Educational Leadership

If you already have an Alabama Class A certificate in a teaching field and want to be a school principal, this graduate certificate is for you. The Instructional Leadership Graduate Certificate (formerly called the Reduced Hour Option) adds to your existing Alabama Class A certificate, allowing you to be an instructional administrator or leaders in a K-12 setting. Using a cohort format co-taught by experienced leaders and university faculty, you will engage in a sequential, developmental, and comprehensive preparation program. We offer regular opportunities to integrate theory and practice. This program typically consists of 18 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 2 semesters. 

Instructional Leadership certificate program admits each semester. For summer admissions, apply by April 1st; for Fall admissions apply by June 1st; for Spring admissions, apply by October 1st. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by these deadlines. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply—but please contact the Program Coordinator for guidance.

Administrative Certification

You need to know:

• Alabama Class A Professional Educator Certificate required for admission.

• The Instructional Leadership certificate leads to Alabama Class A Instructional Leadership Certificate.

• You must earn a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II test.

• Contact the Certification Officer for a teacher education application.

• Must have 3 years of full-time teaching experience or equivalent

• When applying, select “Certificate/ Graduate-Instructional Leadership” in online application

This degree qualifies you for an Alabama Class A professional educator certification in instructional leadership and prepares you to serve as an instructional administrator and leader in a K-12 setting. Our program focuses on collaboration, student learning, and achievement. Using a cohort format co-taught by experienced leaders and university faculty, you will engage in a sequential, developmental, and comprehensive preparation program. We offer regular opportunities to integrate theory and practice. The program typically consists of 30 credit hours of coursework that can be completed in as little as 3 semesters. 

Rolling admissions. Master's student cohorts are admitted annually in the summer semester. For summer admissions, apply by April 1st. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by this deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply—but please contact the Program Coordinator for guidance.

Administrative Certification

You need to know:

• You must earn a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II test.

• You must complete an administrative certification application sent from Professional Education Services.

• Must have 3 years of full-time teaching experience or equivalent

This Educational Specialist degree program is aligned with the requirements for an Alabama Class AA certification in instructional leadership and prepares you to serve as an effective school leader and administrator. This program typically consists of 30 credit hours and is typically completed in 5 semesters

The Ed.S. program begins annually in Spring Semester. For Spring admissions, apply by October 1st. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by this deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply—but please contact the Program Coordinator for guidance.

Administrative Certification

You need to know:

• Alabama Class A Certificate in Instructional Leadership Required

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Educational Leadership or Instructional Leadership required (minimum GPA 3.00)

• Courses used to meet Class A certification requirements may not be used to meet requirements for Class AA certification, transferred coursework not permissible.

Want to be an instructional administrator and leader in K-12 settings? Our program prepares engaged, collaborative, and effective leaders through the integration of theory, reflection, and applied leadership opportunities.  We consider school leadership to be an intellectual, moral, and craft practice. You will develop your leadership capacity through collaboration, shared decision-making processes, and a focus on student learning and achievement. Our graduates go on to many positions, including careers in school leadership, district leadership, superintendency, academic research, and educational policy.

Ph.D. programs are not part of the Auburn University approved Educator Preparation Programs. The state of Alabama does not have certification/license at this level and therefore this degree is not eligible for reciprocity in other states.

Doctoral students are admitted annually in the fall semester. Applicants should submit completed application packets for admission before March 1 for fall admission. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by this deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply—but please contact the Program Coordinator for guidance.

Coursework

The Ph.D. program is flexible. You and your advisor work together to determine the best set of courses for you to take.

Please note: If you have graduated with an Auburn Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education Ed.S. degree, then these credits will count toward this Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education or Administration of Supervision and Curriculum Ph.D. degree.