Expand your leadership skills and further your career by joining our Rural School Leadership Institute program.

This unique program prepares teachers to become effective administrators and school leaders while building leadership capacity in rural North Dakota schools.

By completing the Rural School Leadership Institute program, you will earn your Master of Education School Administration. In addition, you'll have met the requirements for a North Dakota principal credential. 

Format

Students can complete the Rural School Leadership Institute program in two years, with online courses during the school year and an innovative, two-week residency at the University of Mary's main campus in Bismarck, ND, each summer.

As part of the summer residency, you will connect with faculty and peers in your cohort in an engaging, face-to-face setting.

Action Research Focused

During the program's capstone, students can choose between two capstone projects — an action research-based thesis or a research analysis capstone paper.

For both options, students identify a current problem of education practice, conduct a literature review, and develop an action plan.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Burgum Foundation generously supports this program, providing a 50% tuition reduction grant to each student admitted. In addition, each student admitted will be eligible for a University of Mary President's Council scholarship of $5,000 to support students during summer residencies. Contact our admission representatives for more information.