Online Master of Education in Instructional Leadership
Expand Your Expertise and Earning Power as an Education Leader
Online with a Residency
1 Year
30 Credit Hours
$465 per Credit (In-State)
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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Empowering Education Leaders to Thrive for Over 50 Years
Experience goes a long way in instructional leadership. By seeking your Master of Education online at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), you’ll build expertise for education supervision and instructional leadership roles in a long-standing program that we established on campus in 1973.
We designed the MEd in Instructional Leadership degree to meet the needs of aspiring educational leaders. Learn from experienced instructors in a convenient online program that you can complete in one year.
Teacher Certification Options
At Auburn University at Montgomery, you can acquire the credentials needed to advance your education career. Our online Master of Education in Instructional Leadership program enables you to attain Class A certification in Alabama, putting you on track for supervision and instructional leadership positions and a higher salary.
Certification requirements vary by state. Be sure to review the requirements for the location where you plan to teach after completing your program.
Certification DetailsProgram Details
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Named one of the Best Online Master’s in Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report1
- Highly competitive tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
- Ranked a Top 10 School by Military Friendly® for 2023-20242
- No GRE testing requirements
Online Courses That Foster Growth in Instructional Leadership
10 Courses
Class A Preparation
With the MEd in Instructional Leadership program, Auburn University at Montgomery empowers educators to succeed as K-12 administrators. The curriculum focuses on concepts and techniques for managing learning environments, with courses that enable you to enhance instruction, leverage educational technologies, and sustain continuous improvement. You can select three electives to tailor your online master’s degree to your goals and complete a residency to receive mentorship that promotes a successful instructional leadership career.
Course Highlights
- Instructional Planning for Continuous Improvement
- Leadership for Instructional Improvement
- Management of the Learning Organization
- The Role of the Instructional Leader in Technology
How to Start the MEd in Instructional Leadership Program
Application Deadline 01/05/25 Spring 2025 Semester
Start Date 01/13/25 Spring 2025 Semester
Auburn University at Montgomery offers a simple admissions process for the online MEd in Instructional Leadership program, with no GRE testing requirement. We also offer generous transfer credit opportunities, helping eligible students earn their master’s degrees in less time.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a teaching field with at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts of all completed coursework from your previous college experience. |
| Teaching Experience | Three years |
| Additional Requirements |
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| Transfer Credits | Graduate students can transfer up to 12 credit hours to the Master of Education degree program. Request information to learn more. |
AUM offers rolling admissions, so it’s always a great time to apply. If you have questions, request information to connect with our admissions team.
Admissions DetailsSee How AUM’s MEd Program Fits Your Budget
Discover a cost-effective way to earn your master’s degree in instructional leadership at Auburn University at Montgomery. Our online programs offer quality education and affordable tuition, helping us rank on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Value Schools in 2023.3 If you have questions about the tuition costs or financial aid options, request information to talk with our admissions team.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $465 for Alabama residents and $511 for non-residents |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Estimated Cost, Minus Fees | $13,950 – $15,330 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | You may have costs in addition to tuition, such as textbooks, supplies, and fees. Take these items into consideration as you budget for your degree. |
Military Benefits
Auburn University at Montgomery is proud to support the educational goals of military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and their families. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and Military Friendly® ranked us among the Top 10 schools for 2023-2024. Moreover, our Veteran and Military Resource Center offers an array of resources for fostering a smooth admissions process and online student experience.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At AUM, we strive to make your online degree program as affordable as possible, with cost-effective tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA® form to determine your financial aid eligibility — the school code for Auburn University at Montgomery is 008310.
Tuition DetailsCertification Resources for Aspiring Instructional Leaders in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Education sets certification standards to affirm teachers and administrators are qualified for roles in P-12 schools. As a regionally accredited institution, Auburn University at Montgomery helps you rise in the certification ranks to access more job options and a higher salary.
Keep in mind that the education and certification requirements vary by state. Alabama has three unconditional certification classifications — here are examples of the minimum degrees that teachers and instructional leaders need to reach each level:
- Class B certification: Bachelor’s degree in a teaching field
- Class A certification: Master’s degree in instructional leadership
- Class AA certification: Education Specialist degree in instructional leadership
How to Obtain Class A Certification
Earn your MEd in Instructional Leadership degree online at Auburn University at Montgomery to gain qualifications for Class A certification. To attain this certificate, you must apply through our College of Education’s Teacher Certification Office after acquiring your master’s degree. Completing this process requires an application to the Alabama State Department of Education ($30 application fee) with an official transcript from AUM, documenting that you earned a Class A degree.
