University of North Alabama

Course of Study

Candidates will benefit from a combination of classroom-based instruction and practical experience.  A total of 33-36 semester hours of classroom instruction and internship will be taught by and in combination with filed-based professionals serving as coaches and mentors.  Course topics will include:

• Principal Leadership
• Development of Human Resources
• Financial and Material Resources
• Planning and Management for School Improvement
• Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Student Learning
• Legal and Ethical Issues

Candidates will derive the remainder of academic credit from school-based days of internship/residency in one of the program's partner school district school settings.  The residency is a minimum of 10 consecutive days.  The internship  will provide field-based experiences that integrate academic knowledge through observing, participating and leading various learning experiences while working side by side with successful school leaders.

Residency is the uninterrupted service at an active school, with students present, for no less than ten (10) consecutive full days.   

Candidates with a Class A professional Educator Certificate will have a transcript review to determine the course of study for certification only.Those applicants who already have a previously earned Master's Degree from a regionally accredited institution (other than the University of North Alabama) must have catalog course descriptions sent to the program coordinator of courses that may apply to the core area of the UNA Master's Program.

Instructional Leadership Program of Study Checksheet

Transfer Credit

A student may transfer up to six semester hours of  "B" grade or higher credit from other regionally accredited institutions if the courses are approved by the  Dean of Education. 
Correspondence courses are not accepted for graduate credit.  

Admission to Graduate Study

*Students must complete the following prior to unconditional admission to graduate study:

1 . Possess a bachelor's or higher degree in an appropriate field of study from an institution regarded as standard by this University and by a recognized regional accrediting agency.

2.  Submit a graduate application form and application fee to the Admissions Office.

3.  Submit official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate credit from each institution previously attended.

4.  Submit satisfactory test scores.

Applicants will submit scores on either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test. The minimum scores for admission are 800 on the combined Verbal (minimum 400) and Quantitative portion of the Graduate Record Examination and 388 on the Miller Analogies Test.

5.  Achieved a minimum overall scholastic average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work.

6.  Students applying for the M.A. in Education program must have satisfied requirements for the Alabama Class B Professional Certificate or equivalent in any field and three years of educational experience of classroom teaching.  

*Students whose credits have been earned entirely at the University of North Alabama need not submit transcripts.  

Degree Requirements

1. Submit a Proposed Program of Study for approval during the first semester of
    attendance.
2. Submit an application for Admission to Candidacy after earning 12 hours of
    graduate credit.
3. Maintain a grade average of 3.25 or higher on all work attempted, with not more
    than six semester hours of "C" or lower.
4. Complete a comprehensive portfolio.
5. Apply for graduation two semesters prior to graduation.
6. Complete all courses within an eight-year period.

Application for Admission to Candidacy form