Educational Leadership Degrees in Alabama

Auburn University

College of Education

Founded in 1856, Auburn University has the distinction of being the South’s first land-grant college. Today, it is one of the region’s largest universities with 13 schools and colleges and nearly 150 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A highly respected school, it has been ranked as one of the 50 best public universities for more than two decades. Most recently, U.S. News and World Report listed Auburn University as 40th among public schools in the 2014 Best College rankings. With some 60 degree options, the university’s College of Education is dedicated to preparing its graduates to offer leadership and opportunity for others in a variety of public and private educational institutions.

Master of Education in Instructional Leadership

Auburn University’s master’s program in instructional leadership is designed to prepare students to be qualified professional educators who can positively impact student success in the institutions they work in. The program uses a combination of embedded fieldwork and graduate-level courses in leadership, technology, instructional planning, organizational management, and the roles of law, ethics and diversity in instructional leadership. In order to receive their Master of Education in Instructional Leadership degrees, students must complete a minimum of 33 credits. This is comprised of 18 credits in instructional support coursework, 12 credits in approved electives, three credits in an internship, and three credits in a survey of special education. A grade point average of at least 3.25 is required for graduation. After earning their master’s degree, students can consider careers as educational coaches, assistant professors, assistant principals, or preschool directors. They may also find intriguing professional opportunities available in the central offices of educational institutions.

Contact
251 South Donahue Drive
Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: 334-844-4000
webmaster@auburn.edu
Website

Jacksonville State University

College of Education and Professional Studies

Located in northeast Alabama in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Jacksonville State University is a public university that works diligently to create a learning-centered atmosphere for its students. Using both traditional and online classes, the university emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, and effective communication skills. The school’s College of Education and Professional Studies offers 19 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and educational specialist levels. Degree programs are available in education, applied technology and engineering, family and consumer sciences, communications, and health, recreation and sports management. Each of these programs provides students with the chance to develop a strong foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen fields.

Master of Science in Education in Instructional Leadership

The teacher preparation programs at Jacksonville State University’s College of Education and Professional Studies are designed to shape students into creative, reflective and effective decision makers who are prepared to lead in the classroom and the community. The college offers three instructional leadership degree programs, which are designed to train professional educators in the theories and practices of educational administration with a special emphasis on instruction and curriculum. To earn their master’s degrees in education in instructional leadership, students must complete a total of at least 36 credits in graduate-level coursework covering educational technology, curriculum development, the management of educational institutions, research, diversity issues, and laws and ethics. An internship and residency must also be successfully completed. In addition, students are required to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25. Graduates who have earned their master’s degrees will be qualified to seek more advanced roles in education, including positions as curriculum specialists or department chairs. A variety of positions in educational administration will also be options.

Contact
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Phone: 256-782-5781
info@jsu.eduSamford University
Website

Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education

Alabama’s highest ranking university, Samford University is ranked third in the South by U.S. News and World Reports’ 2014 listing of the best colleges and universities. Founded in 1841, this private Christian university offers its students a top quality education from its home in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Samford University’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education strives to challenge, develop and guide students academically, spiritually and professionally. Using a combination of high expectations and a faculty devoted to student success, the school molds students into leaders who are prepared to enter the workforce and be a positive influence in society.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Educators interested in the leadership issues educational institutions face will find themselves well suited to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program at Samford University’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education. For increased accessibility, the program is now offered in the traditional classroom format and in an online/blended format that combines face-to-face time in the classroom with online components. To complete their doctorates, students must earn a total of 36 credits. The majority of these credits will be earned in coursework about strategic planning, negotiation and conflict resolution, ethical issues in education, political considerations in education, behavior research, and the foundations of educational and qualitative inquiry. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all doctoral coursework. In addition, they must complete six credits of research study and demonstrate their proficiency by successfully completing a comprehensive exit exam. Graduates earning their doctoral degrees will be prepared to assume advanced positions in academic leadership.

Contact
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Phone: 205-726-2011
kbgilrea@samford.edu
Website

University of West Alabama

Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education

The University of West Alabama, a public university founded in Livingston, Alabama, in 1835, is committed to providing its students with an educational experience that encourages independent thinking, the free exchange of ideas, and respect for different ideas. Emphasizing skills in leadership, critical thinking, communication and technological literacy, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degree programs in education, the sciences, mathematics, technology, nursing, business, and the liberal arts. The university’s Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education is committed to providing a high quality education while also developing independent thinking, mutual respect and personal integrity in its undergraduate and graduate students.

Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership

At the University of West Alabama’s Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education, degree programs in instructional leadership are designed to teach educators to use effective leadership to improve their educational institutions. The core curriculum of the Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership degree program is rooted in practical experiences with a focus on shared leadership. Coursework, fieldwork and mentoring push students to rethink educational settings, planning, scheduling and teaching approaches. The degree program also examines adult learning theory and leading change, including an examination of school culture and common causes of resistance to change. Students earning their education specialist degrees must complete a total of 30 credits. This is comprised of 18 credits in instructional support topics, 12 credits of professional development and three credits regarding school reform models. Graduates receiving their education specialist degrees will be prepared for advanced administrative roles in educational institutions.

Contact
100 U.S. 11
Livingston, AL 35470
Phone: 205-652-3400
dhines@uwa.edu
Website

Troy University

College of Education

Founded in 1887, Troy University is dedicated to making quality education opportunities convenient and affordable. Offering online programs and classes at over 60 locations worldwide, Troy is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success and fostering the passion needed to make a positive impact. The university’s College of Education strives to prepare educators, administrators and counselors to be life-long learners who are innovative, informed and ready to make the right decisions for their students and schools. Its flexible programs are specially designed to fulfill the requirements of the professional, accrediting and regulating agencies, ensuring students are ready to transition smoothly into the professional world upon graduation.

Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership and Administration

Designed to help educational administrators extend their leadership skills beyond the master’s level, the Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership and Administration degree program at Troy University’s College of Education prepares students to express a clear, inspiring educational vision, efficiently manage and influence systems, foster a learning-centered culture, and aid and oversee the processes of teaching and learning. For convenience, courses are offered in traditional classroom format and online. To receive their education specialist degrees, students must complete a total of 30 credits in topics that include mentoring, learning environment creation, adult learning theories, organizational human resources, community stakeholder involvement, instructional leadership trends, and law, ethic and policy development. After completing their educational specialist degrees, graduates will be prepared for a broad range of administrative and advanced educational positions in public and private educational institutions.

Contact
600 University Avenue
Troy, AL 36082
Phone: 334-670-3100
ask@troy.edu
Website

University of Alabama

College of Education

One of the state’s largest and oldest universities, the University of Alabama was founded in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1831. Determined to prepare its students to help advance the social and academic situations of all learners in this increasingly global society, this public research university works to guide students into realizing their full potential, unite with the larger community in collaborations that encourage cultural understanding and social justice, and lead with reflective practices and research-based critical inquires. Education majors comprise roughly ten percent of the university’s student body, making the well-respected College of Education one of the university’s biggest academic institutions.

Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership

The University of Alabama’s College of Education offers a new graduate degree program in teacher leadership that is specifically designed to provide teachers with opportunities for career enhancement by employing a standards-based approach to educate them in the newest instructional strategies and the effective application of those strategies in a diverse learning community. To receive their Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership degree, teachers must earn a total of 30 credits by completing six modules in either blended or online formats. Each of the five credit modules includes a mix of coursework, research and field experience. Topics covered include curriculum design, professional leadership, universal learning design, problem solving through collaboration, data-based decision making, and linguistically and culturally responsive education. Graduates of this degree program will be ready to work as instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, lead teachers, department chairs, program area specialists, and professional development facilitators.

Contact
Box Number 870388
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone: 205-348-6010
usgradapply@aalan.ua.edu
Website

University of Montevallo

College of Education

The only public liberal arts college in Alabama, the University of Montevallo is a member of the esteemed Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Founded in 1896, this four-year university offers over 30 degree programs with nearly 75 majors at its four colleges, including Alabama’s first degree program in teacher leadership. The university’s College of Education offers challenging and engaging degree programs that are models for other colleges. It is home to Alabama’s only teacher certification program for teachers for hearing impaired students. The college also hosts the only chapter of the National Association of Multicultural Education in the state.

Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership

The Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership degree program at the University of Montevallo is designed to allow practicing educational administrators to further sharpen their leadership skills while ensuring they develop a foundational knowledge of all facets of educational administration. Topics discussed involve legal issues, management and staff development, regulations and finances, instructional supervision, and the process of transferring research into practice. To foster a better understanding of alternate viewpoints, the program requires students to share four online classes with teachers who are studying to earn their graduate degrees in teacher leadership. To earn their educational specialist degrees, students must complete a total of 39 credits. This includes 21 credits of instructional support coursework, three credits in research, six credits in a problem analysis project, and nine credits of electives. In addition, students must maintain a 3.35 grade point average, complete a school improvement project for fieldwork, and pass a comprehensive exam. After receiving their educational specialist degrees, students will be prepped for advanced educational administration jobs.

Contact
75 College Drive
Montevallo, AL 25115
Phone: 205-665-6000
ur@montevallo.edu
Website

University of South Alabama

College of Education

From its home on a beautiful, 1200-acre wooded campus in western Mobile, Alabama, the vibrant University of South Alabama provides rigorous academics, innovative research, beneficial service and healthcare. Degrees programs are available from nine schools that cover an array of subjects such as medicine, healthcare, education, engineering, computers, business, and the arts and sciences. One of the university’s largest schools, the College of Education offers an expert faculty, incredible research resources, first-rate technology, top quality clinical placements and international exchange opportunities. The college’s students receive thorough preparation in teaching, developing curricula, leading educational programs, and designing instructional programs for both educational institutions and industry.

Master of Education in Instructional Leadership

The University of South Alabama’s College of Education offers more than ten Master of Education degree programs, including one in instructional leadership. Designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of practicing professionals in the areas of educational leadership and administration, this program incorporates graduate-level coursework with experiential learning opportunities, emphasizing practical application. In order to receive their Master of Education in Instructional Leadership degrees, students must complete a total of at least 30 credits at the graduate level. This is comprised of 18 credits of educational leadership coursework, three credits of supporting courses, three credits in research, and six credits in an internship residency. Upon completion of the degree program, graduates will be qualified for a variety of high-level positions in educational administration in both public and private institutions.

Contact
307 N University Blvd
Mobile, AL 36688
Phone: 251-460-6101
admiss@southalabama.edu
Website

Today’s world needs educated workers who are ready to thrive in an increasingly complex workplace. Teachers and administrators who are capable of training these skilled workers, designing comprehensive and engaging educational programs, and managing the educational institutions that offer these programs are in high demand. If you believe you have what it takes to be a leader in the field of education, consider the possibility of earning an educational leadership degree in Alabama.