Master of Arts Program

Educational Leadership

The M.A. in Educational Leadership is designed for educators and education professionals who seek to strengthen research-informed leadership, educational innovation, and evidence-based practice in diverse institutional and cross-cultural contexts.

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (International Program)
M.A. in Educational Leadership

Explore Our Program

Received approval from the University Board of Trustees at meeting 46/2025 on 14 June 2025.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness for graduate study.

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized domestic or international institution
  • English proficiency (for non-native English speakers): TOEFL iBT 42+, IELTS 4.0+, or CEFR B1+
    • If an applicant does not meet the English benchmark, conditional admission may apply, requiring completion of an Intensive English Program and passing the required test within the first year (extension may be possible)
      English test results should be issued within 2 years of the application date
  • Good conduct
  • Successful completion of a program interview (with the program administrative committee or designated representative)

Language of instruction is listed as English or Chinese (international language track).

The program requires a minimum of 36 credits and offers two study plans:

Plan 1: Academic (Thesis) – 36 credits

    • Core courses: 18 credits
    • Electives: 6 credits
    • Thesis: 12 credits

Plan 2: Professional (Independent Study) – 36 credits

    • Core courses: 18 credits
    • Electives: 12 credits
    • Independent Study: 6 credits

(Program course codes use EL to indicate Educational Leadership.)

The program emphasizes research and scientific evidence to guide educational leadership practice, policy improvement, curriculum development, and teaching innovation—supporting development at both national and international levels.

Upon completion, graduates will be able to:

  • Propose solutions to complex educational problems using research skills and evidence-based practice
  • Apply educational innovations to enhance learning and development within institutions and communities
  • Demonstrate effective educational leadership competencies—adaptive, innovative, dynamic, and cross-culturally responsive
  • Demonstrate professional integrity, ethical leadership, and commitment to community service

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

  • Educational administrator (e.g., principal, deputy principal, academic affairs director)
  • Policy and planning officer (governmental or NGO sectors)
  • Curriculum developer
  • Academic coordinator (international schools / higher education)
  • University lecturer
  • Educational researcher
  • Training and development specialist
  • Educational consultant
  • Education project manager (reform / international development)
  • Ph.D. applicant (further doctoral study)

Total expenses

For the entire 2 years course or 4 semesters:

Total expenses: 310,000 Baht, inclusive of IRB fees, qualitative exams, and IS/Thesis defense fees.

Study Plan

Plan 1: Academic (Thesis)

Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
EL 601 Innovation and Leadership for Educational Excellence
EL 604 Research Methodology in Educational Leadership
EL 602 Ethical Leadership in Transformative Education
EL 605 Applied Educational Psychology for Teaching and Learning
EL 603 21st-century Curriculum and Instruction
EL 606 Educational Administration for Global Excellence
Year 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
EL xxx Major Elective I
EL 799 Thesis
EL xxx Major Elective II

Plan 2: Professional (IS)

Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
EL 601 Innovation and Leadership for Educational Excellence
EL 604 Research Methodology in Educational Leadership
EL 602 Ethical Leadership in Transformative Education
EL 605 Applied Educational Psychology for Teaching and Learning
EL 603 21st-century Curriculum and Instruction
EL 606 Educational Administration for Global Excellence
Year 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
EL xxx Major Elective I
EL 798 Independent Study
EL xxx Major Elective II
EL xxx Major Elective III
EL xxx Major Elective IV

Instructors

**Dr. Chi Che** is Head of the Educational Leadership Department at the International College, Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational System Management Leadership from **Chulalongkorn University**, with research expertise in **meta-skills development, academic management innovation, AI literacy, educational leadership, and institutional transformation**.

At Payap EL, Dr. Chi Che leads graduate programs serving Master’s and Ph.D. students while expanding the department’s international academic profile. His recent work includes **Hungary-based university collaboration projects**, engagement with **India–Williamson/United Board higher education networks**, participation in the **Chulalongkorn ICESML academic platform**, and leadership-development initiatives connected with international scholars such as **Dr. Brian Perkins, Teachers College, Columbia University**, and **Dr. Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco, Louisiana State University**.

Through these projects, Dr. Chi Che positions Payap Educational Leadership as a growing international hub for **school leadership, higher education innovation, meta-skills development, research collaboration, and global-local educational transformation**. His work reflects Payap University’s commitment to **Truth and Service** by turning international partnerships into meaningful learning opportunities for students, educators, and institutions in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.

**Academic Profiles and Research Links**
Scopus Author ID: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60258743900
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3466-994X
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=L262Ff8AAAAJ
Web of Science Researcher Profile: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/LTN-3931-2024
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chi-Che-5

Contact us

Phone: 053 851 478 – 86, 053 241 255 Ext. 7203, 7217

Update Jul 17, 2026