Harvard University’s online learning programs, particularly within the Graduate School of Education (HGSE), offer a transformative educational journey meticulously crafted to propel your professional growth. The online Ed.M. program stands as a testament to this commitment, providing a curriculum deeply rooted in both the foundational knowledge and essential competencies required for leadership within the U.S. education system. This program is thoughtfully structured, combining core courses with specialized pathways in higher education and preK–12 education, alongside foundational courses designed to build crucial skills. Students also have the flexibility to personalize their learning experience through a selection of elective courses. The completion of this rigorous yet flexible program culminates in an Ed.M. degree from HGSE, requiring a minimum of 42 credits.
Foundations Courses: Building Core Educational Expertise
A cornerstone of the two-year online Ed.M. experience is the Foundations courses. These courses are strategically designed around four pivotal areas: How People Learn, Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity. Through these foundational pillars, you will cultivate core skills essential for any education professional striving for impactful leadership.
The online Ed.M. program officially begins with the “How People Learn” foundation course. This intensive module, delivered online from June to July, demands a commitment of 12–15 hours per week, ensuring a deep dive into the science of learning. Furthermore, the learning objectives and practical experiences associated with “Leading Change” are interwoven throughout other required courses during your two-year journey, creating a holistic and integrated learning experience.
Professional Pathways: Tailoring Your Leadership Focus
All students in the online Ed.M. program will choose between two distinct yet interconnected pathways: Higher Education and PreK–12 Education. Throughout the program, you will engage in both cross-pathway and pathway-specific courses. The cross-pathway courses are intentionally designed to foster leadership skills applicable across all educational sectors. They also provide a unique platform for discussions on enhancing collaboration and synergy between higher education and PreK–12 systems. Examples of these enriching cross-pathway courses include:
- Negotiation Workshop: Sharpening your negotiation skills essential for leadership roles.
- Real Talk: The Art and Practice of Brave Communication: Mastering effective and courageous communication techniques.
- Strategic Finance for Nonprofit Leaders: Gaining financial acumen crucial for leading non-profit educational organizations.
In addition to these broadly applicable courses, pathway-specific courses are precisely tailored to impart the specific knowledge and skills vital for effective leadership within your chosen professional setting, whether in higher education or PreK-12.
Elective Coursework: Deepening Your Specialized Knowledge
To further personalize your educational journey, students have the opportunity to select from a carefully curated list of elective courses. These electives are offered during the optional January terms and in the fall and spring semesters of the second year. These elective options allow you to delve deeper into areas of particular interest or professional relevance. Examples of past elective courses provide a glimpse into the breadth of topics available:
- Coaching for Equity: Developing skills to promote equity through coaching methodologies.
- College Admissions and Strategic Enrollment Management: Understanding the complexities of college admissions and enrollment strategies.
- Leading a School through Challenge and Crisis: Preparing to navigate leadership challenges in times of crisis.
- Inclusion Through Learning, Teaching, and Leadership: Exploring inclusive practices in diverse educational environments.
- Why Can’t Higher Education Change?: Examining the dynamics of change and inertia in higher education.
- Writing Workshop: Enhancing your writing skills for professional communication and scholarship.
Note: While some courses may incorporate global perspectives and examples, the primary emphasis of the program is on leadership within U.S. educational institutions and systems.
Leadership Core Competencies: Elevating Your Leadership Capabilities
The curriculum is intentionally designed to cultivate core leadership competencies essential for managing, leading, and implementing change within complex educational organizations. Throughout your coursework, you will consistently develop and refine your abilities to:
- Lead change and think strategically: Mastering the skills to drive change and develop strategic visions.
- Foster productive organizational conditions: Creating environments conducive to productivity and growth.
- Navigate politics and practice political inclusion: Understanding organizational dynamics and promoting inclusive practices.
- Communicate effectively: Honing your communication skills for diverse audiences and situations.
- Cultivate self-development and team professional development skills: Committing to continuous personal and professional growth, and fostering development within your teams.
Embark on your journey with Harvard University Online Learning and gain the skills and knowledge to become a transformative leader in education.
