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.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $12,042*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
36

Accreditation

Educational Leadership, MA 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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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 $12,816*

*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.

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.

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2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

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.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision

Median Annual Wage $64,400
Wage Range $49,740 – $83,440
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Coordination
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Some college, no degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree

Medical Assistants

Bright Outlook

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding infor

Median Annual Wage $45,690
Wage Range $36,050 – $59,310
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Medical Transcriptionists

Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operat

Median Annual Wage $40,410
Wage Range $28,250 – $55,950
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Phlebotomists

Bright Outlook

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Median Annual Wage $45,230
Wage Range $35,780 – $58,780
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Median Annual Wage $64,330
Wage Range $45,020 – $104,770
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, hea

Median Annual Wage $52,100
Wage Range $34,670 – $98,310
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree
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2026-08-24