Program Overview

Educational Leadership Program

The Educational Leadership program at the University of Illinois Springfield offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree with a focus on principal endorsement.

Program Type and Department

• The program is offered on campus.
• The department requires a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.00 for full admission.
• Conditional admits may be granted for undergraduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99.

Admission Criteria

• When applying for the MA in Educational Leadership with principal endorsement, the applicant's portfolio must contain:
  • A letter of recommendation from the applicant's employer (school district).
  • A letter of intent from the district that assures the student will receive a placement as an intern in the district and will be permitted to complete his/her internship experiences.
  • Documents illustrating current leadership activities and skills.
  • Illustrations of using data to solve problems.
  • Strategies used to improve student achievement.
  • A current resume.
  • A copy of the applicant's teaching license or the page from the Illinois Educator's Licensing Information System (ELIS) that shows current licensure.
  • The page from ELIS that shows proof of passing the Basic Skills Test (BST) or Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) to be admitted to the Principal Preparation Program.
• The applicant's portfolio must be submitted and approved before the interview phase of the admissions process will be scheduled.

Departmental Review and Conditional Admits

• The Department Chair reviews applications.
• Conditional admits for low undergraduate GPA must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the first 8 credit hours of EDL courses.
• Conditional admission is also considered if applicants have deficiencies in their portfolio and/or their interview.

Appeal Process

• Yes, applicants can appeal to the Dean.