Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Educational Leadership and Reduced Hour Option

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) IN
Educational Leadership and Reduced Hour Option (Instructional Leadership Certification)

Online

Program Overview

The master’s degree program in Educational Leadership leading to certification in Instructional Leadership and the Alabama Class A Instructional Leadership reduced hour certification only option offered through The University of Alabama prepare experienced educators to work in the area of school administration.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
18-30
Tuition Per Hour
$420

Achieve Your Dream of Leading in Your School

Educators gain a thorough understanding of the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the field of educational leadership. They learn to work with students, families, and communities in ways that reflect the dispositions expected of educational leaders.

The program content is consistent with state and national standards. Individuals interested in applying to this program must have three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, which includes at least one year of full-time teaching experience, and have a desire to move into an administrative position.

MA in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership Certification)

This program is designed for educators who currently hold a bachelor’s degree and Alabama Class B teaching certification. Completion of the program leads to a master’s degree and Alabama Class A certification in Instructional Leadership. The program is offered fully online to accommodate the busy schedules of professional educators. Courses are led by experienced faculty members from the UA College of Education.

Class A Instructional Leadership Certification Only

This program is designed for educators who have earned a master’s degree and hold a valid Alabama Class A teaching certificate. The reduced hour option is aligned with state standards for instructional leaders. Completion of the program leads to Alabama Class A certification in Instructional Leadership. The program is offered fully online to accommodate the busy schedules of professional educators. Courses are led by experienced faculty members from the UA College of Education.

Application DeadlineFor the MA: July 1 for fall, November 15 for spring, and May 1 for summer; for the certification: July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer
Fees$10 graduate College of Education fee (per hour)
AccreditationFor the MA: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Required For EntranceFor the MA: Alabama Class B teaching certificate; for the certification: Alabama Class A teaching certificate
Other Program Specifics*Test scores are waived for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 semester applications for the master's degree.

Curriculum

Select from the two options below. Program and courses are subject to change.

Courses for the program are offered online. A new cohort of students begins each summer, fall and spring. The program consists of 30-33 credit hours.

Required Courses

AEL 520 Leadership for Communities and Stakeholders
AEL 521 Leadership for Continuous Improvement
AEL 522 Leadership for Teaching and Learning
AEL 523 Human Resources Development
AEL 524 Ethics and Law
AEL 525 Management of Learning Organizations
AEL 526 Data-Informed Decision Making
AEL 527 Internship in Instructional Leadership
BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
Any BEF graduate level foundations course approved by advisor

Students who have not taken a special education survey course will enroll in SPE 500.

In addition to the required courses, students must complete a 10-day in-school residency and maintain a portfolio to document experiences. Students must also pass the Praxis prior to completion of the program.

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

Courses for the program are offered online. A new cohort of students begins each summer, fall and spring. The reduced hour program consists of 18 credit hours.

Required Courses

AEL 520 Leadership for Communities and Stakeholders
AEL 521 Leadership for Continuous Improvement
AEL 523 Human Resources Development
AEL 524 Ethics and Law
AEL 525 Management of Learning Organizations
AEL 527 Internship in Instructional Leadership

Students who have not taken a special education survey course will enroll in SPE 500.

Students must complete a 10-day in school residency and submit a Livetext portfolio to document their experiences. Students must also pass the Praxis and a comprehensive exam prior to completion of the program.

Admission

Admission to the MA program requires the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Current Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area
Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for the last 60 hours in a degree program or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Minimum score of 300 on the GRE or 50th percentile on the MAT*
Participation in the interview process, including a writing sample
Submission of an application portfolio

*Test scores are waived for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 semester applications.

A completed UA Graduate School application package includes the following:

Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Three letters of recommendation (one from principal/superintendent)
A statement of purpose
Official test scores

Submit the following materials as part of the application portfolio to the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies:

Copy of most recent performance appraisal
Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
Evidence of leadership potential
Resume/vitae
Statement identifying reasons for pursuing degree
Statement outlining program expectations
Copy of teaching certificate
Completed EXP form

Application Deadlines:

May 1 – summer admission
July 1 – fall admission
November 15 – spring admission

Note: Students enrolled in the reduced hour option are not eligible for financial aid.

Admission to the reduced hour option certification only program requires the following:

A master’s degree from an accredited institution
Current Alabama Class A teacher certification
Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program

A completed application package includes the following

Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
A statement of purpose
Three letters of recommendation (one from principal/supervisor)

Submit the following materials to the Department of Education Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies:

Copy of most recent performance appraisal
Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
Evidence of leadership potential
Resume/vitae
Statement identifying reasons for pursuing the program
Statement outlining program expectations
Copy of teaching certificate
Completed EXP form

Apply as a distance learning non-degree seeking student. Indicate 18-hour Instructional Leadership Program as purpose of applying for non-degree admission.

Application Deadlines:

April 1 – summer admission
July 15 – fall admission
November 1 – spring admission

You Can Do It

At The University of Alabama we want to help you tell a legendary story, and that begins with a premier education and strong support. You can succeed at earning your degree from wherever you are. Want to know more? Let our graduates tell you their Bama By Distance stories.