The Educational Leadership Program prepares students to become collaborative, proactive educational leaders committed to improving the quality of leadership in a variety of organizational contexts.
This is achieved by assuming leadership positions or roles within educational organizations and classrooms, engaging in scholarly inquiry about school and classroom leadership, meeting state and national standards and school reform initiatives, as well as improving practices within educational arenas.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MA-EDL) is designed to equip educators with the skills for positions of administration in K-12 schools, higher education and educational organizations. The Principal Administrative Endorsement is an option that many students choose to complete within the required coursework for their MA-EDL. The Principal endorsement program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The Educational Leadership Program integrates of a wide variety of scholarly and clinical activities oriented toward practical application of intellectual, democratic and ethical aspects of school and classroom leadership. Students will participate in formal courses, clinical experiences, research and the master’s closure activities.
The Educational Leadership, M.A. is designed to meet the professional growth and in-service needs of Illinois educators. It is recongnized as a top regional program for aspiring school administrators.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop leadership skills for educational settings.
- Understand legal and ethical issues in education.
- Master strategies for school improvement and community engagement.
Accreditation
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$6,408/yr*
Based on 36 credit hours over 2 years.
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Median Annual Wage
$59,300
Wage Range
$38,580 – $98,240
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Median Annual Wage
$105,870
Wage Range
$76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, an
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Median Annual Wage
$104,590
Wage Range
$64,560 – $215,620
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree
Education Administrators, All Other
All education administrators not listed separately.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Median Annual Wage
$62,890
Wage Range
$44,740 – $101,500
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Fundraisers
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Median Annual Wage
$72,550
Wage Range
$46,630 – $115,820
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
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