Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdS in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership Certification)

Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership Certification)

Online

Program Overview

Students will learn the foundational skills needed in advanced school administration and leadership roles with an online Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership) degree from The University of Alabama. After earning their Instructional Leadership certification, graduates will be able to develop and enact a shared mission of high-quality education and academic success.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30-33
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Lead Your School to Greatness

Throughout our program, students will develop various skills focused on motivating colleagues and students to achieve the goals of their school’s strategic plan and vision. Learning how to best interact with community members and other faculty and staff is also crucial in this program so graduates can effectively lead and improve their organizations.

With an Educational Leadership degree, our alums seek careers as school principals, college deans, program directors, superintendents, university presidents and more.

This program leads to Alabama Class AA Instructional Leadership (P-12) Certification.

Application Priority DeadlineJuly 1 for fall admission; November 15 for spring admission; May 1 for summer admission
Fees$10 graduate College of Education fee (per hour)
AccreditationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Required For EntranceAlabama Class A Instructional Leader certificate or another Alabama Class A leadership certificate

Curriculum

The EdS in Educational Leadership with Instructional Leadership certification consists of 30-33 credit hours. Program and courses are subject to change.

Required Courses

AEL 631 – Strategic Leadership
AEL 632 – Leading Learning through the Curriculum
AEL 633 – Leading, Developing, and Mentoring Adult Learners
AEL 634 – Development and Supervision of Human Resources
AEL 635 – Ethical, Legal, and Policy Issues in Schools
AEL 636 – School Finance and Financial Management
AEL 637 – Leadership and Social Systems
AEL 638 – Solving Problems of Practice

Additional Requirements

Foundations: 3 credit hours
BER Research 600 level course
Special education survey course (if not previously completed)

In addition to coursework, students must pass a comprehensive exam, complete mentor training and a problem analysis project.

View more information about this program through the University’s catalog.

Admission

Admission to the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership P-12 Certification) degree program requires the following:

A master’s degree from a regionally accredited *
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in Instructional Leadership or a valid Class A Professional Leadership certificate
Educational experience in teaching and/or leadership, verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form completed by the Board of Education*
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Statement of purpose
Completed UA Graduate School application
Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
Three letters of recommendation
- Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Applications are accepted each semester. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester.

Application deadlines

Fall admission – July 1
Spring admission – Nov. 15
Summer admission – May 1

This program leads to Alabama Class AA certification in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership P-12 Certification). If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Prospective students who did not earn a master’s degree from The University of Alabama or earned a master’s degree more than eight years ago may be required to provide additional documentation.

*Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department). Section IV is not required.

Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions and Certification at debryant@ua.edu.

Do you accept out-of-state students into the program?

In order to apply to the EdS program, you must have an Alabama Class A Instructional Leader certification.

Do you have a reduced hour option for initial certification as an administrator?

Yes, UA Online offers a reduced hour option for Class A Instructional Leader certification that consists of 18 credit hours. In order to apply for the reduced hour option, you need to have an Alabama Class A teacher certification.