Lead Schools Where Every Student Can Thrive.
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership (MEd)
Prepare for a VDOE endorsement in school administration and supervision.
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership (MEd)
Schools need leaders who understand how to support every student, empower teachers, and create systems that improve outcomes across their entire school community.Â
In the 100% online Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership at the University of Lynchburg, you’ll learn how to lead with vision, foster equitable opportunities, support strong instruction, build positive school culture, and develop the professional capacity of others. You’ll prepare to serve students across a range of learning needs while building the leadership mindset schools value.
This educational leadership program combines strong preparation in school leadership with opportunities to deepen your expertise in areas such as special education, reading, gifted education, or instructional design and technology.Â
Through this forward-thinking administrator preparation program, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of educational supervision and administration, apply educational administration theory and practice to real school settings, and develop the skills to lead with confidence in diverse and evolving educational communities.
At Lynchburg, you can tailor your degree to your professional goals and work toward an additional Virginia Department of Education endorsement through one of our four concentration options:
- Gifted Education
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Reading Specialist
- Special Education
Prepare for a VDOE Endorsement in Administration and Supervision
Lynchburg’s MEd in Inclusive School Leadership is designed for educators who want to become the kind of leader today’s schools need: strategic, student-centered, and ready to build learning environments where all students can thrive.Â
This program is designed around competencies required for licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia and is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. Students who complete the program may pursue VDOE endorsement, making this a strong choice for educators seeking a Virginia administration and supervision endorsement pathway.Â
Depending on your concentration, completing this program will also prepare you for the VDOE Gifted Education Add-on Endorsement, Reading Specialist Endorsement, Special Education General Curriculum Elementary (K-6) Add-on Endorsement, or the Special Education General Curriculum Secondary (6-12) Add-on Endorsement.
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership Concentrations
Customize your degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with your interest and/or the Virginia Department of Education endorsement area best suited to your professional and personal needs.
Gifted Education Concentration
The MEd in Inclusive School Leadership with a concentration in Gifted Education is designed for educators who want advanced preparation in school leadership while also learning how to identify, support, and challenge gifted learners. Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Gifted Education Add-on Endorsement. Â
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Identification of gifted learners
- Curriculum and programming for advanced students
- Social and emotional support for gifted populations
If your goal is to lead schools with a deeper understanding of advanced learners and equitable access to enriched instruction, this emphasis offers a distinctive combination of school leadership preparation and gifted education training.Â
Instructional Design and Technology Concentration
The MEd in Inclusive School Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology is designed for educators who want advanced preparation in school leadership while also building expertise in digital learning, instructional design, and emerging educational technology.Â
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Instructional design for online and blended learning
- Educational technology integration
- Innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and school improvement
If your goal is to lead schools through instructional innovation and thoughtfully integrate technology into teaching and learning, this emphasis offers a strong blend of leadership development and future-focused instructional preparation.Â
This concentration does not lead to a VDOE endorsement.Â
Reading Specialist Concentration
The MEd in Inclusive School Leadership with a Reading Specialist concentration is designed for educators who want advanced preparation in school leadership while also deepening their expertise in literacy instruction and intervention. Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Reading Specialist Endorsement.Â
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Reading assessment, diagnosis, and remediation
- Phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and writing instruction
- Schoolwide literacy support and reading intervention
If your goal is to expand your leadership impact while strengthening your ability to support reading achievement, this track offers a valuable combination of administrative preparation and specialized literacy training.Â
Special Education Concentration
The MEd in Inclusive School Leadership with a concentration in Special Education is designed for educators who want to build advanced leadership capacity while also strengthening their ability to support students with disabilities in inclusive school settings. Pursuing this concentration will prepare you for the VDOE Special Education General Curriculum Elementary (K-6) Add-on Endorsement or the Special Education General Curriculum Secondary (6-12) Add-on Endorsement alongside preparation in inclusive school leadership.
This pathway supports educators interested in:
- Special education law and policy
- Individualized education program development and implementation
- Instructional strategies that support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings
If your goal is to lead schools more effectively while expanding your expertise in special education, this track offers a strong combination of school leadership preparation and specialized training that helps you better serve students, families, and teachers.Â
What’s the value of earning multiple endorsements in one MEd program?
Earning a single endorsement strengthens your teaching practice in one area, but earning multiple Virginia Department of Education endorsements can help you greatly expand what is possible in your career.
When you pursue a dual-endorsement MEd program, you prepare to serve students in more than one specialized area while building the advanced knowledge, instructional leadership skills, and credentials many schools need.
Instead of completing separate programs over time, at Lynchburg you can work toward multiple VDOE endorsements through one focused graduate pathway.
