SHREVEPORT, La. — Centenary College has launched a new Master of Educational Leadership program, marking the institution’s first hybrid master’s degree offering that combines online and in-person instruction.
The program, announced in April, is designed for working educators seeking leadership roles in schools, school districts and educational organizations. College officials said students will be able to complete the degree in approximately two years through a combination of virtual coursework and face-to-face classes.
The hybrid format combines online learning with in-person instruction led by full-time faculty members. Centenary said the approach is intended to provide greater flexibility for adult learners while maintaining small class sizes and personalized instruction.
The new program comes as schools across Louisiana and the region continue to face demand for qualified educational leaders. According to figures cited by the college, more than 3,500 classroom teachers work in Caddo and Bossier parish public schools. That number exceeds 5,000 when educators in private schools, neighboring parishes and East Texas are included.
Dr. Karen Soul, Centenary’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, said local educators and administrators had expressed interest in the program for several years. She said the degree is intended to help prepare future school leaders to address the needs of K-12 students and educators.
The Department of Education at Centenary is led by Dr. Terrie Johnson, who has experience in both K-12 and higher education leadership. College officials said the program will focus on preparing educators for administrative and leadership positions while emphasizing professional development and community engagement.
Dr. Latoya Pierce, associate vice president for innovative learning and inclusive excellence, said the hybrid format was designed to balance scheduling flexibility with in-person engagement. The program includes online coursework alongside Saturday classes held on Centenary’s campus in Shreveport.
The Master of Educational Leadership program is the first hybrid graduate degree offered by the college and expands Centenary’s graduate education offerings as institutions seek to meet the needs of working professionals pursuing advanced credentials.