Chaminade University of Honolulu

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Lead, inspire, and transform education.

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Drive change in education with purpose and vision.

Designed for educators ready to step into meaningful leadership and administrative roles, our Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program helps you build the knowledge and skills to guide schools, support educators, and navigate today’s complex educational landscape. You’ll be empowered to lead with purpose and become a catalyst for positive, lasting change through the application of essential leadership principles.

This program also meets the Hawai’i Department of Education (HIDOE) Certification Institute for School Leaders (HICISL) program requirements.

Terms & Deadlines

Accelerated Winter Term Begins: January 12, 2026
Application Deadline: December 19, 2025

Accelerated Spring Term Begins: April 13, 2026
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

Accelerated Summer Term Begins: July 13, 2026
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026

A program built around you.

Our online MAEL program lets you balance your professional life while deepening your leadership skills. You’ll explore research, administration, law, communication, financial stewardship, and curriculum leadership—all through a lens of social justice and educational improvement. With a final capstone to put your learning into action, you’ll graduate ready to build stronger, more inclusive schools.

100% online coursework

30 total credit hours

Finish in 18 months

10-week terms,
four terms per year

Tuition discount available

WASC accredited

Special Cohorts

Hawai‘i Certification Institute for School Leaders (HICISL) Program

The HICISL program, offered in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, supports teachers and education professionals in preparing for DOE administrative roles. This cohort-based program combines leadership development with practical strategies for addressing complex educational challenges, while fostering a service-oriented approach to guiding schools and communities.

Hawai‘i Catholic Schools

In partnership with the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Honolulu, this cohort-based program prepares current and aspiring Catholic school principals, administrators, and teacher-leaders. Grounded in the Catholic understanding of the human person and community, the program helps educators develop a strong philosophy of Catholic education while building the practical skills needed for effective school leadership.

Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools

In partnership with the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools, this cohort-based program prepares PK–12 private school educators for administrative roles by building essential leadership skills, addressing key issues in independent schools, and emphasizing a holistic, service-driven approach to school leadership.

Program Details

Upon completion of the M.A. in Educational Leadership, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze the socio-economic, legal, and ethical factors influencing educational settings, with an emphasis on promoting service, justice, and peace in multicultural learning environments.
  2. Integrate best practices and evidence-based research to support effective campus operations that are essential to school success.
  3. Develop a shared vision for school improvement and lead organizational change initiatives that foster academic excellence, student learning, and holistic development.
  4. Examine leadership and communication skills that cultivate a positive school culture and support adaptation and change in dynamic educational settings.

MAEL Program (30 Credits)

  • EDUC 701 Educational Research and Design
  • EDUC 741 Introduction to Educational Administration
  • EDUC 742 Leadership for Educational Administrators
  • EDUC 743 Education Law
  • EDUC 744 Managing Communication & Personnel Issues
  • EDUC 745 School Community Relations
  • EDUC 746 Financial Management for School Administrators
  • EDUC 747 Curriculum Administration or EDUC 740 Current Issues in Education*
  • EDUC 790 Peace, Social Justice, and Educational Reform
  • EDUC 792 Educational Leadership Capstone

*EDUC 740 Current Issues in Education is offered in lieu of EDUC 747 Curriculum Administration to students not affiliated with the HICISL program

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Chaminade University has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the nationally recognized agency for accreditation of post-secondary institutions in its area of the United States.

General Admission Requirements

  • Completed Chaminade application
  • Hold at least a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college/university in the U.S. or equivalent from a foreign institution
  • Official college transcripts

Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information.

Cost of Attendance

Please visit the Graduate Cost of Attendance webpage for tuition rates and fees.

Additional Resources

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If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or (808) 739-8524.