This master's degree program is designed for teachers who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to lead an Alabama PK-12 school as a curriculum/instructional leader, assistant principal, or principal. (Most teachers with a master's degree in educational leadership first pursue entry-level curriculum/instructional leadership roles or administrative positions, such as assistant principal, with the aim of becoming school principals or school district curriculum leaders after some years of administrative experience.) Students in this program will broaden and deepen their theoretical and practical understanding of educational leadership and hone their leadership capabilities. Our long-standing school district partners contribute to all aspects of the program, including admissions, program design, syllabi for new courses, mentoring, student assessment, co-teaching of courses, and exit evaluations of the master's degree candidates. University-based field supervisors and faculty-trained school principals provide support for and mentor our graduate students.

Classes meet entirely online through a synchronous format. Classes meet online weekly through Zoom. No on-campus meetings are required. Most group learning occurs during class, developing long-lasting, professional relationships among educators. All Educational Leadership classes are currently delivered via Zoom.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for the master's program, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time classroom teaching experience, a valid Class B certification in a teaching field, or a valid Class A certification in a teaching field or area of instructional support from the Alabama State Department of Education, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. Prospective students must apply through the UAB Graduate School and submit (a) an official transcript, (b) three letters of recommendation (one of which must be from the applicant's current administrator or supervisor), (c) a resume, (e) a writing sample, (f) a Supplemental EXP form certifying a minimum of three years of teaching experience, and (g) an admissions portfolio. An admissions interview is also required. To ensure their applications are complete, prospective students should review our full list of admission requirements by clicking on the link below. This degree program admits students each semester. Applications are due April 1 for entry during the summer term, July 1 for fall entry, and November 1 for spring entry.

• Download the master’s degree information packet

Register for an information session

Coursework and Degree Requirements

The MAE program consists of seven 3-credit courses (six are accompanied by an additional 1-credit field experience course). These courses include Foundations of Instructional Leadership, Legal and Ethical Foundations for School Leadership, Supervision and Mentoring of Instructional Staff, Organizational and Financial Management to Support Instructional Leadership, Data-Driven Decision Making for School Improvement, and Best Practices in Instructional Leadership for Diverse Populations. All courses are taught via Zoom, and meet one evening per week. A seventh required class includes EPR 594, Introduction to Educational Research Design. 

Candidates for the master’s degree must complete the special education course Introduction to Exceptional Learners (ECY 600) or its equivalent. A 10-day residency in instructional leadership comprises the final semester of the program. Students must also pass the Praxis II Educational Leadership, Administration, and Supervision (ELAS) test in order to qualify for Class A certification in Instructional Leadership from the Alabama State Department of Education.

Learn more about Educational Leadership in the video below.