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Quick Facts

  • Modality: Online 
  • Degree Offered: Master of Education, M.Ed. 
  • Credits: 30 
  • Length of Program: Two Years 
  • Application Deadline: Priority- April 15, Final – May 15
    • For entry following Fall

Program Overview

The Educational Administration M.Ed. is a five-semester, 30-credit, cohort-based master’s program, designed for working educators that leads to recommendation for principal licensure in the state of Iowa. Our ISU program develops educational leaders who are able to transform PK-12 organizations into equitable and collaborative learning communities. The program is a renewal of ISUs school-level leadership preparation program that was known a PreLEAD. 

We prepare leaders who adopt a social justice-stance, recognize the relevance of context in learning, and understand that theory and practice must always be tightly coupled. Students in our program will engage in authentic field experiences and progressively aligned program curricula to prepare them for being a school leader, such as in the role of building principal or teacher leader. The program culminates in a student-designed and executed School Improvement Project that will demonstrate mastery of state and national standards for professional excellence. 

Admission to the program requires applicants to hold a valid teaching license (IA or other State). 

Is this for you?

The Educational Administration M.Ed. is designed for current classroom teachers who want to gain their Iowa Principal Licensure. Our program is committed to and designed for working professionals by: 

  • Maintaining a focus on equitable and socially just leadership development 
  • Offering flexible learning experiences with synchronous and asynchronous online classes 
  • Regularly connecting remotely with students and their mentors 

Curriculum

The Educational Administration M.Ed. program meets the requirements for the Iowa Administrative Code that future leaders complete 400 hours of field experiences in order to earn administrative licensure. You will complete these hours via your SIP, in coursework, and in working with your mentors. All courses are three credits and two courses will be taken every semester. 

Semester 1 – Fall I 

  • EDADM 5410: Principles of Inclusive Educational Leadership 
  • EDADM 5540: Leading School Reform 

Semester 2 – Spring I 

  • EDADM 5560: Leading for Equitable Learning in School Systems 
  • EDADM 5580: Diverse Learning Needs 

Semester 3 – Summer I 

  • EDADM 5430: Leadership and Evaluation for Equitable Outcomes 
  • EDADM 5520: Contemporary Issues in Principal Leadership 

Semester 4 – Fall II 

  • EDADM 5590: Curriculum Leadership 
  • EDADM 5510: Supervision for  Learning Environments 

Semester 5 – Spring II 

  • EDADM 5750: Human Resource Development for Learning 
  • EDADM 5570: Education Law and Ethics 

To read the full course descriptions, visit the Iowa State University course catalog.

Affiliated Faculty

Anita Micich

Associate Professor of Practice

Department: School of Education

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Douglas Wieczorek

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Joanne Marshall

Professor

Department: School of Education

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Application Information

This program has the following application deadlines:   

  • Priority consideration deadline: April 15th 
  • Final deadline: May 15th  

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:    

  • Statement of Purpose   
  • Resume/CV   
  • Three reference who will provide letters of support   
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended  

For more information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.