University of Mary Rural School Leadership Institute
Master’s Degree in School Administration
The Rural School Leadership Institute (RSLI) is an innovative program designed to prepare educators currently serving in rural North Dakota schools to become effective school and community leaders. The RSLI curriculum is aligned to the School Administration M.Ed. program at the University of Mary and meets the requirements for obtaining a principal credential in North Dakota. RSLI is also designed to meet the needs of those interested in seeking other leadership opportunities in schools such as teacher leader, dean of students, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or other positions.
RSLI is a six-semester program, during which courses are offered in a blend of summer and regular school term schedules. Summer courses are offered in an innovative, two-week residency on the University of Mary’s Bismarck campus. During summer residency students will engage with professors and peers in an engaging, face-to face setting. Regular term courses are delivered entirely online, utilizing the University of Mary’s highly successful and flexible asynchronous model. This combination of structure with flexibility is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
The Burgum Foundation has generously offered their support of this program, providing up to a 50% tuition reduction grant to each student admitted to the program. In addition, each student admitted will also receive a University of Mary President’s Council scholarship of $5000.
Program Acceptance and Scholarship
- Acceptance to the RSLI program is selective and based upon an application to the graduate school, interview, and rural school administrator/supervisor referral and letter of support.
- Preference given to educators currently serving in rural districts.
- Minimum of 1-year of successful teaching experience in a rural school required.
- Scholarship/Financial Aid:
To apply visit: https://online.umary.edu/
Deadline to apply: For priority consideration apply by March 15, 2024
For more information contact: Dr. Jeff Lind, School Administration Program Director
701-355-8397
