The traditional master's in instructional leadership track is 30 credit hours. It prepares you to transition into leadership roles such as principal, instructional support leader, assistant superintendent and other central office positions. This educational leadership degree includes coursework in school operations, community relationships, law, ethics, curriculum and instruction strategies, instructional leadership, human resources and working with diverse populations.

By completing the M.S.Ed. degree, you'll gain Class A certification with the Alabama State Department of Education. The Class A certification is an advanced credential that demonstrates higher levels of competency in education.

DEGREE MAP

The reduced-hours master's in instructional leadership track allows you to earn Class A certification with the Alabama State Department of Education in 18 credit hours. This option includes coursework in school operations and management, community relationships, law, instructional leadership and human resources.

The Ed.S. degree in instructional leadership is an advanced, 30 credit-hour program that prepares you for leadership roles in schools and school districts. These roles include superintendent, school principal, supervisor of instruction, instructional designer, special education director and educational technology specialist.

The Ed.S. degree involves more advanced coursework than the M.S. in education degrees. Course topics include adult learning theories, diverse populations, policy development, research strategies, mentoring, program evaluation and creating effective learning environments. The Ed.S. degree qualifies you for Class AA certification with the Alabama Department of Education. Class AA certification is the highest teaching certification available in Alabama.

Instructional leadership, also referred to as educational leadership, refers to the skills and responsibilities of school administrators. Instructional leadership involves collaboration between administration and educators to develop, implement and improve curriculum and instruction. It also includes developing community partnerships, acquiring stakeholder support, supervising and evaluating instruction and monitoring student progress.

An educational leadership degree can qualify you to lead schools in a variety of positions. Some specific educational leadership careers include school principal, educational specialist, instructional designer, program director, supervisor of instruction, instructional coordinator, superintendent or assistant superintendent.

No, you must hold an Alabama teaching certification (bachelor's or master's level) to be admitted into the educational leadership graduate programs.

You can complete the program within a year if you take two classes per term or two years if you take one class per term.