Description of Program
In the Masters of Education (MEd) degree in Educational Leadership, you will develop knowledge, skills, and leadership traits required for educational leadership roles within diverse organizations. As you critically analyze a broad range of disciplinary theories, leadership trends, and traits, including data decision-making and evidence-based educational practice, you will be prepared to make research-based, ethical decisions that improve issues, systems, and practice within current and emerging educational organizations. While the degree is not specific to PK-12 education, the program does align with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (formerly ISLLC/ ELCC).
Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12.
Click here for potential career opportunities within the MEEDL.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply quality standards to enhance instructional rigor and instructional strategies fostering student learning and development and augment teacher professional development
- Select strategies to cultivate an inclusive and supporting learning environment to enhance accessibility, community collaboration, and student success
- Analyze the aspects of professional capacity and resource needs for a quality professional learning community promoting an effective and efficient learning environment for all teachers, staff, and students
- Synthesize current educational research and theory within educational evidence-based practice for ongoing school improvement
- Facilitate effective educational leadership vision and integrity through strategic planning involving data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practice
Basis for Admissions
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership (EdL) requires 30 credit hours for degree completion. The MEEDL program includes one foundational course, taken by all students regardless of their undergraduate degree, which forms and strengthens fundamental skills. The next 24 credit hours in the program are core courses that capture the essence of educational leadership. Students end the program with a 3 credit hour capstone course.
- The MEEDL degree program has the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
- Successful completion of all courses with a “B” or better
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credits accepted by the University
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the MEEDL for graduate course work completed at an external, accredited college or university with a course grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.
Time to Completion
The University allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.
The median time to completion for this program is 21 months.
Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.
Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 15 months.
Additional MEEDL Information
Certification and Licensing
The Sanford College of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The MEEDL program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country. Certification requirements vary by state. Students are advised to contact their state department of education or local school district for guidance in obtaining certification or licensure, or for approval in fulfilling district level incentive programs. Prospective candidates are responsible for learning and following any requirements for licensure, recertification, etc. in the state(s) where they wish to apply the degree.
There are several reasons why an educator would want to pursue a graduate degree in education that does not lead to state licensing or certification.
Reasons may include:
- “Move up” steps on the salary schedule
- Improve skills and professionalism in general or to pursue a “leadership” position inside or outside the classroom (school-based or district level, or non PK-12)
- Advance as a “teacher leader” through a graduate degree (already has a bachelor’s degree and certification)
- Meet the needs of increasingly diverse students
- Work outside of a traditional PK-12 classroom environment (i.e. trainer, educational consultant)
Sanford College of Education Curriculum
The Sanford College of Education curriculum emphasizes a combination of learning theory, instructional strategies, and technology integration for educators working with any grade level, and within professional associations, organizations or as a consultant. The emphasis is on students transforming theory immediately into practice and faculty tailoring instruction to enhance student understanding and achievement. The program aims to produce graduates who understand the scope, pace, and magnitude of the transformation of education within the world that is taking place; and to assist students to meet the challenges of state and national standards (if desired), while meeting the learning needs of educators who work beyond the classroom.
State of the Art Content
The Sanford College of Education sequence of courses undergoes constant review to ensure that while maintaining depth of focus, the program continually includes latest educational innovations and provides participants the tools to incorporate them into pedagogy. The curriculum content and related URL links are current and pertinent. All Sanford College of Education courses are continually updated to reflect the latest developments in instructional technology to support instruction.
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