Program Overview
Give yourself a raise! The University of Alabama Online offers an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification). This 100% online program is tailored to those looking to advance in P-12 education to further support their school systems and enhance student success.
Online Program Format
30 Credit Hours
$480 Tuition Per Hour
Leadership Starts in the Classroom
Through a focus on research and curriculum, this program equips teachers to meet the needs of today’s students and to elevate the quality of education in their schools by influencing curriculum development and instructional delivery beyond their own classrooms. The Teacher Leader coursework will enhance your skills and knowledge. Our Teacher Leader alums are resource providers, curriculum specialists and school leaders who work collaboratively with administrators, colleagues and the community to achieve schoolwide goals.
| Application Priority Deadline | July 1 for fall admission, November 15 for spring admission, and May 1 for summer admission |
| Fees | $10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour) |
| Required For Entrance | Master's level professional educator certificate and three years of P-12 teaching experience |
| Other Program Specifics | Cohort-based program |
| Scholarships and Grants Available | Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey |
| Teacher Salary Schedule | Access the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators |
| Completion Time | Most students earn their degree in less than two years |
| Why Working Teachers and Education Professionals Choose UA Online | Learn how UA Online provides pathways for others like you to pursue excellence through flexible, affordable graduate programs |
True Cost Expectations
At UA Online, we know pursuing your education is a big choice, and we want to be transparent about the cost. See how UA Online’s rates make us your most competitive option.
Tuition grants and scholarships are available to assist with the cost of your next degree.
| Required Hours | 2025-2026 Tuition Rates | College Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $14,400 | $300 | $14,700 |
Curriculum
The EdS in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 certification) program consists of 30 credit hours and a comprehensive exam. Please note that courses are subject to change.
The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates for service in the public schools may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. Check with the appropriate department head for information about current requirements.
Required Courses
- Foundations of Professional Studies Course
- Students choose one course from the ALSDE-approved list – see academic department or the College of Education’s Office of Student Services
- Advisor-approved Research Elective
- BER 660 Evaluation I: Theory and Practice
- AEL 638 Solving Problems of Practice
- CIE 645 Teaching and Learning Communities
- AEL 612 Instructional Supervision and Mentor Training
- AEL 633 Adult Learners
- AEL 635 Ethical and Legal Issues
- AEL 661 Major Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership
- AEL 697 Seminar in Educational Leadership
- SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)
The UA Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to-date information about requirements. A current program checklist may be obtained from the department or from the College of Education Office of Student Services. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
Admission
Admission to the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification) degree program requires the following:
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support
- Minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting, verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form completed by the Board of Education*
- A copy of the applicant’s professional development transcript from PowerSchool
- Evidence of the ability to lead collaboratively and positively affect student learning and achievement, including supporting documents to showcase formal or informal leadership roles that the applicant has held
- 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
- A current résumé
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from applicant’s current principal
- 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 – Jul 1
- Spring admission – Nov 15
- Summer admission – May 1
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.
*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.
Student Spotlight
Inspiring stories of success from students and alumni.
Take a look at some of our UA Online stories.
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Myrikle Walker
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Megan Brannan-Pierce
Q&A with Megan
We caught up with her to learn more about the exciting transformation of her career since graduation.
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William Jones
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UA Online student William Jones built a bridge from his Master of Science degree to pursue Higher Education Administration.
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Contact Us
Program Information
Sarah Hemphill
Admissions Representative 800-467-0227
sarahh.bama@ua.edu
Admissions Information
UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu