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Home > Academics > Academic Programs > Educational Leadership (MAEL)

Educational Leadership (MAEL) Program Overview

Includes licensure in Administration & Supervision PreK-12

Are you ready to become a leader in the field of education? The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) will help you prepare for a school-based or district-level leadership role. The MAEL program includes licensure in Administration and Supervision PreK-12 and incorporates the Professional Standards for Educational Leadership while preparing you to take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA).

An Online Educational Leadership Degree

Your program begins with an introduction to school administration, followed by courses in school law, assessment and evaluation, and trauma-informed leadership. You will learn innovative practices from course topics like social-emotional learning and inclusion, equity, and engagement in the school and community. The program provides many opportunities to practice leadership through 120 hours of field-based activities and 200 hours of structured internships.

With your MAEL degree, you will have the skills to provide educational leadership, whether in rural or urban communities or public, private, or virtual schools. Perhaps, your dream is curriculum development, consulting, or working in the areas of non-profit leadership and advocacy. Earning the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Bluefield University allows you to chart your path to a career in educational leadership.

The Graduate Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: $475 Per Credit Hour
Next Start: June 28, 2023 (Online)
Time to Complete: 18 months

Courses & Requirements

Master's Degree (MAEL)
Core Requirements (36 Credits)
  • Introduction to the Principalship and Fiscal Leadership
  • Social-Emotional Learning in the Restorative Classroom
  • School Law & Ethical Practices
  • Equity, Leadership, & Engagement in the School & Community 
  • Assessment & Evaluation for Student Growth
  • Theories of Educational Leadership
  • Leading Trauma-Sensitive Schools  
  • Foundations of Special Education 
  • Education & Society
  • Understanding the Implementation of Curriculum
  • Internship & Action Research for Leadership I
  • Internship & Action Research for Leadership II

License assessments required by the Commonwealth of Virginia must be passed prior to applying for Virginia licensure.

Total Credits: 36

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Principal
District Administrator
Educational Consultant
Nonprofit Program Director
Curriculum Director

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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