Jun 11, 2026  
2026-2027 University Bulletin Working Copy 
    
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2026-2027 University Bulletin Working Copy

Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership - MAEd

Location(s): River Forest Campus

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Educational Leadership prepares educators and professionals to lead schools and educational organizations in diverse and complex educational environments. The program develops ethical, equity-centered leaders who apply research, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative leadership practices to improve learning environments and advance student success.

The 33-credit hybrid cohort program emphasizes scholar-practitioner leadership and organizational improvement. It offers two tracks: a School, Community, and Higher Education Leadership Track (non-licensure) and an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Principal Endorsement (PK-22) Licensure Track for candidates seeking principal preparation.

Through coursework grounded in leadership theory, policy, and research, students examine how systemic inequities influence educational access, student achievement, and opportunity.

Students analyze challenges in curriculum, instruction, and assessment while developing strategies to support the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of learners.

The program emphasizes data-informed decision-making, organizational leadership, and collaborative school improvement practices that promote inclusive learning environments.

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in schools, community organizations, and higher education, including assistant principals, instructional leaders, program directors, curriculum specialists, and leaders in assessment, equity, and data use.

The program is offered in a hybrid cohort model that combines online coursework with periodic in-person learning experiences designed for working professionals.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the MAEd in Educational Leadership program, candidates must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Have at least two years of full-time teaching or school/community leadership experience, or four years of relevant part-time experience

Degree Requirements

The MAEd in Educational Leadership requires 33 credit hours and offers two program pathways: a School, Community, and Higher Education Leadership Track Non-Licensure Track and a Principal Endorsement (PK-22) Licensure Track.

Program Tracks

The MAEd in Educational Leadership offers two program tracks aligned with candidates’ professional goals.

School, Community, and Higher Education Leadership Track Non-Licensure Track

This track prepares professionals for leadership roles in schools, community organizations, and higher education settings. The program focuses on leadership development, organizational change and improvement, and equity-centered practice. This track does not lead to principal licensure. Students complete the core leadership curriculum, two graduate electives, and a capstone action research project focused on a problem of practice in their professional context.

Students complete:

  • Eight core courses (24 credits)
  • Two electives in a targeted area of leadership study (6 credits)
  • Capstone Action Research Course (3 credits)

Core Courses

Complete 8 core courses (24 credits)

Elective Courses

  •  Choose two (2) electives in a targeted area of leadership study (6 credits)

Capstone Action Research

The Capstone Action Research Course is an inquiry-based project focused on a real-world problem of practice within a school, community organization, or educational setting. Students apply leadership theory and research to analyze and address challenges in their professional context.(3 credits)

[insert course when created EDU 799

ISBE Principal Endorsement (PK-22) Licensure Track

This track prepares candidates to earn the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Principal Endorsement (PK-22) and pursue leadership roles such as principal or other school administrative positions. The program aligns with Illinois Administrative Code (23 ILL. ADMIN. CODE §30) and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards: Building Level (2018). Candidates complete the core leadership curriculum, an additional course in school systems management, and a two-semester administrative internship and seminar sequence conducted in partnership with local school districts. The internship provides sustained, supervised leadership experiences in diverse school settings and requires completion of a leadership portfolio demonstrating mastery of state standards.

Note: The Principal Endorsement is available only to candidates who hold an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) and meet all Illinois State Board of Education requirements.

Students pursuing the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) General Administrator (K-12) Principal Endorsement complete:

  • Nine core courses (27 credits)
  • Two semesters of Internship Seminar (6 credits)

Core Courses

Complete nine (9) core courses (27 credits):

Administrative Internship (Licensure Track)

Candidates pursuing the Principal Endorsement must complete a two-semester administrative internship in a PK-12 school under the supervision of a mentor principal and a university faculty supervisor. The internship provides sustained leadership experiences aligned with state leadership standards.

The seminar sequence supports completion of a two-semester Administrative Internship conducted within a PK-12 school setting. Candidates develop and submit required ISBE artifacts and complete a School Leadership Portfolio demonstrating leadership competencies required for licensure. Candidates must also pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Principal examination.

Additional Requirements for the Principal Endorsement (PK-22) Licensure Track

Candidates pursuing the licensure track must also:

  • Hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
  • Be currently employed in a PK-12 educational setting
  • Meet all Illinois State Board of Education requirements, including four years of teaching or school support personnel experience

The Principal Endorsement is not available to out-of-state or international candidates who do not hold an Illinois Professional Educator License and meet all ISBE requirements.