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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Educational Administration and Leadership - Adult and Higher Education (M.A.) LERN
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Program Overview
At the University of South Dakota, the Division of Educational Leadership prepares innovative scholar-practitioners to lead and transform learning communities. Designed for aspiring and current educational leaders, our programs develop critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making skills to navigate complex challenges in education. We serve pre-K-12 and higher education leaders, including school and district administrators, higher education professionals, and policy influencers. Offering master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees with flexible learning options, our specializations include Pre-K-12 Educational Leadership and Higher Education & Adult Learning. Rooted in inquiry, partnership, and systemic change, we empower graduates to solve real-world problems, lead effective learning environments, and foster strong relationships. The Educational Leadership programs have been accredited by CAEP since 1956. Our programs uphold the highest standards, ensuring graduates are equipped to drive meaningful change. Learn more at https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Graduate-Programs/Educational-Administration-and-Leadership. DELIVERY: Online Master of Arts, Adult & Higher Education LERN (non-thesis): Total 33 credit hours
Major Area Coursework - 18 cr
Note:
- If students expect LERN courses to apply to the USD M.A. Educational Administration and Leadership - Adult and Higher Education degree, they must apply for full admission to the Graduate School prior to enrollment in the 10th credit hour.
- Beginning July 2017, only USD/LERN courses carrying the AHED prefix will be accepted in the student’s program of study for the degree.
Learning Resources Network (LERN)
Learning Resources Network (LERN) is the world’s largest association in continuing education and lifelong learning, offering information and consulting expertise to providers of continuing education and customized training. Founded in 1974, LERN serves more than 9,000 professionals every year. Learn more at lern.org. General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $36 application fee
- Official transcripts*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs
This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment. USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions. Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study. Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs. For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor. |
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