Students in Instructional Leadership may participate in programs leading to a master’s degree (M.Ed.) with initial certification (Class A), a specialist degree (Ed.S.) and advanced certification (Class AA), or a reduced hour option for certification (Class A). 

Those pursuing the reduced-hour option in Instructional Leadership already hold a master’s degree and a valid Alabama Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area and meet the admission criteria for the M.Ed. program .

Program Admission Requirements

• One official transcript from each institution of higher education attended
• 3.0 master’s degree GPA from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in teaching field or in another area of instructional support
• EXP form documenting three full years of acceptable education experience with at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience
• Passing score on an admission portfolio. The portfolio will contain the following:
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation, of which one includes the applicant’s current principal or supervisor
  • Completed copy (all forms) of the most-recent performance appraisal, to include the professional development component, if available
  • Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
  • Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most-recent accomplishments in the area of instructional leadership
  • Summary of the candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification
  • Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program
• Passing score on an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher-education faculty

Retention/Completion Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 3.25 program GPA on all coursework
• Passing score on the required Praxis II exam
• ED 584  or ALSDE approved Class A Diversity Course, if not previously completed
• SPED 407/507  or equivalent, if not previously completed