeted coursework to meet their leadership development goals.