Educational Leadership / Instructional Leadership Ed.S.

Candidates must meet full admission to the Instructional Leadership programs listed below before enrolling in any instructional leadership courses in the program.

This program is designed for students who have Class A professional certification in educational administration. Successful completion of the program may qualify the candidate for the Class AA Professional Instructional Support Personnel Certificate. Candidates must meet full admission to the Educational Specialist program before enrolling in any educational leadership courses in the program.

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Course of Study

▼ Admission Requirements

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

*USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form (PDF) found on the University Registrar's Office website.

In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.

A valid ALABAMA Class A Professional Leadership Certification in Instructional Leadership OR in one of the other ALABAMA Class A leadership certificate designation (Instructional Leader, Principal, Superintendent-Principal, Educational Administrator, Supervisor, Administrator of Career and Technical Education) AND at least one of the following:

A valid ALABAMA Class A Professional Educator Certificate in Instructional Leadership.

Current service or experience at the level of PK-12 Assistant Principal or higher is preferred. Applicants must hold active professional positions that allow them to implement small-scale change.

Three years of documented employment in an instructional leadership position for which one of the certificates in Rule 290-3-3-.53.01(2)(b) is proper certification according to the current edition of the Subject and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of Education.

Three letters of recommendation from individual’s familiar with the applicant’s work (to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor attesting to candidate’s leadership and management potential). Recommendations MUST BE COMPLETED ONLY on the Recommendation Form for Graduate Admission to the Educational Leadership Program (PDF)and SUBMITTED by email to: ceps@southalabama.edu.
Submission of official GRE scores. A minimum Analytical Writing score of 3 (out of 6) on the GRE Analytical Writing section is preferred.
A two-page narrative indicating the applicant’s career plan and goals in pursuing the Class AA in P-12 Leadership. Include how the program matches the applicant’s career goals (uploaded in the documents area under Personal Statement within the online application).
Completed copy of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component and evidence of ability to lead student achievement (uploaded within online application).
A resume with reverse chronology of academic and/or professional employment history including dates and locations (uploaded within online application).

To apply - click here to get to the Admissions login page.