To be eligible for the Educational Specialist program, prospective students must have a master's degree (with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for their graduate coursework), a current, Class A certificate in Instructional Leadership, and a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience. Applicants must apply through the Graduate School, submitting an official transcript from all institutions attended after high school, three letters of recommendation, an MAT or GRE score, proof of Class A certification in Instructional Leadership, and the State of Alabama Department of Education supplement EXP Form verifying three years of acceptable teaching experience. Applicants who earned their M.Ed. in educational leadership at a university other than UAB must be interviewed and submit a portfolio. To ensure their applications are complete, prospective students should review our full list of admission requirements by clicking on the link below.Applications are due March 1 for summer term entry, June 1 for fall entry, and October 1 for spring entry.

• Download educational specialist information packet

This degree program extends over four semesters or “blocks” of courses.This program features rolling admissions, so students may apply and enter during any term, spring, summer, or fall.

Tentative Course Sequence for Block I

First Eight Weeks

EDL-718 (3 hrs.)
Essential Skills for Organizational Leadership

EDL-718-L (1 hr.)
Field Experience for Essential Skills for Organizational Leadership

Second Eight Weeks

EDL-731 (3 hrs.)
Law, Ethics, and Policy for Educational Leaders

EDL-731-L (1 hrs.)
Field Experience for Law, Ethics, and Policy for Educational Leaders

Tentative Course Sequence for Block II

First Eight Weeks

EDL-728 (3 hrs.)
Management of the Learning Organization

EDL-728-L (1 hr.)
Field Experience for Management of the Learning Organization

EDL-728-L (1 hr.)
Second Eight Weeks

EDL-727 (3 hrs.)
Leading the Adult Learning Community

EDL-727-L (1 hrs.)
Field Experience for Leading the Adult Learning Community

Tentative Course Sequence for Block III

First Eight Weeks

EDL 717 (3 hrs.)
Leading Change

EDL 717-L (1 hr.)
Field Experience for Leading Change

Second Eight Weeks

EDL 732 (3 hrs.)
Leadership of Special Programs

EDL 732-L (1 hr.)
Field Experience for Leadership of Special Programs

Tentative Course Sequence for Block IV

First Eight Weeks

EDL 719 (3 hrs.)
Mentoring and Coaching Skills for School Leaders

EDL 719-L (1 hr.)
Field Experience for Mentoring and Coaching Skills for School Leaders

Second Eight Weeks

EDF Elective

EDF 702 (3 hrs.)
Critical Social Issues in Education