Southern Arkansas University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision prepares educators for building-level leadership positions, including principal and assistant principal roles. The 30-credit-hour online program develops the practical skills, legal knowledge, and organizational strategies needed for effective school leadership and is aligned with Arkansas requirements for Building-Level Administrator licensure. Graduates may also pursue additional coursework and licensure requirements for program administrator or district-level leadership roles.
Program Format & Flexibility
We understand the busy schedules of working educators. Our program is designed for maximum accessibility:
- Online: Complete your coursework online from anywhere while continuing your teaching career.
- Administrative Internship: Complete applied field experiences integrated directly into school settings.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Complete your degree in 1.5 to 2 years depending on your course load.
- Start Dates: Flexible rolling admissions with entry options in Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Why Choose SAU for Educational Leadership?
- Affordability: Competitive graduate tuition designed to make advanced educational leadership preparation accessible to working educators.
- Licensure Alignment: Structured to meet state requirements for building-level administrator licensure in Arkansas.
- Practical Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced administrators and faculty focused on rural and diverse school settings.
Skills You Will Gain
- Instructional Supervision & Evaluation: Develop techniques to mentor educators, evaluate classroom instruction, and foster professional learning communities.
- School Law & Policy: Develop knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks governing public education, student rights, and administrative decision-making.
- Organizational Leadership & Action Research: Utilize data-driven decision-making and action research to solve school-wide administrative challenges.
- School & Community Relations: Build meaningful partnerships with families, stakeholders, and community leaders to enhance student success.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
- Practitioner-Focused Instruction: Learn from seasoned educators and former school administrators who bring field experience directly into coursework.
- Collaborative Online Learning: Engage with fellow educators through meaningful discussions, collaborative activities, and professional networking opportunities.
- Administrative Internship & Portfolio: Complete applied field experiences and prepare and defend a professional administrative portfolio aligned with national and state standards.
Curriculum
Professional Education Courses (9 hours)
EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
EDUC 6403 – School Law
EDUC 6873 – Advanced Program Administrator Leadership
Educational Leadership Courses (21 hours)
EDAS 6013 – School and Community Relations
EDAS 6023 – Supervision of Instruction in Elementary and Secondary Schools
EDAS 6033 – Organizational Development, Evaluation, and Action Research
EDAS 6093 – The Principalship
EDAS 6193 – School Organization and Administration
EDAS 6223 – Administrative Internship and Project
EDAS 6233 – Leadership of Special Programs and Services
Internship & Portfolio Requirements
- Administrative Internship: Candidates complete a supervised administrative internship and applied project in an approved educational setting. All prerequisite coursework and application requirements must be completed before enrollment.
- Comprehensive Portfolio: Candidates prepare and defend a program portfolio based on national and state administrative licensure standards prior to graduation and licensure application.
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your SAU Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all accredited institutions previously attended.
- Teaching License: Candidates must hold a current standard teaching license for admission into the program.
- Teaching Experience: A minimum of one year of documented teaching experience is required for admission. Candidates seeking Arkansas Building-Level Administrator licensure must document at least three years of qualifying licensed experience before completing the licensure process.
- GPA & Credentials: Applicants must meet general SAU Graduate Studies admission standards.
- Program Advisor Conference: Confer with the program advisor prior to admission to review program and licensure requirements.
Career Outcomes
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares educators for building-level administrative and supervisory roles in educational settings. Potential career pathways include:
- Elementary, middle, or high school principal
- Assistant principal
- Building-level instructional leader
- Other school-level administrative or supervisory positions
With additional coursework, licensure, and experience, graduates may also pursue positions such as:
- Curriculum or program administrator
- Special education program administrator
- District-level administrator
What SAU graduates earn
$59,942
Median earnings 1 year after graduation
SAU educational leadership graduates (master's)
- 37% more than the median Arkansas worker ($43,630)
Where this degree leads in Arkansas
| Career | Arkansas pay | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School | $86,330 | +11.8% |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $78,240 | +2.6% |
| Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program | $44,990 | +15.7% |
Earnings: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, median earnings of SAU graduates who received federal student aid and are working, field of study “Educational Administration and Supervision.” Each point on the graph is a different graduating group. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Arkansas, May 2025. Openings and growth: Arkansas long-term occupational projections 2024–2034. Careers matched to this program by the NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk.
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program entirely online?
Does this degree prepare me for building-level administrator licensure in Arkansas?
What if I plan to seek licensure outside of Arkansas?
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Accreditation
SAU’s advanced M.Ed. programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
