Master in Education – Transformational Leadership
Become a leader with a clear vision to boost those around you.
Educational leaders need new strategies and the ability to foster knowledgeable support from others to help grow useful learning environments. The Master in Education with a specialization in Transformational Leadership focuses on building the skills necessary for leadership roles ranging from classroom teaching and program design to education policy-making. This program is for those individuals who seek positions of influence within their work setting and who want to become inspirational and motivating leaders in their educational field.
The MEd Transformational Leadership program is aligned to the professional standards in the field, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This specialization aims to familiarize you with the latest advances in educational theory as well as the best methods for effectively implementing changes in schools and your communities. This program is designed to benefit educators regardless of discipline. This program is intended for students and experienced education professionals seeking an advanced degree.
This program is not designed as a teacher certification program, and different states and municipalities often have specific requirements concerning different appropriate degree programs. Depending on your goals for this program, please check with your local and state regulatory requirements for teacher certification.
Graduate Capstone
Students are required to complete a capstone project. This individualized project allows students to apply knowledge and skills acquired in their courses and real-world experiences. The capstone is designed to promote synthesizing educational theory, learning outcomes, and expertise in educational settings, regardless of area of specialization.
Enjoy Flexibility– 10 online courses with program start dates every 2 weeks
Choose Where You Learn– Online courses
Affordable Monthly Payments
Focus on Your Passion– Choose your capstone project
Why More Students Are Choosing Aspen
MEd Courses
Aspen’s MEd curriculum features 10 courses designed to equip you with advanced leadership and management skills. Taught by experienced educators from diverse fields, you’ll have the opportunity to apply new knowledge directly to your field through the integration of your MEd capstone project.
View the course schedule for this program: MEd Transformational Leadership Degree Plan
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MED710 - Multidisciplinary Foundations of Education
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MED730 - Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation
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MED700 - Integrating Technologies Across the Curriculum
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MED720 - The Instructional Role of Assessment
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MED740 - Ethics and Educational Law
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MED780 - Leadership Basics
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MED781 - Educational Innovation
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MED782 - Shaping School and Community Cultures
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MED783 - Communicating and Framing Leadership Issues and Decisions
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MED799 - Graduate Capstone
This course gives students an opportunity to study the dynamic and continuing impact of social, political, and economic forces on American education. Students are introduced to the historical evolution of the public schools to help them identify important social issues that can have an impact on the educational system. Students are required to complete a major research paper.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this course is to study the process of curriculum development from the planning stages to implementation and ultimately evaluation. This course examines the foundations of curriculum, the principles used in designing and applying curriculum, and the current educational, policy and social issues that impact the curriculum field.
3 CreditsRequired Books
This course provides practical skills to meaningfully incorporate technology into the classroom in order to enhance students' understanding of the curriculum. Students create a portfolio; examine Internet resources and evaluate educational software.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this course is to explore how accountability system standards, relevant, engaging curriculum, and valid assessments all fit together to increase student achievement. The process of interdisciplinary, standards-based instruction and assessment are discussed in depth.
3 CreditsRequired Books
Ethics and Educational Law deals with the legal obligations and ethical responsibilities of educators. The course presents an overview of the general topics most commonly experienced by educators including student privacy, gender and disability law, constitutional rulings on prayer and religious expression, discipline, and reporting issues. The rights of teachers, students, and school administrators are discussed within the context of new Supreme Court Rulings.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this course is to explore the definition and application of strategic leadership. The course examines the conceptual foundations of strategy as a leadership skill, discusses the practice of strategy, relates the components of an effective strategy, and evaluates the limits and possibilities of strategic leadership.
3 CreditsRequired Books
In order to be a transformational leader, one who is competent as an agent of change, one must first be transformed as an educator and person. Leaders must format creative ways to deliver education and become prepared to take ownership as a leader. Teachers are given the opportunity to create and work in new educational environments. These opportunities increase the responsibility level and lead to new skills necessary for leadership. Students experience personal reflection about who they are, why they are educators, what they hope to accomplish, and begin setting new professional goals as teacher-leaders. Students discuss the history of American education reform in order to create a personal and professional philosophy for leadership and reform. Readings, reflection, discussions, and experiences are used to help students begin developing a personal philosophy and the skills required for becoming a transformational leader.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this course is to review significant issues in the field of educational leadership. Public education has only recently come to realize the central role instructional leaders play in the success of schools. This course offers insights and examples of how to build a positive, caring, and intellectually challenging culture.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this course is to treat leaders as managers of the meanings of their world. In particular, the course introduces leaders to the skill of framing, which is not in-born but can be taught. Based on extensive research and questionnaires, framing situations, strategies and tools can be identified, analyzed and communicated. This course examines not only the nature of leadership in decision-making, but also the role of communication as an integral component of effective leadership.
