Educational Leadership M.A., M.Ed.
The Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership is designed to assist current certified educators with the move into administrative positions that deal with school governance and management, instructional leadership and supervision, school and public policy and research. This program includes the State standards for the Principalship, and the State standards for the Special Education Director Endorsement.
See complete admission requirements in College of Education introduction.
Prerequisites
- Valid initial or standard Type 03, 04, 09, 10 or 73 Illinois certificate.
- Two years successful teaching or school service personnel experience.
- Current vita or resume.
- Fulfillment of Survey of Exceptional Child requirement (105 ILCS 5/21-2a).
- Successful completion of Illinois Certification Basic Skills Test.
- Successful completion of the Advanced Writing Assessment.
Course of study for the Master of Education degree: total of 33 semester hours plus comprehensive exam.
Degree Requirements
I. Core Courses (21)
(No transfer credit allowed.)
| 51-522 | Ethical and Moral Foundations of Educational Leadership | 3 |
| 51-538 | School Law for Administrators | 3 |
| 51-548 | Educational Organization and Administration | 3 |
| 51-558 | School Finance and Business Management | 3 |
| 51-578 | The Principalship | 3 |
| 51-588 | Administrative Practicum I | 3 |
| 51-589 | Administrative Practicum II | 3 |
II. Non-core courses: (12)
Transfer credit accepted
A maximum of 12 semester hours may be accepted for transfer credit from a regionally accredited institution, earned within the last five years, with no grade lower than a B ; transcript must be accompanied by a performance portfolio indicating that the courses requested for transfer have addressed the appropriate ISLCC/ELCC standards.
Curriculum strand for non-core courses (12)
| 51-557 | Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| 51-575 | Practical Research for Learning Communities | 3 |
| 51-576 | Multicultural Foundations for Educators and Counselors | 3 |
| 51-577 | Staff Development and Supervision | 3 |
Special Education strand for non-core courses (12)
| 51-575 | Practical Research for Learning Communities | 3 |
| 51-576 | Multicultural Foundations for Educators and Counselors | 3 |
| 51-581 | Supervision and Administration of Special Education | 3 |
| 51-586 | Principles of Counseling: Guidance, Supervisory and Special Education Personnel | 3 |
III. Master of Arts Option
| XX-XXX- | Available in both curriculum and special education strands. Add six semester hours. | |
| XX-XXX- | 3 credit hours elective approved by advisor | |
| 51-599 | Thesis | 3 |
Supervisory Endorsement of the Standard Special Certificate in Special Education
Candidates may elect to complete additional requirements for the Supervisory Endorsement of a Type 10 Certificate. In addition to the master’s degree program, students are required to complete the course on Educational Organization and Administration (51-548 or its equivalent). Special Education students must also take the elective Supervision and Administration of Special Education (51-581). Further, candidates for the supervisory endorsement must present evidence of at least two years of successful teaching experience. Candidates must provide documentation of their classroom teaching experience from the superintendent in their school district.