Department of Educational Leadership


Department Chair
Dr. Susan Catapano
catapanos@uncw.edu
Phone: (910) 962-2290
Fax: (910) 962-3609

Department of
Educational Leadership
Watson College of Education
University of North Carolina
Wilmington
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5980
UNCW Hillcrest Reading Program Helps Children Improve Reading.

The Department of Educational Leadership is committed to the professional preparation of highly skilled, creative and dedicated leaders for the schools of North Carolina and the entire nation.  The program is designed for motivated individuals interested in holding leadership positions in schools, school districts, school boards, educational agencies and/or university departments of Educational Leadership and Administration.

Within this department are 5 distinct Watson College of Education graduate programs:  (1) Master's of School Administration (MSA) program, (2) Master’s in of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision (M.Ed. CIS) or Higher Education (M.Ed. HE) program, (3) undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor (LED ), (4) Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program. For those that already have a Master’s degree, additional non-degree  School Administration licensure  and  CIS licensure  programs are available as well.

We enjoy NCATE (national), Southern Association Accreditation (SACS-regional) and state accreditation in North Carolina at the Watson College and department levels. Our faculty members bring their experience in various leadership positions to the classroom while also conducting research in their area of expertise. 

Courses engage learners in reflective practices as they work together to meet the needs of diverse learners and advocate for social justice.  Our department embraces multiple theories of learning, creative problem-solving, unique designs of leadership and innovative approaches to building capacity for learners, including the opportunity to travel abroad with our  international studies program .  Programs are delivered online and through distance education for convenience and flexibility.  Theory and practice come together in school communities  with internships and practica supporting implementation of strategies learned through study and application. 

The Watson College of Education Department of Educational Leadership reaches out to the future by preparing the most ingenious educators today!  Great minds.  Great leaders. Great schools.  Come join us!