Educational Leadership Program, M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership can lead to one or more of the following principal licenses: Pre-K to 6th grade; Grades 4 to 9; Grades 5 to 12. To be eligible for the principal license, the applicant must have two (2) years of successful teaching experience at the relevant licensure age and grade bands and hold a valid Ohio Department of Education (ODE) teaching license. The program provides candidates with the knowledge and skills to serve as effective leaders in schools and educational agencies. The curriculum includes coursework that satisfies requirements for JCU’s Certificate of Assessment and Accountability and prepares candidates with a deep understanding of assessment at the classroom, school, district, state and national levels. Although the primary career trajectory is school principal, graduates will acquire the knowledge and skills to seek educational leadership positions in government agencies, testing companies, educational research centers, and educational consulting firms.

The master’s degree principal licensure course of study is an online and hybrid 40 credit-hour program at the graduate level, which includes a six month-long internship. In addition to satisfactory completion of all program requirements, candidates must pass the appropriate state exam for licensure. All principal licensure candidates must submit to fingerprinting and background checks by government investigative agencies.

Applicants who have a master’s degree in education and hold a valid teaching license may apply to the program in order to pursue principal licensure and the Certificate of Assessment and Accountability at the Post-Masters level. The program coordinator will conduct a transcript audit to determine if prior coursework satisfies master’s core requirements and if additional coursework may be needed prior to program admission. The minimum number of credits for post-master’s applicants is 30. For those students who wish to pursue a second master’s degree, and in cases where equivalent coursework has already been completed for another master’s degree, the department may approve a waiver request for a maximum of six credit hours toward the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

The Department of Education academic unit is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Learning Goals for Graduate Education Programs

Contexts:

1. Understands the contexts of professional practices.

2. Demonstrates accuracy, organization, and persistence in achieving intellectual and professional goals.

3. Contributes to the school, district, and the broader professional community.

4. Engages in systematic inquiry.

Learner Development:

1. Assumes responsibility in data-based decision-making and helps to ensure that decisions are based on the highest professional standards.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of clients/students.

Practice:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of resources.

3. Designs coherent, evidence-based interventions.

4. Establishes favorable conditions for instruction and intervention.

5. Uses knowledge of communication techniques to foster collaboration and supportive interactions.

Person:

1. Takes initiative in assuming leadership roles.

2. Initiates activities that contribute to the profession.

3. Seeks out opportunities for professional development and growth.

4. Actively participates in professional events and projects.

5. Challenges negative attitudes and practices; is proactive in serving clients/students/colleagues.

6. Assists and supports fellow professionals.

Certificate of Advanced Studies: Assessment, Research and Measurement is designed to help professionals at the master’s and post-master’s level to develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, assessment, measurement, program evaluation, and data-driven decision making.

Candidates planning to apply for one of the state licenses or endorsements should be aware of possible changes in state licensure requirements. Candidates will be required to meet the state requirements in effect at the time application is made for licensure. Although the program descriptions included in the Graduate Studies Bulletin  conform to the current standards, additional information may be obtained by consulting department officials. An individual orientation is held with the academic adviser for candidates for the M.Ed. and M.A. following admission to graduate studies. Details of these procedures are available in the Department of Education offices.

At the conclusion of the master’s degree coursework, a written comprehensive examination or program assessment such as the  edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment)  or PASL (Performance Assessment for School Leaders) is required for both the M.Ed. and M.A. The comprehensive examination consists of a general section and a program section. Examination schedules are available in the department office. Program assessments such as edTPA or PASL are conducted during the final semester of fieldwork.   Successful completion of the comprehensive examination or program assessment is a requirement for graduation.

Candidates for Initial and Advanced Licensure and endorsements will be required to pass the appropriate state exam(s) and other program assessments in the specific licensure/endorsement area in order to be recommended for licensure/endorsement. Most programs also require field hours and clinical placements. Any fees associated with assessments are paid by the student.

General Admission Criteria (may vary depending on program)

The following admission criteria for full acceptance into the M.Ed. or M.A. programs apply to the majority of Education graduate programs:*

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Candidates for the M.Ed. Advanced Studies will have a major in education (equivalent to the training necessary for a teacher credential) or the equivalent in training or experience. Candidates ordinarily are or have been licensed teachers. Candidates for other  M.Ed. Programs hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

• Current resume or curriculum vita.

• A written statement indicating personal interests, goals, and expectations from the degree program.

• Two letters of reference from persons who are familiar with and able to assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.

• A personal interview with Faculty for the specific program.

• Verification of valid teaching certificate/license for specific programs.

*NOTE: Applicants for the School-Based M.Ed., Professional Teacher M.Ed., or Educational Psychology programs do not require a major in education, teaching experiences, and/or a teaching credential.

Requirements

Core Courses

Assessment and Accountability Sequence

Educational Leadership Licensure Coursework

Total Credit Hours: 40

Program Faculty