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 master’s level 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
18-33
Tuition Per Hour
$440

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)

The masters in educational leadership 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 in the masters in educational leadership program 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.

Recognized as a Leader in Online Education
Application Priority DeadlineFor the MA and Reduced-Hour Options: July 1 for fall, November 15 for spring, and May 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 reduced-hour option: Alabama Class A teaching certificate

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
AEL 521 Leadership for Improvement
AEL 522 Teaching and Learning
AEL 523 Human Resources Development
AEL 524 Ethics and Law
AEL 525 Management
AEL 526 Data-Informed Decision Making
AEL 527 Internship in Educational 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 option consists of 18-21 credit hours.

Required Courses

AEL 520 Leadership for Communities
AEL 521 Leadership for Improvement
AEL 523 Human Resources Development
AEL 524 Ethics and Law
AEL 525 Management
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:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Current Alabama Class B professional educator certificate in a teaching field or current Alabama Class A professional educator certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area
Experience Options:
- Experience Option One: Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
- Experience Option Two: Alabama Class A certification as a library media specialist or school counselor and seven full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting
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
Participation in oral and written interviews with program faculty
Submission of an application portfolio to the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies to include:
- 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
  - Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. 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. The original form should be mailed to:

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

A completed Graduate School application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation (one from current employing principal/superintendent), and a statement of purpose. Applicants applying under Experience Option Two must provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.

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 professional educator certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area
Experience Options:
- Experience Option One: Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
- Experience Option Two: Alabama Class A certification as a library media specialist or school counselor and seven full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting
3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Submission of an application portfolio to the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies to include:
- 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
  - Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. 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. The original form should be mailed to:

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

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:

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

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

In order to apply to the master’s program, you must have an Alabama Class B teacher certification. If you are out of state, you would need to obtain an Alabama Class B certification in order to apply.

Do you have a reduced hour option for certification?

Yes, UA Online offers an Educational Leadership reduced hour option 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.

Do I need to have teaching experience before applying?

You must meet Experience Option One, or if you hold Alabama Class A certification as a library media specialist or school counselor, you may meet Experience Option Two.

Experience Option One: Three years of full-time professional educational experience in a P-12 setting, including one year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience

Experience Option Two: Alabama Class A certification as a library media specialist or school counselor, seven full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting if admitted Spring 2022 or thereafter

Is there a way to obtain an Alabama Class B teacher certification if I am an out-of-state student?

Yes, you may reach out to Dawn Bryant who works with certification in the College of Education if you would like to receive information on how to obtain an Alabama Class B certification. Please email Dawn at debryant@ua.edu.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to these degree programs that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.