Graduate Programs

Earn a Graduate Degree with a Focus on Character and Leadership

The College of Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis offers a range of graduate programs for educators and leaders who want to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their leadership, and make character and citizenship a central part of their professional work.

Across master’s and doctoral programs, students have opportunities to study character education, citizenship, social-emotional learning, and servant leadership, with coursework and mentoring supported by faculty from the Center for Character and Citizenship (CCC).

Master’s Degree Programs


M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

This program prepares future school administrators with a strong focus on character education and servant leadership. Students develop the skills needed to lead schools with integrity, purpose, and care for both students and educators. The program is supported by CCC faculty. For more information, visit the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program page.


M.Ed. in Educational Psychology

The M.Ed. in Educational Psychology offers an option that emphasizes character and citizenship education. Students explore how learning, motivation, and development connect to ethical growth and well-being, with support from CCC faculty.


Doctoral Degree Programs


Ph.D. in Educational Psychology

The Ph.D. program prepares scholars and researchers interested in studying learning, development, and motivation, with opportunities to focus on character education and related areas. Students are supported by CCC faculty engaged in ongoing research and practice. For more information, visit the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology page.


Ed.D. in Educational Practice

This Ed.D. program emphasizes character education and servant leadership and is designed for practicing professionals. It uses a cohort-based learning community model, allowing students to learn alongside peers while applying ideas directly to their professional contexts. The program is led by CCC faculty. For more information, visit the Ed.D. in Educational Practice page.


Online Doctor of Education Program


Online Ed.D. in Character Development, Social-Emotional Learning, and Leadership

This three-year, fully online Ed.D. program is designed for educators and leaders seeking advanced study in character development, social-emotional learning, and leadership.

The program includes synchronous online meetings that support a strong cohort learning community. Classes meet in the evening (U.S. Central Time Zone), making the program accessible for working professionals.

  • Next cohort begins: January 2026 

For additional details, visit the College of Education website Doctor of Education, Educational Practice.


Graduate Certificate in Character and Citizenship