Educational Leadership, M.A.
Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30-36 hours
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership prepares educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead schools and meet the needs of 21st Century learners. The purpose of this degree is to provide an academic foundation for school leadership and develop the skills and abilities of educational leaders through performance-based learning. Applicants selecting this program are educators who would like to broaden their career options to include school administration. Students completing this program can apply to the Michigan Department of Education and receive Elementary and Secondary (ES) administrative certification. This certification is a state requirement for school principals and other school-level administrators who oversee academic programs.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is a nationally accredited program through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Admission Requirement Snapshot
GPA: 3.0
Entrance Exam: N/A
Application Deadline: Rolling Application
See Admission Requirement Details Below
Important Message for Prospective Students: It is highly recommended that students contact the appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence if they are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license. CMU offers state-by-state information at https://www.cmich.edu/admissions-aid/global-campus/professional-certification-licensure-disclosures with web links to the appropriate licensing agencies. It is the responsibility of students to contact the appropriate licensing agency and to understand the requirements in their state of residence as applied to their specific situation.
- Applicants must have either a valid teaching certificate and three years of experience, or three years of other qualifying experience in an educational or related setting.
- Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to Graduate Studies.
- Regular admission in the program requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
- Applicants must provide evidence of promise as an administrator by preparing and submitting an admission portfolio directly to the Department of Educational Leadership. The following items must be included in the contents of the portfolio:
- a current resume identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments;
- a minimum of two letters of reference (dated and submitted on organizational letterhead) from individuals who can appropriately address the applicant's potential as an administrator and attest to the applicant's potential for success in the program;
- a two page statement incorporating how the applicant’s program goals and beliefs about leadership connect to the Educational Leadership program and these principles:
- Vision for student success and achievement,
- Involvement of all stakeholders,
- Leadership for a diverse and complex society, and
- Demonstration of ethical behavior.
- identification of at least two significant activities which indicate experiences, abilities, and potential for educational leadership. For each activity identified, applicants should clearly describe the activity and the role and responsibilities they assumed, include the number of people involved or impacted by the activity, describe the budget (if applicable) or resources used, and summarize with a self-reflective statement addressing the insight and learning that occurred.
- Regular admission will be granted only after the admission portfolio has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by a committee of Educational Leadership faculty. Acceptability will be judged on the appropriateness of the contents of the admission portfolio relative to the degree program to which application is being made. The applicant's statements about beliefs, professional goals, and activities must show evidence of thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and congruence with the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
- It is advantageous for the applicant to submit the admission portfolio as early as possible. Applicants must submit a complete admission packet, and it must be approved before a student is granted regular admission.
Program Requirements
Core Courses (15 hours)
Required for State Certification
| EDL 656 | Public School Law | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 661 | School and Community Relations | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 662 | School Business Administration | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 670 | The Principalship | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 690 | Administration of School Curriculum | 3(3-0) |
Required Course (3 hours)
| EDL 694 | Educational Leadership Capstone | 3(3-0) |
Research Core (3 hours)
Students electing the thesis option (Plan A) take EDL 600.
Students electing the capstone option (Plan B) take EDL 611.
| EDL 600 | Research in Educational Leadership | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 611 | Using Research for Leading School Improvement | 3(3-0) |
Emphasis Area
Select one of the following:
Emphasis Area: Supervision (6 hours)
| EDL 765 | Organizational Change in Educational Institutions | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 773 | Instructional Supervision and Leadership | 3(3-0) |
Emphasis Area: Charter School Leadership (6 hours)
| EDL 645 | Charter School Leadership | 3(3-0) |
| EDL 678 | Emerging Issues and Reform Efforts in Educational Leadership | 3(3-0) |
Emphasis Area: Special Education Supervisor (12 hours)
| EDL 663 | Human Resources Administration | 3(3-0) |
| SPE 640/EDL 675 | Administration of Special Education | 3(3-0) |
| SPE 655 | Consultation and Collaboration in Special Education | 3(3-0) |
| SPE 686 | Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making in Special Education | 3(3-0) |
Additional Requirement (3 hours)
Select either Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (capstone project, for administrator certification):
Plan A Thesis (3 hours)
Plan B Capstone Project (3 hours)
Comprehensive Assessment
As part of degree and certification requirements, candidates will complete an assessment where they will demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through the program.
Total: 30-36 semester hours