Educational Leadership
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- Prepares graduates for careers in education administration
- Extensive hands-on experience
- Award-winning program
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- June 3rd
- Est. Program Length
- 1.5 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $377.80*
- Credit Hours
- 32
- Credits Accepted
- 9
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Request InfoGo higher in your education career
At East Central University Online, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership online degree can help you go from teaching students to being a frontrunner in education. Designed for working teachers who want to enter into higher-level administrative roles, the program emphasizes a combination of leadership theory and hands-on training that prepares you to become an effective decision-maker in education.
Offered fully online, this program is specifically designed for working educators to earn the credential they need without sacrificing work and life commitments. You’ll have the flexibility to attend class when and where it’s right for you.
Topics of Study
The Master of Education in educational leadership online degree successfully trains you with the skills you need to go further in your career as an education professional. Key topics of study include:
- Research techniques
- Curriculum
- Counseling
- Public school administration
- School finance
- Educational technology
- Philosophy of education
- Classroom behavior modification
- Exceptional children
- Middle school management
- Legal aspects of education
- Principalship
This program also offers a 146-hour practicum, giving you the opportunity to gain ample hands-on experience in the field.
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate the following standards set forth by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP):
- Develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of the discipline.
- Use discipline-specific practices to achieve career-readiness.
- Develop the knowledge, skills and professional disposition necessary to demonstrate a positive impact on all P-12 students’ learning and development.
- Teach effectively and be recommended for certification.
Accreditation
ECU’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is accredited by the National Educational Leadership Program Recognition Standards (NELP).
East Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Courses & Requirements
Our master’s degree in educational leadership online program requires a total of 32 credit hours, including 29 credit hours of required core courses and 3 elective credit hours.
- EDUC 5113
- EDUC 5173
- EDUC 5413
- EDUC 5513
- EDUC 5533
- EDUC 5573
- EDUC 5583
- EDUC 5623
- EDUC 5832
- EDUC 5943
Techniques of Research
3 Credits
Introduces students to the theory of educational research by developing competencies in literature review, library research, data analysis, research writing and developing plans for applied or action research. This course will consider the ethics of research with human subjects.
Fundamentals of Curriculum
3 Credits
Curriculum evaluation, development, current issues, and trends related to elementary, middle/junior high and high schools.
Introduction to Counseling
3 Credits
Study of principles, philosophies, and services basic to the organization and administration of guidance programs. Examination and evaluation of methods and devices for obtaining information necessary to guidance services.
Supervision of Instruction
3 Credits
Application of leadership theory to clinical supervision; examination of the administrator’s role as an instructional leader; evaluation of instructional approaches and programs; practices and procedures of clinical supervision.
Fundamentals of Public School Administration
3 Credits
Basic principles and practices in modern school administration.
Public School Finance
3 Credits
Sources of school finance, control of expenditures, general principles of financial administration.
Legal Aspects of Education
3 Credits
Examination of federal and state constitutional provisions, statutes, judicial decisions, and agency regulations which affect education. Special emphasis upon current and emerging issues.
The Principalship
3 Credits
A study of principles of K-12 public school administration with an emphasis on organizational structure and the leadership role of the principal. Approaches to problem-solving are also stressed.
Practicum & Portfolio in Public School Administration
2 Credits
Supervised practical experiences dealing with the administration of public schools. Students will develop and refine competencies in the application of theory to administration practices. A program portfolio will also be submitted and reviewed according to departmental guidelines.
Educational Technology Leadership
3 Credits
This course prepares educational leaders to effectively plan, evaluate, and manage technology initiatives to support teaching, learning and operations in educational settings.
Choose one:
- EDUC 5013
- EDUC 5023
- EDUC 5053
- EDUC 5133
- EDUC 5183
- PSYCH 5313
- PSYCH 5323
Advanced Educational Technology Strategies
3 Credits
This course focuses on knowledge and skills in the selection and integration of current technologies to support teaching and learning. An emphasis is placed on 21st Century education and the development of digital learning environments.
Educational Aspects of the Exceptional Child
3 Credits
An in depth study of children who have educational, intellectual, behavioral or physical characteristics which adversely affect their educational performance. Emphasis will be given to educational methods and legal issues in working with these children.
The Middle School: Philosophy and Organization
3 Credits
A study of middle level philosophical tenets and exemplary components and programs utilized in creating a total learning environment effective for the preadolescent learner (10-14).
Modern Philosophies of Education
3 Credits
Current educational philosophies with special emphasis on those of the United States; provides for understanding of modern education practices.
Contemporary Issues in Education
3 Credits
An investigation of current social, political, economic, and cultural issues related to education; their impact on the school; and their implications for teaching.
Advanced Educational Psychology
3 Credits
Principles of learning, development, and social factors influencing learning motivation and achievement. Theoretical perspectives and research regarding development, social-cognition, learning and motivation are examined as these influence educational decisions and classroom practices.
Classroom Behavior Modification
3 Credits
A comprehensive introduction to applied learning theory in the classroom. Specific emphasis will be placed on the practical application of these principles in the control of appropriate and inappropriate classroom behavior.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into ECU’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have one of the following:
- A standard teaching certificate from any state (student needs to confirm their state will acknowledge an out-of-state degree)
- An Alternative Education acceptance letter (which must be on file)
- You must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade-point average on all undergraduate coursework to date; have a minimum 2.75 GPA for the last 60 credit hours of coursework; or have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for at least 9 credit hours of graduate coursework.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Transcripts of all completed work (baccalaureate and graduate) from an accredited institution)
- Resumé
- Two references
- A personal statement. Explain your career goals, how an ECU degree will help accomplish those goals, your interest in the field and any actions you have taken to pursue this interest. You must also describe any skills, attributes or experiences you possess that would aid in your future profession.
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 32 credit hours | $377.80* | $12,089.60 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 9) | $8,689.40 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $713.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
An online master’s degree in educational leadership can help graduates increase their earning potential and enter into more influential positions within the education sector. A few possibilities include:
School Principal
School principals are responsible for overseeing all administrative aspects of an educational institution. They may be charged with tasks such as hiring and managing teachers and staff, formulating goals for the school, ensuring legal compliance and establishing academic and behavioral standards for all students.
Average annual salary: $90,315
Assistant Principal
Assistant principals are supervisory, management-level leaders within schools. They serve as second-in-command to school principals and are responsible for many of the same tasks, including the establishment of academic and behavioral standards, supervising staff, assisting with administrative issues and other tasks.
Average annual salary: $71,739
Curriculum Director
Curriculum directors help schools and school systems develop their curricula based on educational guidelines. They may be charged with designing and implementing courses of study, hiring and supervising staff, reviewing and strategizing curricula, evaluating curricula efficiency and other related duties.
Average annual salary: $73,098
All information cited from PayScale.
FAQ
An educational leadership degree prepares you as a working educator to take the next step in your career. Our program prepares you for higher-level positions, including principal and curriculum director. It also prepares you for further academic study should you choose.
When you attend ECU Online, you’ll benefit from our experienced instructors, a tradition of teaching excellence and a strong community we build with every student. You will also gain extensive hands-on training and personalized mentorship, giving you the opportunity to truly build mastery and receive support along your entire academic journey.
As a working educator, it can be difficult to find time to get the training you need to professionally advance. An online educational leadership degree allows you to keep your job, attend class on a schedule that works around your needs and immediately apply your new skills to the classroom and beyond. ECU has been training educators since the beginning of our institution, making our online education programs a quality extension of our long, proud history.
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