Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines theory and applied practice to prepare candidates to lead instructional programmes, evaluate teacher performance, and design professional learning. Core topics typically include instructional leadership and supervision, curriculum development and assessment, school law and ethics, data-driven decision making, and adult learning theory.

• Instructional Leadership and Supervision: frameworks for observing and supporting classroom instruction, performance appraisal systems, and feedback strategies.
• Curriculum, Assessment and Program Development: aligning curriculum to standards, designing formative and summative assessments, and using assessment data to inform instruction.
• Educational Law, Policy and Ethics: legal responsibilities of school leaders, student rights, personnel law and ethical decision making.
• Professional Development and Adult Learning: designing, delivering and evaluating staff development and coaching for teachers.
• Data Literacy and School Improvement: using student achievement and programme data to plan school improvement initiatives and monitor outcomes.
• Research Methods or Capstone Project: applied research skills or a culminating practicum/capstone project that addresses a real-world supervision challenge.
• Practicum/Field Experience: supervised school-based experience that provides hands-on leadership practice in mentoring, evaluation or programme administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree and to have professional experience in education. A current teaching licence or school employment is often preferred for admission to a supervision programme.

• Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Professional experience in an educational setting; specific years of experience may be required or recommended.
• Evidence of professional practice such as a teaching licence, résumé/CV or letter from an employer.
• Academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining leadership goals, and professional references are typically required.
• Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide a portfolio of professional work.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions within K–12 education and related organisations. The programme emphasises the practical skills needed to supervise instructional staff, manage curriculum and lead school improvement efforts.

• Assistant principal or principal roles in elementary, middle or high schools.
• Curriculum coordinator or instructional coach positions at school or district level.
• Director of professional development, programme coordinator or specialist roles overseeing specific content areas or interventions.
• Positions in educational consultancy, non-profit education organisations, or continuing to doctoral study in educational leadership.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a practical, career-focused approach with small class sizes and faculty who have active school leadership experience. The programme typically integrates practicum placements and partnerships with local school districts to provide direct, supervised leadership practice.

• Experienced faculty who bring current K–12 leadership and supervisory perspectives to the classroom.
• Flexible delivery options to accommodate working educators, including evening and blended learning formats.
• Emphasis on applied learning through practicum, capstone projects and collaboration with local schools.
• Support services for graduate students, including advising, career guidance and networking with alumni working in school leadership.