Master of Arts in Education (MAED) in Educational Administration & Leadership

Why a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration and Leadership?

Your passion for teaching is what first led you to the classroom. For some educators, however, it is that same commitment to their students and colleagues that calls them beyond the classroom into educational leadership roles. McKendree’s Master of Arts in Education program in Educational Administration and Leadership prepares you for an Illinois Principal license and develops your professional management skills within the education field.

Our experienced faculty and convenient class options enable you to earn your master’s degree in education in a timely manner while giving you the tools to grow and enhance your own educational leadership style. You will gain an in-depth look into social issues affecting students and teachers, as well as the role of professional ethics in education. You’ll also discover ways to improve collaboration with students, parents, colleagues, and the community to ensure the best learning environment for all.

McKendree’s curriculum in educational administration and leadership is designed to give you advanced proficiency in the Illinois School Leader and the Illinois Principal standards.

Curriculum Requirements

This program consists of 29 hours of coursework and seven hours of internship.

EDU 600 - Professional Educator Seminar (0 Credit)

EDU 611 - Curriculum Theory and Design (3 Credits)

EDU 612 - Instructional and Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3 Credits)

EDU 641 - Educational Research & Statistics (3 Credits)

EDU 645 - Action Research Planning (2 Credits)

EDL 600 - Introduction to Principal Preparation (1 Credit)

EDL 601 - Technology Applications for School Administrators (2 Credits)

EDL 610 - Supervision of Instruction (3 Credits)

EDL 620 - School Law (3 Credits)

EDL 625 - Finance and Facilities for Principals (3 Credits)

EDL 630 - Leadership Theory (3 Credits)

EDL 640 - School and Community Relations (3 Credits)

EDL 690 - Internship I - Principal (1 Credit)

EDL 691 - Internship II - Principal (2 Credits)

EDL 692 - Internship III - Principal (4 Credits)

Format

McKendree’s MAED in Educational Administration and Leadership is designed specifically for current teachers juggling the demands of a full-time job, personal responsibilities, and professional development. This program is offered 100% online, through asynchronous and synchronous learning, with the majority of the courses offered in an eight-week format. Some courses are designed in a 16-week format to meet the requirements of the class.

Internship

The principal internships give our students the unique, hands-on opportunity to work alongside a current school administrator while earning course credit toward their degree. Our flexible internship schedule is available over the spring, summer, and fall semesters, allowing you to complete it without interruption to your current teaching position. You will gain practical experience in the field and develop your portfolio of activities that meet licensure and state certification standards.

Interesting Classes

Supervision of Instruction: Supervising certified and non-certified personnel is a key component of a career in Education Administration. This course includes a 12-hour field experience component demonstrating the process of evaluating certified staff in accordance with the Illinois School Code.
School Law: Stay up-to-date on current Illinois State laws and regulations that impact schools in the state. You will gain important insight into statutes and case laws affecting public schools, as well as regulations regarding areas such as gifted, special needs, early childhood, and at-risk learners.

Student Testimonials

“The MAED program has allowed me a chance to further my knowledge in the education world. McKendree University is a close-knit community that has professors that care about your future.”

Timothy Blair ‘20

"McKendree's program provided applicable, real-world experiences, the coursework was reasonable and practical, and every professor had my best interest in mind and ensured I would be successful."

Morgan Holevoet ‘20

"McKendree's MAED program gave me the opportunity to experience the world of education outside of my classroom. Through the coursework and the year-long internship I met current and former administrators, observed other schools/districts, gained educational mentors, and participated in real-life educational administrator responsibilities."

Joshua Strausbaugh ‘20

Admission Requirements

McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following documentation is required for consideration of admission:

1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).

2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.

4. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.

5. A current resume or vita.

6. Three professional references.

7. Essay describing the personal and professional goals that will be met by completion of the degree.

The following Principal Preparation requirements will be verified before license is entitled:

Four years of teaching experience as teacher of record in a certified school (public, private, or parochial) or school support personnel. Experience as an aide, substitute teacher, part-time teacher, etc. is not sufficient.
Test: Principal as an Instructional Leader (195 &196).