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.
We are currently recruiting for the 2027 cohort.
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 complete an action research-based project, identifying a current problem of education practice, developing an action plan, then executing, reflecting on, and refining the plan to produce measurable improvement.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Burgum Foundation generously supports this program, providing a 25% tuition reduction grant to each student admitted. In addition, each student enrolled will receive a University of Mary scholarship of $5,000. Contact our admission representatives for more information.