Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Educational Leadership

Master of Arts (MA) in
Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership P-12 Certification)

Online

Program Overview

The master’s degree program in Educational Leadership leading to certification in Instructional Leadership offered through The University of Alabama prepare experienced educators to work in the area of school administration.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30-33
Tuition Per Hour
$480

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 master’s 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 eligible students can pursue Alabama Class A Instructional Leadership certification. 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.

Application Priority DeadlineJuly 1 for fall admission, November 15 for spring admission, and May 1 for summer admission
Fees$10 graduate College of Education fee (per hour)
AccreditationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Required For EntranceAlabama Class B teaching certificate
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Teacher Salary ScheduleAccess the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators
Completion TimeMost students earn their degree in less than two years

Curriculum

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. Program and 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

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
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
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

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 and a comprehensive exam prior to completion of the program.

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

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 Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership P-12 Certification) degree program requires the following:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Transcripts from all institutions attended
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
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*
Submission of an application portfolio to the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies to include:
- Copy of most recent performance appraisal
- Copy of teaching certificate
- Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
- Evidence of leadership potential
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement identifying reasons for pursuing degree
- Statement outlining program expectations
Applicants must meet one of the following educational experience options in teaching and/or leadership, verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form**
- 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. This option requires a written recommendation from applicant’s current superintendent.
Participation in oral and written interviews with program faculty
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. One letter must be from a current principal or superintendent.

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

*Applicants from outside of Alabama must obtain an Alabama Class B teaching certificate in order to apply to the program. Questions related to acceptable experience or certification, or how out-of-state students may obtain an Alabama Class B certificate, should be directed to Dawn Bryant at debryant@ua.edu.

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 at debryant@ua.edu.

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.