This is especially valuable if you’re ready to grow beyond your current classroom role, increase your flexibility in the job market, or prepare for future leadership opportunities. With multiple teaching endorsements in Virginia, you’ll be better positioned to meet the needs of diverse learners, support schoolwide initiatives, and pursue roles that align with your long-term goals.
Depending on the endorsement areas you choose, a dual-endorsement MEd can help prepare you for career paths such as:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- School Administrator
- School or division-level instructional leadership roles
- Curriculum Coordinator/Director of InstructionÂ
- Reading Specialist
- Literacy Coach
- Department Chair
- Special Education Teacher
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Gifted Program Coordinator
- Special Education Department Lead
- Instructional Coach
For many educators, the value of a dual-endorsement program is not only the additional credential — it’s the ability to connect two areas of expertise in ways that directly benefit students.Â
By earning multiple VDOE endorsements through Lynchburg’s MEd program, you can make your graduate education more efficient and purposeful.
Curriculum and Resources
2026-27 Academic Year Information
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership Curriculum
MEd in Inclusive School Leadership - Core Curriculum
- EDLS 603: Educational Policy and Law (3)
- EDLS 613: Leadership in School Finance (3)
- EDLS 623: Supervising and Supporting Personnel (3)
- EDLS 643: The Principalship (3)
- EDLS 646: Improving the School Structure and Climate (3)
- EDCI 610: Advanced Curriculum Development (3)
- EDLS 699: School Leadership Internship (to be taken during 3 semesters) (1)
Total Credit Hours: 21
MEd in Inclusive Leadership - Gifted Education Curriculum
- EDCI 640: Introduction to and Identification of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 641: Special Populations of Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 642: Curriculum, Strategies, and Programming for Gifted Learners (3)
- EDCI 643: Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Gifted Learners (3)
Total Credit Hours: 12
MEd in Inclusive Leadership - Instructional Design and Technology Curriculum
- EDCI 620: Introduction to Educational Technology (3)
- EDCI 621: Advanced AI Techniques for Modern Instructional Design (3)
- EDCI 623: Design and Management of Online Learning (3)
- EDCI 630: Instructional Design (3)
Total Credit Hours: 12
MEd in Inclusive Leadership - Reading Specialist Curriculum
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
- RDNG 640: Strategies for Teaching Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary (3)
- RDNG 643: Teaching Writing (3)
- RDNG 672: Reading and Study Skills in the Content Area (3)
- RDNG 690: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Remediation of Reading Problems (3)
- RDNG 691: Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum (3)
Total Credit Hours: 18
MEd in Inclusive Leadership - Special Education Curriculum
- SPED 600: Foundations and Legal Aspects of Special Education (3)
- SPED 601: Designing and Implementing Individualized Education Programs (3)
- SPED 645: Instructional Strategies in Mathematics and Science (3)
- RDNG 625: Survey of Effective Reading Methods (3)
Choose 1:Â
- SPED 616: Assessment and Evaluation* (3)
- SPED 635 Transitioning to Adult Life for People w/ Disabilities** (3)
Total Credit Hours: 15
*Elementary (K-6) Add On
**Secondary (6-12) Add On
Applying for the Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership
Application Deadlines
- Summer semester: May 1
- Fall semester: July 31
- Spring term: Nov. 30
How to Apply
- Complete the online application.
- Submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended.
- Submit proof of active teaching license.Â
- Submit a brief (approximately two double-spaced pages) essay on the following topic:
- Why do you want to pursue the MEd in Inclusive School Leadership, and/or how will this degree assist you in achieving your career goals?
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership (MEd) Faculty
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
Holly Gould, PhD
Department Chair for Curriculum & Instruction, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Instructional Design Technology Professor of Curriculum and Instruction ...
Lucinda (Cindi) Spaulding, PhD
Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education ...
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision Program, Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program ...
Stefanie B. Copp, EdD
Department Chair of Elementary and Secondary Education, Reading Associate Professor of Education ...
As a Lynchburg MEd student, you'll:
Develop skills for a critical and high-demand profession.
Become an expert through rigorous coursework and experienced, dedicated faculty.
Be prepared to make a lasting impact in education.
Graduate Tuition
Below is an overview of the cost of the program:
The 40% Aspiring Educator Discount applies to all emphasis areas and is available to all current and aspiring educators and paraprofessionals pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
Master of Education in Inclusive School Leadership (MEd)
$
610
Cost Per Credit Hour (Before 40% Tuition Discount)
-
Cost Per Credit Hour: $366 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
-
Credit Hours: 33-39
-
Estimated Cost of Completion: $20,130 - $23,790
-
Estimated Cost of Completion: $12,078 - $14,274 (With 40% Tuition Discount)
Financial Aid
The cost figures provided are estimates and may vary based on factors such as the duration of your enrollment, specific classes taken, and any future changes to tuition or fees.
