The MAEd Leadership in Education Administration enables students to pursue a degree in the growing field of school leadership and gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as a school principal, supervisor of general instruction, or superintendent. Courses include strategic planning, change, collaboration, cultures of innovation, and community and civic engagement. Future school leaders will engage in evidence-based practice, research, problem-based learning with field experience embedded in all course work. Courses can be completed 100% online. All students are required to take a zero-credit course Orientation for Online Learners in their first semester. This course is designed to familiarize students with online learning, program structure, course expectations, research, APA formatting, and University policies and procedures.
The West Liberty University M.A.Ed. Leadership in Educational Administration program will ensure the internship/clinical field experience provides a range of diverse opportunities for candidates to engage in the authentic district and school-based leadership work that requires them to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills gained through the program. The internship/clinical field experience will provide various opportunities to initiate and lead interactions with district and school-level administrators to engage staff, students, families, and community members.
Required courses in Education Common Core (12 hours):
EDUC 502 Professional Writing (online every semester)
EDUC 507 Research Methods (online every semester)
EDUC 512 Assessment and Data Literacy (online every semester)
EDUC 581 Capstone (16-week course during Fall or Spring only, online)
Areas of Emphasis Principal, Supervisor General Instruction, Superintendent: Required 21 credit hours:
EDL 521 Strategic Educational Planning and Change
EDL 533 Education Law and Ethics
EDL 543 Creating a Culture of Innovation
EDL 588 Research Evaluation Assessment
EDL 589 Community Collaboration
EDL 565 Educational Leadership Instructional Supervisor Practicum
EDL 566 Educational Leadership Superintendent Practicum
Total academic hours required for degree: 33
Post-Master’s Certification Principal, Supervisor General Instruction, and Superintendent
This track is designed for individuals who have previously earned a masters degree and want to pursue the Principalship. The curriculum consists of 21 credit hours and is designed for completion within three semesters. Candidates in this track are eligible for West Virginia administrative certification for Principal PK-Adult. This coursework requires extensive field hours with a practicing school administrator.
Post-Master’s Certification
Post-Master’s Certification Principal, Supervisor General Instruction, and Superintendent (Required 21 credit hours):
EDL 521 Strategic Educational Planning and Change
EDL 533 Education Law and Ethics
EDL 543 Creating a Culture of Innovation
EDL 588 Research Evaluation Assessment
EDL 589 Community Collaboration
EDL 565 Educational Leadership Instructional Supervisor Practicum
EDL 566 Educational Leadership Superintendent Practicum
Total academic hours required for degree: 21
Ohio Administrative Certification Structure
- Ohio divides administrative licensure into three categories: Principal, Superintendent, and Administrative Specialist.
- WLU’s program Supervisor for General Instructionfocus aligns with Administrative Specialist in Ohio.
- All three areas follow the same application process; the difference lies in required work experience.
Experience Requirements
- Principal: Master’s degree, approved preparation program, plus 2 years successful teachingin the license grade range (PK–6, 4–9, or 5–12).
- Superintendent: Must already hold a principal or administrative specialist license, plus 3 years successful experienceas principal or admin specialist.
- Administrative Specialist: Master’s degree, approved program, plus 2 years successful teaching experienceunder a professional license.
Required Documentation
- Out-of-State License(years must match submitted experience)
- OR Letter of Eligibility(from university if no state license held).
- Official Score Reports(for licensure exams)
- If unavailable, submit official letter from certifying state or university.
- Work Experience Verification(completed by HR Director or superintendent).
- Official Transcripts(follow submission instructions).
- Background Checks(BCI & FBI; if outside Ohio, request fingerprint cards).
Advisor:
The West Virginia Department of Education offers an Autism Endorsement to applicants holding a Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed in Emotional/Behavior Disorders; Multi Categorical Special Education; Mental Impairments (Mild/Moderate); Severe Disabilities; or Pre-School Special Needs. The Autism Endorsement requires six credit-hours in Autism courses, which is 100% online, and field experience in an approved setting with individuals diagnosed with autism.
To apply for Autism Endorsement is Click Here.
Advisor: Dr. Richard Whitehead richard.whitehead@westliberty.edu
Required Courses:
SPED 501 Autism I: Characteristics of Autism (Summer ; Fall: Spring )
SPED 502 Autism II: Autism Assessment and Interventions (Summer ; Fall; Spring )
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA.
- (Post-Master’s Only) Official transcripts of master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA.
- Teaching Certificate
- Resume indicating applicants must have at least 3 years work experience in teaching or leadership
- Start the Program in January, March, May, June, August, or October
Cost and Financial Aid
The M.A.Ed. program at WLU offers one rate for our in-state and out-of-state students of $460 per credit hour with no hidden fees. Financial Aid may be available for degree-seeking students.