Educational Leadership - Principalship (MAE/ASC)

The Department of Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education, in conjunction with Continuing and Distance Education, presents the principalship program leading to a Master in Education (MAE) degree or an Advanced Studies Certificate (ASC).* The two-year program is designed for persons seeking endorsement in the state of Iowa as a PK-12 Principal/PK-12 Supervisor of Special Education.

This performance-based program is unique in that it minimizes student class time and maximizes on-site skill development while working with a mentor. Students entering this program are required to devote a considerable amount of time in an internship experience where work products and skills are developed.

New cohort to begin Fall 2013

View/download flyer with program details

Program highlights

  • Program requirements and outcomes based on the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL)
  • Program completion in 2 years — 37 units of graduate credit via 13 courses and extensive internship experiences
  • Courses are designed using the Quality Matters set of professional standards based upon research, best practices and national standards for course design.
  • Program delivered one night per week during the fall and spring semesters via interactive video conferencing. The first summer session includes a short on-campus experience. Coursework and some courses are offered entirely online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser.
  • Cohort delivery model — build a network and study with the same group of adult learners for the duration of the program

Two programs offered each fall to meet your unique leadership needs

Applications for the Fall 2013 cohort due April 15, 2013.

All-Iowa Program: The All-Iowa program focuses on school leadership in Iowa's suburban and rural school districts.

UEN Program: The Urban Education Network (UEN) program, developed with Iowa's eight urban districts, specifically addresses issues facing urban education.

Read detailed program information from the UNI Educational Leadership Department to learn more.

* Students who have already earned a master's degree in education often choose to pursue the Advanced Studies Certificate (ASC) for the principalship program. The ASC leads to certification as a PreK-12 principal in Iowa and includes the same coursework and internship experiences as the MAE, with minor exceptions. Generally, students who have completed a master's in education have the opportunity to complete a student request to apply previously taken graduate-level courses in Educational Research and Foundations of Educational Psychology (though specific course titles vary).

Convenient course delivery

Courses in this program are offered one night per week during the fall and spring semesters via interactive video conferencing. The All-Iowa cohort meets on Wednesday nights and the UEN cohort meets on Monday nights. The first summer session includes a short on-campus experience. Coursework and and some courses are offered entirely online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed. For your convenience, you will have access to the UNI Rod Library.