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

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, Graduate Admissions and Certification Coordinator, at debryant@ua.edu.