The department offers the M.Ed in Educational Administration for higher education administrators and the M.Ed in Educational Administration leading to Alabama Class "A" certification in Instructional Leadership. Instructional Leadership courses empower students for advancement in educational service. Leadership programs emphasize growth from the knowledge base through simulations to practical application and career mobility.

Applications for Master's programs in Instructional Leadership are reviewed for admission to the fall, spring and summer semesters. Readmission to some programs in Education (i.e. Educational Administration, Doctoral Program, and some AA/Ed.S. Programs) require review by program faculty. Deadline for receipt of all application materials is November 1, April 1 and July 1.

In addition to the requirements listed in the College section of the bulletin, program specific requirements for admission to Instructional Leadership include:

1. Documents required to submit with the application can be found  at https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/ceps/lte/edlead-med-k12.html.
2. Successful completion of a structured interview with a panel of Educational Leadership professors and a current K-12 practicing administrator.
3. Special admission requirements apply only to the Instructional Leadership certification and not to the Higher Administration Master's degree.

Admission decisions involve evaluation of the applicant's grade-point average, scores on the GRE and MAT (Master's only), all submitted documents, and structured interview. Program enrollment and availability will also be considered. The application, transcripts, test scores, and complete admissions portfolio must be received by the Office of Admissions,2500 Meisler Hall, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688-0002 by November 1, April 1 and July 1.

Program requirements include:

1. Completing a minimum of 30 semester hours as outlined below.
2. Passing a comprehensive examination.
   
   

Course of Study Minimum Graduate Hours Required: 30 Hours				Credit Hours
Supporting Courses in Other Areas				9 hours
EDM 510 Micro-computing Systems			3 hrs
IDE 510 Educational Research and Evaluation			3 hrs
Select one from: EPY 502 Psychological Principles of Learning OR EPY 521 Human Development and Behavior OR EDF 515 Multicultural Education OR 500-599 Advisor Approved Elective			3 hrs
Educational Leadership Courses  (3.0 Minimum GPA)				18 hours
EDL 512 Community Development			3 hrs
EDL 550 Principles of School Leadership			3 hrs
EDL 561 Development of Postsecondary Education			3 hrs
EDL 562 The Student in Higher Education			3 hrs
EDL 575 Organization and Planning of Post Secondary Education			3 hrs
EDL 578 Law and Post Secondary Education			3 hrs
Internship				3 hours
EDL 595 Internship			3 hrs

Students entering this program must have a bachelor's degree and Alabama Class B Certification in a teaching field. Program requirements include:

1. Completing a minimum of 30 semester hours as outlined below with at least a 3.25 grade-point average, including a grade of "B" or above in all courses with EDL prefix,
2. Passing the electronic portfolio assessment, and completing a School-based Residency focused on authentic assessments of performance on state standards.
3. Successful completion of ALSDE approved certification assessment (Praxis 5412 score 146 and above).

The Class A Certificate is valid for 5 years and is renewable.

Class A Certificate In Instructional Leadership And Master Of Education Degree	Credit Hours
I. Instructional Leadership Core	18
EDL 501
EDL 502
EDL 503
EDL 504
EDL 505
EDL 506
II. Residency	6
EDL 598 Residency
Students must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam prior to a recommendation for certification.
III. Diversity/Special Education	Three semester hours minimum
*SPE 500 or EDU 567 or EDF 515
*If a survey course in special education was previously taken at the undergraduate or graduate level, EDU 567 is required in lieu of SPE 500.
Research	Three semester hours minimum
IDE 510
Instructional Leadership Add-on	18
EDL 501
EDL 502
EDL 503
EDL 504
EDL 505
EDL 598 (3 hour)
The option is referred to as the "Reduced Hour Option" and includes completing the 18-hour program and passing the appropriate Praxis Exam.  It is available only for those already holding a master's degree and a valid Alabama "A" Certificate in another area.
A survey of special education course is required if not previously completed. If a survey of special education course was previously completed, then an ALSDE-approved diversity course is required. If an ALSDE-approved diversity course was previously completed to meet requirements for Class A certification, then an additional diversity course is NOT required for an additional Class A certification.  Requirement may be waived if a survey of special education course and an ALSDE-approved diversity course were previously completed. Contact your advisor, the certification officer, or the Office of Student Services to verify eligibility.