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College
Degree
M.Ed.
License
Program Type
Graduate
Certificate/Endorsement/License
Have Questions?
Program Overview
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with Administrative Licensure at Ashland University is designed to cultivate transformational school leaders who are prepared for the multifaceted demands of today’s educational environment.
This comprehensive program seamlessly integrates a rigorous graduate curriculum with the requirements for principal, superintendent or curriculum, instruction and professional development (CIPD) licensure in Ohio, ensuring candidates are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge in leadership, curriculum development, school law, operations, staff evaluation and student achievement.
Delivered by experienced faculty and current leaders in the field, the program emphasizes practical application through its culminating capstone internship.
Additional programs include stand-alone Building Principal licensure, Superintendent licensure and Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development licensure.
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Program Highlights
Designed to empower future educational leaders, Ashland University's M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with administrative licensure offers a dynamic blend of rigorous academics and practical experience tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s schools.
- Comprehensive Licensure Pathways: Earn your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership while fulfilling all academic requirements for an Ohio principal, superintendent or CIPD license.
- Leadership-Focused Coursework: Engage in a robust curriculum emphasizing fiscal management, school law, curriculum leadership, employee evaluation, data analysis and student achievement.
- Real-World Capstone Internship: Complete a hands-on internship that bridges theory and practice.
- Experienced Faculty and Practical Instruction: Learn from seasoned educational leaders who bring current, real-world administrative experience to the classroom.
- Transfer-Friendly Policies: Accept up to 12 credit hours of qualified graduate coursework (completed within seven years, grade B or higher), ensuring flexibility for working professionals.
- Preparation for Licensure Examination: Specifically aligned to support your success on the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) exams–covering leadership, organizational management, ethics and instructional improvement.
Program Benefits
- Streamlined 30-Credit-Hour Program: Complete both your master’s degree and principal, superintendent or CIPD licensure requirements efficiently within a 30-credit-hour framework.
- Practical: Yearlong Internship Experience Gain real-world leadership experience through a three-credit-hour capstone internship completed over an academic year, designed to integrate theory and practice.
- Alignment with State and National Standards: The curriculum reflects key professional standards, including the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program standards, Ohio Principal Standards, and Ohio licensure requirements.
- Flexible Graduate School Admission: Admission to the program occurs upon acceptance to Ashland University’s Graduate School, no additional application required for program candidacy.
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How Do I Know If This Program Is Right for Me?
This program is designed to prepare leaders for both school building and central office responsibilities. This program offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career goals. You can apply coursework from this program towards licensure issued by the Ohio Department of Education in either Building Principal or Administrative Specialist in Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development. Whether you aspire to lead at the building level or contribute to curriculum development and professional growth, our program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various educational leadership roles.
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Curriculum
View the Academic Catalog or M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Checksheet for complete degree requirements.
Some of the courses you'll take include:
- Educational Leadership
- Critical Concepts in Fiscal/Human Resource Management
- Law, Ethics and Labor Relations
- Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Leadership
- Issues Impacting Student Achievement & Special Populations
- Research, Statistics and Data in Education
- Employee Leadership & Evaluation
- Change Process & Professional Staff Development
- Operations, School Safety and Mental Health
- Capstone Internship
| Licensure Disclosure: This program is for students who intend to seek employment in Ohio and only prepares students for licensure in the state of Ohio. |
Licensure Tracks
Superintendent Licensure
Our Ohio Superintendent Licensure track offers aspiring educational leaders the opportunity to advance their careers and make a profound impact on the education system. Candidates must hold a teaching license and have at least three years of experience as a school administrator under a principal or administrative specialist license to be eligible for the superintendent’s license. This program provides comprehensive training and practical experience to prepare candidates for the complex challenges and responsibilities of leading school districts effectively in Ohio and beyond.
Building Principal Licensure
Our Building Licensure track is designed to prepare educators for leadership roles at the building level. To qualify for the Building Principal License, applicants must possess a master’s degree, have taught successfully for two years under a provisional or professional teacher license at the appropriate grade levels, and have passed the Ohio Assessment for Educators Educational Leadership Test. This program provides aspiring educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel as principals and lead their schools towards excellence in education.
Curriculum, Instruction, & Professional Development Licensure
Our Curriculum, Instruction, & Professional Development Licensure track is tailored for individuals aspiring to assume district-level leadership roles in curriculum, instruction, and professional development. To qualify for the license, applicants must hold a master’s degree, have completed two years of successful teaching under a provisional or professional teacher license, and have passed the Ohio Assessment for Educators Education Leadership Test. This program equips educators with the expertise and credentials necessary to drive educational innovation, implement effective instructional strategies, and foster professional growth within school districts.