To attain Class A certification, you must meet these requirements:
- Valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field.
- Official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, documenting you have earned a master’s degree.
- Completion of a survey of special education course. If you completed that course prior to your AUM master’s program, you must take a diversity course focusing on methods of accommodating instruction for students with disabilities in inclusive settings, multicultural education, teaching English language learners, rural education, or urban education.
- Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses used to meet the requirements of the approved program checklist for the Alabama State Board of Education educator preparation program.
- Applicants with an Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) must adhere to the requirements and restrictions provided in the Educator Certification Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code.
- Satisfactory Praxis II score is required for program completion and certification.
Join a Supportive Environment to Advance in Education Administration
While pursuing your Master of Education degree at Auburn University at Montgomery, you’ll prepare for supervision and instructional leadership roles that focus on strengthening the performance of students and other educators. You can access online resources and services through our Career Development Center, receiving guidance that puts you on track for success in a variety of career paths, including instructional coach, principal, and central office administration positions.
Salaries for Education Leadership Positions in Alabama
Education Administrator $87,950 per year4
Instructional Coach $60,005 per year5
Program Outcomes
The College of Education at Auburn University at Montgomery collaborates with local education agencies to develop effective and ethical professionals ready to thrive in education supervision and instructional leadership. After earning your MEd in Instructional Leadership degree, you’ll be prepared to serve as a competent, committed, and reflective educator capable of improving student achievement and instructional processes in schools in Alabama and beyond. Our faculty personalizes the instruction and provides a supportive online community that encourages you to share your voice and realize that greatness is achieved collaboratively.
What You’ll Learn
- Demonstrate deep content and pedagogical knowledge in your field of study
- Demonstrate the ability to use knowledge of students to construct positive learning environments
- Demonstrate the ability to include all students, treat them equitably, and effectively communicate with various stakeholders of diverse backgrounds in a positive manner
- Create an inclusive learning environment to address all students’ needs
- Demonstrate the ability to strategically plan for and implement engaging instruction relevant to the learning environment
- Demonstrate the ability to purposefully plan assessment opportunities to measure learning outcomes with the ability to interpret and use data collected to provide feedback and data-based opportunities for growth
- Incorporate appropriate field-based use of technology to enhance the learning environment
- Demonstrate that “educators are lifelong learners”
- Partner with families and community organizations to create true partnerships for effective learning environments
Meet Our Faculty
At AUM, you’ll feel supported by expert faculty members who bring valuable teaching and professional backgrounds to each online class. Our online instructors have completed extensive training in designing and teaching online courses, further elevating your experience as an online student.
Dr. Jana’ Sparks
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jana’ Sparks, Program Coordinator
Dr. Jana’ Sparks is an assistant professor of Instructional Leadership and a member of the Counselor, Leadership, and Special Education department in the College of Education at Auburn University at Montgomery. Dr. Sparks joined the faculty after 17 years in public school systems. In the public school setting, Dr. Sparks served as a principal, assistant principal, and new teacher mentoring program coordinator, and she has taught a variety of grade levels in K-12.
Dr. Sparks has published and presented research related to new teacher mentoring programs, quality staff development, and innovative leadership practices, which are her key research interests. She teaches a variety of master’s and Educational Specialist courses that provide opportunities for future leaders and instructional leaders to enhance their personal and professional careers.
Dr. Sparks is also an active member of the Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership and participates on many committees. She is currently serving as the Program Coordinator for the Instructional Leadership program. Her commitment to education is noted by the following awards and recognitions: Valdosta State University Alumni, Graduate of the Last Decade award, and Auburn University at Montgomery College of Education Outstanding Service Award.
A Quality Experience for Online Learners
Earn your degree online from Auburn University at Montgomery to experience a quality education with the flexibility to succeed in class and your career. You can complete your coursework using your laptop or mobile device with opportunities to study when and where it’s convenient.
- Academic support: Access online advising and tutoring
- Career services: Prepare to succeed after graduation
- Help desk: Get technical assistance for your program
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- U.S. News & World Report. “Auburn University–Montgomery.” Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/auburn-university-at-montgomery-100830.
- Military Friendly®. “Auburn University at Montgomery.” Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.militaryfriendly.com/auburn-university-at-montgomery-is-military-friendly/.
- U.S. News & World Report. “Auburn University at Montgomery Rankings.” Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/auburn-university-at-montgomery-8310/overall-rankings.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.” Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_al.htm.
- Salary.com. “Instructional Coach Salaries in Alabama.” Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/instructional-coach-salary/al.