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Master of Education - Leadership of PreK-12 Educational Organizations
Online Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
This AIU program is designed to support the advancement of professional educators into school principals and administrative leaders, specifically those interested in obtaining PreK–12 Principal Certification in the State of Arizona. This master’s degree in educational leadership offers qualified candidates the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities through a combination of academic and hands-on practicum experiences in their work environment. The program includes 15 practicum hours per course, totaling 150 practicum hours required for graduation.
The program culminates in a Capstone e-Portfolio that demonstrates quality coaching in the field via carefully selected mentors, experienced faculty engagement, and documentation that chronicles learning gains and thoughtful reflections for future actions. This three-area approach is designed to enhance the candidates’ meaningful experiences supported by the campus mentor, faculty, and district expectations.
Next start date
Program Credits
45
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Classes start on Nov 12, 2025
Online Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership Overview
Study with education leaders in this 10-course master’s degree in educational leadership program that offers candidates a path to Arizona’s PreK–12 Principal Certification. The program can be completed in one year, and as an AZ State Board of Education-approved program, candidates can pursue the certification process after successful completion of the program. Candidates will take all courses online and design their practicum experience through their Arizona school. Candidates will receive hands-on experience with eLearning tools to create an ePortfolio and are required to complete 15 hours of practicum per course.
The Arizona State Board of Education has approved this program as an Educator Preparation Program leading to educator certification. Upon program completion, AIU will submit its Institutional Recommendation to the Board; it is the candidate’s responsibility to complete the certification process with the state.
AIU's Master of Education (M.Ed.) is programmatically accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Admission Requirements
In addition to AIU’s general graduate admissions requirements, prospective candidates must have the following in order to be officially admitted to this program:
- A teaching certificate that is current at the time of enrollment
- At least three years of teaching experience
- Current employment with an Arizona PreK-12 educational institution that has signed (or will agree to sign) a practicum partnership with AIU
- A supervising practitioner identified†
†Supervising practitioner must possess an Arizona Administrative Certification and a current classification of highly effective or effective pursuant to ARS §§ 15-341(A)(41), 15-189.06.
Licensure Disclosure
AIU has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: AZ.
AIU has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Last update 7/1/2024
Online Master's Degree in Education Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
Program Core
|
The Educational Leader
MED570
This course introduces PreK-12 educational leadership concepts and behaviors in alignment with state administrative standards. Focus includes the professional behavior and performance appropriate to education administrator/principals through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
This course introduces PreK-12 educational leadership concepts and behaviors in alignment with state administrative standards. Focus includes the professional behavior and performance appropriate to education administrator/principals through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
|
MED570 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Educational Standards and Ethics
MED571
The course focuses on topics related to the recognition of differences in various events and issues in education that may call for different actions based on the educator's knowledge of ethical, legal, and regulatory standards and guidelines.
The course focuses on topics related to the recognition of differences in various events and issues in education that may call for different actions based on the educator's knowledge of ethical, legal, and regulatory standards and guidelines.
|
MED571 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Leading Educational Organizations
MED572
This course examines contemporary leadership theory and its applications in current education services as well as workplace learning and performance settings. This course is designed to help education administrators/principals prepare for operational and strategic leadership.
This course examines contemporary leadership theory and its applications in current education services as well as workplace learning and performance settings. This course is designed to help education administrators/principals prepare for operational and strategic leadership.
|
MED572 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Researching School Resources
MED573
This course provides an in-depth examination of effective research practices and resource identification and integration to support educational initiatives. Candidates have the opportunity to examine ways and means to augment learning and teaching resources in the classroom through effective use of both monetary and non-monetary resources. The course introduces applied quantitative and qualitative educational research methods in the context of the practitioner's educational environment.
This course provides an in-depth examination of effective research practices and resource identification and integration to support educational initiatives. Candidates have the opportunity to examine ways and means to augment learning and teaching resources in the classroom through effective use of both monetary and non-monetary resources. The course introduces applied quantitative and qualitative educational research methods in the context of the practitioner's educational environment.
|
MED573 | 4.5 | ||||
|
School Finance
MED574
The course examines the financial management of educational organizations. It provides an overview of financial administration including revenues, expenditures, budgeting, fiscal and fiduciary responsibility, and capital assets.
The course examines the financial management of educational organizations. It provides an overview of financial administration including revenues, expenditures, budgeting, fiscal and fiduciary responsibility, and capital assets.
|
MED574 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Dynamic Educational Leadership
MED575
This course focuses on the interaction of complex educational systems and the ways in which leadership is necessary in defining and encouraging learning and productivity within the organization. The course introduces four ''frames'' of organizational structure: the physical structure itself; the human resources; the political realities that affect an organization; and the cultural factors that influence direction and explores decision processes for success of the enterprise.
This course focuses on the interaction of complex educational systems and the ways in which leadership is necessary in defining and encouraging learning and productivity within the organization. The course introduces four ''frames'' of organizational structure: the physical structure itself; the human resources; the political realities that affect an organization; and the cultural factors that influence direction and explores decision processes for success of the enterprise.
|
MED575 | 4.5 | ||||
|
School Law
MED576
The course introduces issues in education that may call for different actions based on national, regional, and state legal and regulatory guidelines. The course focus includes analysis of human resources compliance, evaluation of workforce regulations, and alignment of national and regional educational laws with state legal and regulatory requirements.
The course introduces issues in education that may call for different actions based on national, regional, and state legal and regulatory guidelines. The course focus includes analysis of human resources compliance, evaluation of workforce regulations, and alignment of national and regional educational laws with state legal and regulatory requirements.
|
MED576 | 4.5 | ||||
|
School Literacy, Assessment, and Evaluation
MED577
This course focuses on the six basic components of literacy instruction; phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing within the K-12 classroom. The course explores the current theories on literacy with focus on practical applications for school leaders.
