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.
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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 Spring 2021, 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 Spring 2021, 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
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Program Information
Gary Vaden
Admissions Counselor
(800) 467-0227
garyv.bama@ua.edu
Admissions Information
Bama By Distance
(800) 467-0227
uadistance@ua.edu