Marquette University

What you'll study

The degree requires 33 credit hours in total: 27 credits of core coursework plus 6 credits specific to either the principal or director of instruction certification track. Students also complete a 75-hour practicum in K–12 schools or districts. Detailed course listings are available in the Marquette University Bulletin.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent prior to starting graduate study.
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Hold or be eligible to hold a tier II, III, or IV teacher license in K–12 — or hold/be eligible to hold a tier II, III, or IV license as a school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker — or have completed an approved program leading to one of these licenses.
• Application components: completed application and fee, transcripts (U.S. coursework: copies for application; final official transcripts required upon admission), three letters of recommendation, a personal statement of purpose outlining professional and academic goals, a resume, and a copy of current educator license(s).
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL or other acceptable proof) and submit a course-by-course transcript evaluation upon admission if coursework was completed outside the U.S.
• Priority application deadlines: March 31 for summer, July 15 for fall, December 15 for spring; applications accepted on a rolling basis after these dates. Additional deadline applies for Trinity Fellows (see program).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue administrative positions in K–12 settings, including roles as school principals or directors of instruction in Wisconsin, contingent on meeting state licensure requirements. The curriculum combines leadership theory, organizational study, and a supervised practicum to develop school-based change agents.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

• Merit-based aid such as graduate assistantships and fellowships may be available.
• Two regional tuition scholarship opportunities exist for master's students who are K–12 teachers in southeastern Wisconsin: the Milwaukee Area Teachers Scholarship and the Catholic Schools Personnel Scholarship (for employees of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee).
• U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for need-based federal loans; private scholarships may also be available.
• Tuition cost per credit is listed by the program (as published by Marquette).