This course focuses on the six basic components of literacy instruction; phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing within the K-12 classroom. The course explores the current theories on literacy with focus on practical applications for school leaders.
|
MED577 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Education Planning and Development
MED578
This course provides various perspectives of leadership responsibilities in planning and developing new educational programs, products, and services. The focus is on the examination of processes and issues related to change management, including changes involving technology. The course offers an opportunity for candidates to consider how educational leaders introduce and implement new educational programs, products, and services in an organization.
This course provides various perspectives of leadership responsibilities in planning and developing new educational programs, products, and services. The focus is on the examination of processes and issues related to change management, including changes involving technology. The course offers an opportunity for candidates to consider how educational leaders introduce and implement new educational programs, products, and services in an organization.
|
MED578 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Educational Leadership Capstone
MED579
This capstone serves as a cumulative demonstration of mastery of professional educator dispositions and educational PreK-12 leadership competencies. The emphasis will be on completion of final Supervising Practitioner evaluations, completion of 150 hours on-site practicum, successful evaluation by certified administrative faculty, and completion of a professional portfolio in which artifacts reflect mastery of professional administrative standards aligned with state regulatory requirements.
This capstone serves as a cumulative demonstration of mastery of professional educator dispositions and educational PreK-12 leadership competencies. The emphasis will be on completion of final Supervising Practitioner evaluations, completion of 150 hours on-site practicum, successful evaluation by certified administrative faculty, and completion of a professional portfolio in which artifacts reflect mastery of professional administrative standards aligned with state regulatory requirements.
|
MED579 | 4.5 | ||||
| 45 Total Credit Hours | 45 Total Credit Hours | |||||
*Candidates that are approved for transfer credit toward any course in this program or who need to complete outstanding practicum hours for this program will be subsequently scheduled for MED 599 to fulfill the practicum hours requirement of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Design educational content and programming that is appropriate to support learning for diverse audiences, contexts, global perspectives, and cultural responsiveness.
- Justify educational decision-making using educational theories, financial management, and scholarly research practices.
- Adapt advanced, discipline-appropriate professional and research communication skills for personal growth and stakeholder engagement.
- Employ professional dispositions appropriate for educational practice and leadership.
- Implement instructional strategies and technologies to support learning (i.e., eLearning, distance learning, online learning, traditional learning, and hybrid learning).
- Analyze the impact of instructional design methodology and learning theories/sciences (social, emotional, and academic) on stakeholders for effectiveness of interventions and/or educational systems.
- Integrate continuous improvement, learner assessment, technology, eLearning, and evaluation plans based on data analysis.
Classes Overview
-
The Education Leader
This course introduces PreK-12 educational leadership concepts and behaviors in alignment with state administrative standards. Focus includes the professional behavior and performance appropriate to education administrators/principals through an in-depth study of contemporary leadership issues and leadership theories.
-
School Law
The course introduces issues in education that may call for different actions based on national, regional, and state legal, and regulatory guidelines. The course focus includes analysis of human resources compliance, evaluation of workforce regulations, and alignment of national and regional educational laws with state legal and regulatory requirements.
-
School Literacy, Assessment, and Evaluation
This course focuses on the six basic components of literacy instruction; phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing within the K-12 classroom. The course explores the current theories on literacy with focus on practical applications for school leaders.
-
Education Planning and Development
This course provides various perspectives of leadership responsibilities in planning and developing new educational programs, products, and services. The focus is on the examination of processes and issues related to change management, including changes involving technology. The course offers an opportunity for candidates to consider how educational leaders introduce and implement new educational programs, products, and services in an organization.
-
Educational Standards and Ethics
The course focuses on topics related to the recognition of differences in various events and issues in education that may call for different actions based on the educator's knowledge of ethical, legal, and regulatory standards and guidelines.
Course content subject to change.
Faculty
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Accreditation
FAQ
An online Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Educational Leadership – PreK–12 is a graduate program designed to help teachers and aspiring administrators prepare to lead schools and district-level initiatives through a fully online format. Coursework integrates theory and practice in areas such as instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, school finance, education law, community relations, and curriculum supervision—all tailored to the unique needs of PreK–12 settings. This program also aligns with administrator licensure standards, providing candidates with the knowledge required for roles such as assistant principal, principal, or district coordinator. Pursuing this degree online allows students to complete leadership practicums, action-research projects, and supervised mentoring while continuing to teach or serve in their current school. AIU’s Master of Education (MEd) Leadership of PreK-12 Educational Organizations is designed to help candidates prepare to pursue an Arizona Principal Certification in PreK-12.
Yes, AIU’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Educational Leadership – PreK–12 coursework is offered online with a practicum component that will be completed at your school district. AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The program’s five-week courses let working educators balance graduate study with classroom or district responsibilities, and multiple start dates each year mean you can begin when it fits your schedule.
To start on your path to pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership at AIU, follow these steps:
- Explore AIU’s accredited program to review core courses in educational standards, ethics, planning and development, assessment, and leadership—and see how each aligns with your educational goals.
- Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent—AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment at AIU. Specific additional steps are required for this program. See the University Catalog for more information.
- Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants*, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible.
- Submit your application before the next term begins once accepted, familiarize yourself with AIU’s online learning platform to prepare for your courses and start working toward your M.Ed. in education with a concentration in educational leadership.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – PreK–12 is structured as a 12-month program when you follow the recommended sequence of five-week courses. Your actual completion time can be shorter or longer, depending on factors such as accepted transfer credits, the number of courses you take each session, and any scheduled breaks.
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Classes start November 12, 2025
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