3 CreditsRequired Books
The purpose of this capstone project allows students to develop an original, comprehensive research project on a topic of professional or personal interest. Students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their courses to the work environment. Projects are intended to be of applied and pragmatic nature, producing valuable research outcomes and findings either in connection with the student’s organizational situation, or in the exploration of entrepreneurial opportunities. This course satisfies the Proctored Exam requirement for this program.
3 CreditsRequired Books
Cost & Time to Completion
The Best Fit for Working Adults
We understand the difficulties in pursuing your MEd when you have a demanding work schedule. The 8-week courses at Aspen University allow you to complete your program in as little as 2 years.
Our Monthly Payment Plan Makes Us Different.
Paying for your MEd shouldn’t be complicated. Our Monthly Payment Plan makes it easy for working professionals to finance their degree.
Tuition Rates
| $12,900 | Tuition |
| $2,025 | Fees |
| $1,500 |
Estimated
Textbook
Costs
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| $16,425 | |
Other Ways to Finance Your MEd
Students who have served, or are currently serving in the United States Military and their legal spouses are eligible to receive a Military Affiliation Discount from Aspen University.
Aspen University is currently approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal student aid for the MEd program.
Aspen University maintains employee tuition discount partnerships with a large and growing number of organizations. Tell your enrollment advisor where you work and ask them to check for you prior to enrolling.
Aspen offers several payment plans for students to fund their education.
Admission Requirements
Application – A completed application; Aspen does not charge an application fee
Bachelor’s Degree – Official Transcript demonstrating a bachelor’s degree from an institution that is accredited by a CHEA recognized accrediting body or an international equivalent; applicants must have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in their bachelor’s program (see Catalog for more information)
Career Outlook
An MEd with a specialization in Transformational Leadership prepares graduates to inspire and lead change in educational settings, equipping them to address challenges and lead improvements in schools and other educational organizations. This degree is particularly relevant in today’s dynamic educational climate, where effective leadership is crucial for driving success and innovation. The demand for skilled educational leaders who can manage change and inspire growth continues to increase. With educational systems facing constant reforms and shifts in policy, transformational leaders are needed to guide institutions through these changes effectively.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and trends within the educational sector, there is diverse need for education administrators and leaders. This need is driven by ongoing reforms in education that aim to improve student outcomes and ensure educational programs meet evolving academic and industry standards.
Graduates with an MEd specializing in Education Technology can pursue a variety of leadership roles across education and related fields. Opportunities include serving as leaders who lead K-12 schools or districts to improve performance and student outcomes, or as an instructional coordinator, developing curricula and teaching standards to enhance educational quality. They may also become higher education administrators, managing departments or institutions, shaping policy, and driving strategic initiatives at colleges and universities. Additionally, graduates can work as educational consultants, advising institutions on strategies for development and reform, or as corporate training managers, overseeing programs that focus on leadership development and organizational change within companies.
This degree provides professionals with advanced leadership skills, focusing on strategies for transformation and change management within educational settings. Key competencies include understanding organizational dynamics, developing effective communication strategies, engaging stakeholders, and implementing innovative solutions to educational challenges.
An MEd in Transformational Leadership not only positions graduates for significant roles within educational settings but also equips them to be agents of change in a broader context. This specialization prepares leaders to effectively transform educational environments, making it a critical and relevant choice for educators aiming to have a substantial impact in the field.
Average Annual Salary for Education Administrators
$88,460
Data pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Winter 2025. Salary can vary widely depending on geographical location and role.
MEd Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an MEd degree?
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Who is this program intended for?
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Can I finish my MEd degree online?
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How does this program prepare graduates for leadership roles?
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Does this program set students up to pursue a doctoral degree?
A Master in Education degree is a graduate-level degree that prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles in education. The Transformational Leadership specialization is designed to prepare educators and administrators to become influential leaders capable of driving positive change within educational institutions. It emphasizes leadership theory, strategic vision, organizational change, and the skills necessary to inspire and motivate others in educational settings.
The MEd program is ideal for educators, administrators, and aspiring leaders who wish to make a significant impact in their organizations. It’s well-suited for individuals aiming to take on roles as teacher leaders, department heads, district leaders, or policy makers who are committed to creating inclusive, progressive, and effective educational environments.
Yes, Aspen’s MEd degree programs are completed online.
This MEd program builds leadership skills by training students in data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, program evaluation, and change management. Students learn skills in visionary leadership, organizational management, conflict resolution, team building, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. The program also focuses on developing ethical leadership practices and understanding how to foster a positive, inclusive, and motivating educational culture.
Yes, graduates of Aspen’s MEd program are eligible to apply for either the Education Specialist or Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning program at Aspen University.