Master of Arts in Education in Instructional Leadership
Master of Arts in Education - Instructional Leadership (Online)
Strengthen your credentials as an educator and take the next step in your teaching career with a Master of Arts in Education – Instructional Leadership at the University of North Alabama.
Made for working educators, UNA’s fully online M.A.Ed Instructional Leadership program is designed to provide its graduate students with purposeful, hands-on education, preparing them to lead crucial work in school improvement and increased student achievement.
Through a developmental continuum that progresses from observation to active participation and leadership, participants engage in real-world problem-solving, honing their skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. By collaboration with local education agencies, this program embeds internships in authentic challenges faced by instructional leaders, providing structured support and high-quality guidance throughout the learning journey.
Program candidates can also complete a reduced-hour (18 hours) version of this program to be recommended for a Class A Instructional Leadership Certificate.
Modality
Online
Costs
$495 per credit hour
Credentials
Master of Arts in Education - Instructional Leadership (Online)
Time to Complete
Approximately 2 years
Why the University of North Alabama?
With its small class sizes, experiential learning opportunities, and access to our enthusiastic, expert faculty- many of whom are serving or have served as teachers, assistant principals, principals, assistant superintendents, and superintendents- who invest in your academic journey, UNA is uniquely positioned as a leader in academic excellence within the South and beyond.
This program is grounded in the Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders and focuses on the development of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for modern academic institutions.
Course Requirements
Prerequisite: valid Class B or Class A professional educator certification in teaching field or instructional support area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IL 690 | Development of Educational Human Resources | 3 |
| IL 691 | Financial and Material Resources for School Improvement | 3 |
| IL 694 | Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Student Learning | 3 |
| IL 695 | Legal and Ethical Responsibilities | 3 |
| IL 696 | Internship and Residency for Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| IL 697 | Leadership for Successful Schools and Partnerships | 3 |
| EEX 605 | Survey of Students with Disabilities 1 | 0-3 |
| Advisior approved electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
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If requirement has been satisfied, a three-hour state approved diversity course is required.
Instructional Leadership candidates must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam. See Certification Officer for exam requirements.
Accreditations
The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctorate-level degrees.
Education degrees at UNA are additionally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
What can I do with a Master of Arts in Education Instructional Leadership?
A Master of Arts in Education Degree in Instructional Leadership equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to take on various leadership roles within educational institutions. Here are some career paths and opportunities graduates can qualify for with this degree:
- School Administrator: Principal, vice principal, or other administrative roles within schools, overseeing the overall management, curriculum development, and staff supervision.
- Curriculum Specialist: Work on designing and implementing curriculum frameworks, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices.
- Instructional Coordinator: Focus on improving teaching standards by providing professional development opportunities for teachers, evaluating instructional materials, and implementing new teaching strategies.
- Education Consultant: Offer expertise to schools or educational organizations on improving instructional practices, curriculum development, and overall school performance.
- Education Policy Analyst: Analyze educational policies and their impact on instructional practices, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Director of Education Programs: Lead and oversee educational programs within schools, nonprofits, or other educational institutions.
- Education Researcher: Conduct research on instructional methods, educational practices, and policies to contribute to the advancement of the field.
- Professional Development Manager: Design and implement training programs for teachers and staff to enhance their instructional skills and knowledge.
- Education Technology Specialist: Focus on integrating technology into instructional practices to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement.
- College or University Administrator: Pursue leadership roles in higher education institutions, overseeing academic programs, student services, or other departments.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the program’s admission requirements, applicants must possess either a valid Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate in teaching or a valid Alabama Class A Professional Educator Certificate in teaching or instructional support in order to be eligible for the Class A instructional leadership master's program.
A minimum of one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience is required, along with proof of three (3) full-time, appropriate professional educational experience in a P-12 context.