M.A. in Educational Leadership

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership develops the next generation of principals and school administrators.

***This program will be fully online starting Fall 2024.***

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) is designed to prepare students for roles in PK-12 school leadership. The program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education and meets MDE Standards for the Preparation of School Principals. Successful program completers are eligible, upon recommendation by the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, to apply for the Michigan School Administrator Certificate.

The MAEL curriculum emphasizes the knowledge and skill base required to meet the opportunities and challenges of PK-12 school administration. The courses are designed to develop educational leadership competency and skills in organizational administration, curriculum development, instructional leadership, personnel, finance, applications of technology, school community relations, data analysis, legal and regulatory issues, and program evaluation. Students will engage in multiple clinical experiences embedded in their courses in addition to a semester long internship in educational administration, which is required in the final year of the program. Courses are offered in the evening and in hybrid/online format to accommodate the working professional.  

Effective calendar year 2025, this program will move to a fall term only admit process.  To start in this program in 2025 or beyond, the application priority deadline to have all materials in will be March 15 and the hard deadline for applications will be May 15.  Applications submitted by these deadlines will be reviewed as they are received.

The MA in Educational Leadership prepares students for roles in PK-12 school leadership. The program meets the MDE Standards for the Preparation of School Principals.

What will I Learn?

MDE Standards for the Preparation of School Principals:

  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of the students by acting with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political social, economic, legal and cultural context.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who understands and comprehensively applies technology to advance student achievement.
  • A school administrator is an educational leader who synthesizes and applies knowledge and best practices and develops skills through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real settings to advance student achievement.

Visit the University Catalog to learn more about required coursework for the M.A. in Educational Leadership.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit the follow items with their application.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program. The Office of International Affairs lists additional admission requirements for international students.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • 3.0 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement

Completion Requirements

Before exiting from the M.A. in Educational Leadership, you need to complete two steps:

  1. Apply for graduation.
  2. Submit an Exit Survey.The purpose of this survey is to assist the College of Education, Health, and Human Services with the evaluation of the master’s degree program and to serve as a guide for program development.

Contact Information

CEHHS Office for Student Success
262 Fairlane Center South (FCS)
[email protected]
313-593-5090

Academic Advisors

Stein Brunvand

 

 

Stein Brunvand, Ph.D.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brunvand please contact:

CEHHS Office of Student Success
email: [email protected]
phone: 313-593-5090.

Brian Boggs

 

 

Brian Boggs, Ph.D.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boggs please contact:

CEHHS Office of Student Success
email: [email protected]
phone: 313-593-5090.