KINGSTON, R.I. – April 11, 2025 — Beginning in fall 2025, the University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein College of Education will offer a new Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, designed for working professionals to become school leaders who will navigate today’s complex PK-12 educational landscape through equity, instructional leadership, and policy-informed practice.

Applications for fall admission are now being accepted.

The Educational Leadership and Policy program combines flexible, virtual, hybrid coursework with field-embedded experiences tailored to the needs of Rhode Island educators, while aligning with state certification requirements for building-level leadership.

Courses will be taught by URI faculty and school leaders who bring local and national leadership expertise to the curriculum. Candidates engage in fieldwork embedded in their school settings and benefit from personalized mentorship and a curriculum grounded in real-world practice.

“There’s a clear need for school leaders who are prepared to handle the real challenges facing today’s schools—academic recovery, staff support, policy implementation, and community engagement. Many aspiring leaders are looking for a program that’s flexible, grounded in practice, and aligned with certification. This program was built to meet that need and to help educators grow into confident, effective leaders,” said Dan Kelley, associate teaching professor and program director.

Additionally, educators will develop enhanced skills to build a collaborative professional culture in their schools, and foster a community that can promote their students’ academic success and social and emotional well-being beyond the classroom.

The program is open to teachers, instructional coaches, deans, and other educators who want to take the next step in their leadership journey.

“The new Educational Leadership and Policy program reflects our college’s mission to prepare equity-minded, practice-ready leaders while responding to the real challenges facing today’s schools,” said Danielle Dennis, dean of the Feinstein College of Education.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit:  https://web.uri.edu/education/ma-elp/