Doane University

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the knowledge and skills required to lead schools and school systems. Core themes include instructional leadership and supervision, curriculum design and assessment, educational law and ethics, school finance and resource management, and data-informed decision making.

• Instructional Leadership: strategies for improving classroom practice, implementing professional development, and leading school-wide improvement efforts.
• Supervision and Evaluation: models of teacher supervision, performance appraisal, coaching and mentoring.
• Curriculum and Assessment: curriculum design, formative and summative assessment practices and alignment to standards.
• Education Law and Policy: legal responsibilities of school leaders, student rights, special education compliance and district governance.
• School Finance and Operations: budgeting, fiscal management, facilities and human resources as they relate to running a school or district programme.
• Research and Data Use: using data to drive instructional decisions, programme evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Practicum/Field Experience: supervised administrative internships or residencies in school settings, often culminating in a capstone project or portfolio demonstrating leadership competencies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. As this is a programme preparing candidates for school leadership, applicants usually need a current teaching certificate or equivalent licensure and several years of P–12 classroom experience.

• Completed application form and official transcripts showing an undergraduate degree.
• Professional certification or licensure in teaching (or equivalent) where required by state policy.
• Relevant professional experience in education; many candidates have multiple years of classroom teaching.
• Letters of recommendation, often including one from a current supervisor.
• A statement of purpose or personal statement outlining leadership goals and experience.
• A current résumé or CV; some applicants may be invited to an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of leadership roles within K–12 education. The programme emphasises both instructional and organisational leadership so alumni move into positions that require managing people, programmes and budgets as well as improving teaching and learning.

• Building principal or assistant principal
• District-level administrator (curriculum director, director of instruction)
• Instructional coach or lead teacher
• Special programmes administrator (special education coordinator, assessment coordinator)
• Roles in educational policy, non-profit education organisations, and higher education administration focused on teacher preparation

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a student-centred approach with small class sizes and faculty who bring K–12 leadership experience to their teaching. The university provides flexible delivery options, including face-to-face, hybrid and fully online formats, which support working educators balancing study with professional responsibilities.

Doane emphasises practical, field-based experiences and partnerships with local school districts, so candidates complete supervised practicum placements that connect coursework to real-world leadership tasks. The programme’s focus on reflective practice, ethical leadership and community engagement prepares graduates to lead diverse school communities effectively.