Program Description
The Master of Education, Educational Leadership Program is designed for candidates who wish to prepare for school leadership in the areas of School Leader (principal) or Instructional Leader. This degree program emphasizes the multifaceted-roles in the changing paradigms of school leadership. It consists of a core curriculum of 6 hours and 4 emphasis areas providing an additional 30 hours of electives per emphasis.
The Master of Education, Educational Leadership courses are designed to meet the Professional Standards for Education Leaders. The coursework is foundational, theoretical, applicable, and uses a common language for results aligned to a standards-based approach for determining performance levels. The courses are primarily designed for students who are currently working in the field of education and desire advancement in their careers.
This degree program prepares students to take the State of Missouri’s School Leaders Licensure Exam. The program meets the requirements for Missouri Initial School Leader (K-12) Certification. Students who plan to enroll in this degree program are responsible for verifying that the program meets licensure requirements for the State Department of Education for the state in which they reside.
Emphasis areas include: Missouri School Leader (K-12) Certification; Missouri Instructional Leadership; Special Reading (K-12) Certification; Missouri Instructional Leadership - Gifted Education (K-12) Certification; Instructional Leadership - Instructional Coaching (Missouri certification is not available for the coaching emphasis area).
School Leader (K-12) Certification Emphasis
The School Leader (K-12) Certification Emphasis also requires a valid Missouri teaching certificate*, two years of teaching experience, and passing scores on all state of Missouri assessments. It is up to the student to check their state or country for reciprocity.
Instructional Leadership, Special Reading Emphasis
Special Reading certificate also requires a course in Child Psychology and Adolescent Psychology (or a 3-hr combined course in Child and Adolescent Psychology); a 3-hr course in Psychology and/or Education of the Exceptional Child; a course in Counseling Techniques; a valid Missouri teaching certificate*; two years of teaching experience; and passing score on all state assessments.
Instructional Leadership, Gifted Certification Emphasis
Gifted Education certificate also requires a valid Missouri teaching certificate* and two years of teaching experience.
*Note: The School Leader (K-12) Certification program, special reading certificate, and gifted certificate are for Missouri certification only. In order to add on one of these certificates, the student must already hold a Missouri teaching certificate. Out-of-state students who wish to obtain a Missouri teaching certificate based off of their state’s teaching certificate must apply through the Non-Missouri Graduate Application process. (Educator Certification [DESE] will evaluate transcripts based on current Missouri requirements and does not guarantee immediate issuance of a Missouri certificate. DESE’s fee for this application is $100.)
Certification within some M.Ed. emphasis areas are for Missouri certification only. For all states other than Missouri, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership is a program that does meet licensure and/ or certification prerequisites in the state of Missouri.
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership is not currently available in all states. Students who reside outside Missouri, who plan to enroll in the Master of Education in Leadership, should be aware that the program is undetermined to meet licensure or certification prerequisites in other states. This information is listed on the state authorization website, under the licensure and certification prerequisites header.
Students may contact the Columbia College Education Department at EducatorPrep@ccis.edu for help determining program eligibility in their state and whether the Master of Education in Educational Leadership does meet, does not meet, or is undetermined to meet licensure or certification prerequisites in their state.
An undergraduate degree with teacher certification in one or more areas, plus two years of teaching experience, is a prerequisite.