Program Overview
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership (EDLS) + Administrative Licensure program not only prepares you for the demands of 21st-century education but also provides a pathway to school administrator licensure in Ohio. Our educational leadership courses feature the most up-to-date content and instruction from prominent leaders in the field of educational administration, ensuring that you're equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a school administrator in today's educational landscape. Additional programs include a stand-alone Building Principal licensure, Superintendent licensure and Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development licensure.
Program Highlights
During your educational leadership classes, you will acquire skills and capabilities in critical areas such as:
- School climate
- Professional ethics
- School safety
- School administration programs
Knowledge in these areas will provide you with skills and dispositions that other university programs simply don’t offer, making Ashland University's master's degree in Educational Leadership an innovative program that prepares you for a 21st century career in educational administration. Specific licensure courses and capstone activities during the educational leadership degree program will prepare you to pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators Educational Leadership test that is required for administrative licensure.
Program Benefits
Save time and money. The number of hours required for an online master's in education and licensure has recently decreased, saving you time and money.
- Internship has decreased from six hours to four hours, although it will still be completed over a full academic year.
- Acquiring administrative licensure has decreased from nine to six hours.
Demonstrate your exact competencies: Classes are comprised of one-credit-hour modules grouped together in two- or three-credit-hour courses. These individual modules listed on your transcript allow for easy demonstration of the competencies you’ve acquired.
Flexible scheduling options: All program, capstone and licensure models are offered in a seven-week format, giving you more flexibility.
An updated curriculum: New program modules are aligned to key state and national professional standards such as Educational Leadership Constituent Council standards, Ohio Principal Standards, the Ohio Assessment for Educators Educational Leadership standards and more, preparing you to pass tests required for administrative licensure.
How Do I Know If This Program Is Right for Me?
This program is designed to prepare leaders for both school building and central office responsibilities. This program offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals. You can apply coursework from this program towards licensure issued by the Ohio Department of Education in either Building Principal or Administrative Specialist in Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development. Whether you aspire to lead at the building level or contribute to curriculum development and professional growth, our program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various educational leadership roles.
Curriculum
View the Academic Catalog or M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Checksheet for complete degree requirements.
Some of the courses you'll take include:
- Critical Concepts in Fiscal Resource Management
- Critical Concepts in Human Resource Management
- Theories of Instructional Leadership
- Issues Impacting Student Achievement
- Improving Instruction
- Organizational Behavior in Education
- Organizational Climate & Culture
- Organizational Management for Educational Leaders
- Legal Issues in Educational Leadership
- Ethical, Professional & Legal Dimensions of Educational Leadership
- Essential Concepts in School Safety & Crisis Management
- Professional Development in Education
- Political Dimensions of Educational Leadership
- Administrative Internship, Building Principal Admin. Activities
| Licensure Disclosure: This program is for students who intend to seek employment in Ohio and only prepares students for licensure in the state of Ohio. |
Licensure Tracks
Superintendent Licensure
Our Ohio Superintendent Licensure track offers aspiring educational leaders the opportunity to advance their careers and make a profound impact on the education system. Candidates must hold a teaching license and have at least three years of experience as a school administrator under a principal or administrative specialist license to be eligible for the superintendent’s license. This program provides comprehensive training and practical experience to prepare candidates for the complex challenges and responsibilities of leading school districts effectively in Ohio and beyond.
Building Principal Licensure
Our Building Licensure track is designed to prepare educators for leadership roles at the building level. To qualify for the Building Principal License, applicants must possess a master’s degree, have taught successfully for two years under a provisional or professional teacher license at the appropriate grade levels, and have passed the Ohio Assessment for Educators Educational Leadership Test. This program provides aspiring educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel as principals and lead their schools towards excellence in education.
Curriculum, Instruction, & Professional Development Licensure
Our Curriculum, Instruction, & Professional Development Licensure track is tailored for individuals aspiring to assume district-level leadership roles in curriculum, instruction, and professional development. To qualify for the license, applicants must hold a master’s degree, have completed two years of successful teaching under a provisional or professional teacher license, and have passed the Ohio Assessment for Educators Education Leadership Test. This program equips educators with the expertise and credentials necessary to drive educational innovation, implement effective instructional strategies, and foster professional growth within school districts.
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
Your expertise in educational leadership and administration equips you to lead initiatives for school improvement, develop and implement curriculum standards, mentor and support teachers and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance student outcomes.