Online Master of Science in School Business Management and Leadership
Flexible Pathways, Powerful Leadership.
The Master of Science in School Business Management and Leadership (MS) offers a dynamic and flexible pathway tailored to today’s education professionals. Students can choose between the School Business Management (SBM) pathway or the Principal/Director pathway, each leading to WI Department of Public Instruction licensure and designed to develop specialized leadership skills. The SBM pathway prepares candidates for licensure as a School Business Manager, and the Principal/Director pathway for triple administrator licensure including Principal, Director of Instruction, and Director of Pupil Services.
By integrating Education Leadership courses, the program streamlines core campus licensure requirements and provides multiple licensure options. With a capstone project embedded in both pathways and added emphases reflecting diverse licensure opportunities, this program structure ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and career-focused educational experience for future leaders in education administration.
New Program Begins Spring 2026!
Looking to enroll in classes this fall? You can apply as a non-degree seeking student to begin your studies early.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
- Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
- Strong alumni network
Administrative Licenses
DPI Approved
ASBO Aligned Curriculum
ISBM Professional Standards.
Fully Online
No requirements to come to campus.
Online Master of Science in School Business Management and Leadership
The MS in School Business Management and Leadership is a 30-credit program, including an internship with licensed School Business Manager for the School Business Managment Emphasis or a Practicum in the School Leadership Emphasis. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you. Full-time students can finish in as little as three semesters.
Core Requirements: 15 credits
- SCHBUSMG 772: Legal Aspects of Education, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 775: Adminstration and Organization of Public Schools, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 781: School Community Relations in a Diverse Society, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 782: Negotiations and Conflict Resolution in Education, 3 credits
- MANGEMNT 751: Talent Management, 3 credits
Students must select either School Business Managment Emphasis or School Leadership Emphasis
School Business Managment Empasis: 13-15 credits
- SCHBUSMG 770: School Finance and Accounting, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 771: School Business Management Techniques, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 774: School Budgeting and Financial Planning, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 777: School Auxiliary Services Managment, 3 credits
- SCHBUSMG 778: Internship in School Business Managment, 1-3 credits
School Leadership Emphasis: 13-18 credits
- EDADMIN 750: Strategic Leadership in Curriculum and Instructional Design, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 754: Designing Tomorrow's Education: Leading in Curriculum Planning, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 756: Legal Persepecitves and Practices in Special Education Leadership, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 774: Supporting Education Through Financial Managment, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 793: Practicum in Educational Leadership, 1-6 credits
Comprehensive overview of the program will be available in the new publish of the Graduate Catalog in summer of 2026.
To qualify for admission to the online master’s program, you must meet graduate admission criteria.
Deadlines vary by term and are subject to change without notice. Accurate and up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website.
Additional requirements for admission to the School Business Management and Leadership program:
- Complete a background check through ViewPoint.
All requirements can be submitted during the application process.
UW-Whitewater cannot confirm the MS in School Business Management and Leadership program meets the requirements for licensure in other states. Because requirements differ by state, applicants should review requirements for their state(s) of interest prior to applying to this program. More information on Professional Licensure can be found on our compliance website.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if an alternate admission pathway is available.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
School business managers oversee the administration and allocation of budgets and resources in a variety of learning institutions. Career paths and project work include all area roles and responsibilities found in the school district business office.
These roles and responsibilities include; accounting and reporting, auditing, budget and financial planning, cash management, debt management, facility construction and management, food and transportation systems, general management, human resource management, information technology and data management, payroll management, purchasing and accounts payable management, and risk management.
Other common position titles include assistant superintendent of operations, comptroller and financial specialist. Archived salary information, position and demographic reports can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). 2
According to the Public Administrative Salary Report on Wisconsin DPI, School Business Managers in Wisconsin make an average salary of $120,627 (2023-2024)
1Public Administrative Salary Report, 2023 - 2024
2Archived School Staff: Salary, Position and Demographic Reports
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value, with tuition starting at $708 USD per credit for the 2025-26 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student within the major. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually.
Online MS in School Business Management and Leadership - Emphases
The MS in School Business Management and Leadership with an emphasis in School Business Management prepares candidates for licensure as a School Business Manager.
School Business Managment Empasis: 13-15 credits
SCHBUSMG 770: School Finance and Accounting, 3 credits
SCHBUSMG 771: School Business Management Techniques, 3 credits
SCHBUSMG 774: School Budgeting and Financial Planning, 3 credits
SCHBUSMG 777: School Auxiliary Services Managment, 3 credits
SCHBUSMG 778: Internship in School Business Managment, 1-3 credits
Comprehensive overview of the program will be available in the new publish of the Graduate Catalog in summer of 2026.
The MS in School Business Management and Leadership with an emphasis in School Leadership prepares candidates for triple administrator licensure including Principal, Director of Instruction, and Director of Pupil Services.
School Leadership Emphasis: 13-18 credits
EDADMIN 750: Strategic Leadership in Curriculum and Instructional Design, 3 credits
EDADMIN 754: Designing Tomorrow's Education: Leading in Curriculum Planning, 3 credits
EDADMIN 756: Legal Persepecitves and Practices in Special Education Leadership, 3 credits
EDADMIN 774: Supporting Education Through Financial Managment, 3 credits
EDADMIN 793: Practicum in Educational Leadership, 1-6 credits
Comprehensive overview of the program will be available in the new publish of the Graduate Catalog in summer of 2026.
Online Graduate Certificate Program in School Business Management
Financial background in accounting, budgeting, and service operations for school districts are essential skills for school administrators and other school business staff. The graduate certificate in School Business Management (SBM) focuses on those skillsets.
The online certification in School Business Management leading to Wisconsin DPI license 5008 is intended for those individuals who already possess an accredited master’s degree and wish to add the additional 24 credits for the license.
Advance your career with this fully online graduate certificate, offering a direct path to administrative licensure in Wisconsin. Gain essential leadership skills and hands-on experience, all aligned with national standards and UW-Whitewater’s commitment to accessible, inclusive education.
