With school systems becoming more and more complex today, there is an ever-increasing demand for persons who have completed educational leadership degree programs. Careers in educational leadership can involve many different learning environments from pre-K through higher education facilities. Successful leaders in education are able to create and implement effective learning programs to help staff members and students meet their individual goals.
The state of Maine provides top-quality training for persons seeking positions as educational leaders, and three of the best training programs are described below. All of these programs are fully accredited and approved by the State of Maine’s Board of Education. Whether aspiring educational leaders wish to obtain positions as school principals, administrators, or directors, one of these programs can help them reach their occupational goals.
University of Maine
College of Education and Human Development
The University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development dates back to 1906 when it was known as the College of Arts and Sciences. At this time, the college taught courses in such subjects as educational theory, the history of education, and school hygiene. Today, students will find a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the college. Just a small sample of the college’s programs include elementary and secondary education, higher education, educational leadership, human development, instructional technology, and special education.
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Maine has offered a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program since the year 1982. This program consists of 51 credit hours, and students can choose to complete either a six-credit superintendent internship or a curriculum coordinator internship. The program is split into five distinct areas of study: instructional leadership (nine credits), foundations of education (15 credits), research and evaluation (12 credits), and the student’s chosen internship (six credits). Basic entry requirements include a 3.0 to 3.5 GPA, three letters of recommendation, two short essays, official transcripts, and an updated resume detailing occupational and educational experiences.
Accreditations
- The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
contact
5766 Shibles
Orono, ME 04469
(207)581-2441
coehd@maine.edu
The University of Maine at Farmington
Department of Graduate Studies
The University of Maine at Farmington’s Department of Graduate Studies is well known for its excellence in teacher and educational leadership training. The department offers several programs designed for teaching professionals who want to broaden their career opportunities. Currently, the programs offered by the department include a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Education in Instructional Technology, and several certificate programs.
Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
The Master of Science in Education in Education Leadership program offered by the University of Maine at Farmington’s Department of Graduate Studies is what is known as a hybrid program. What this means is that 70 percent of the program is conducted online while 30 percent requires on-campus participation. Students will need to complete 33 credit hours of coursework including 21 credit hours of core curriculum courses. Samples of the courses required for the Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program include Applied Educational Research, Cultivating Ethical Leadership, Research Methods, and Educational Organizations in a Diverse World.
Accreditations
- The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Education Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
186 High St.
Farmington, Maine 04938
(207)778-7502
gradstudies@maine.edu
The University of Southern Maine
Department of Graduate Programs
The University of Southern Maine’s Department of Graduate Programs offers a broad range of certificate and degree programs in such fields as creative arts, public health, business, counseling, education, and educational leadership. To meet the unique needs of working students and students with families, they also provide many programs that are conducted either partially or fully online. Fieldwork, assistantships, and research opportunities help students gain the practical experience they will need after graduation.
Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
The Department of Graduate Programs’ Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program prepares students for such careers as educational superintendents, school principals, special education directors, or curriculum coordinators. This is a 36-credit program that is designed for current educators who would like to transition to leadership or administrator positions. A minimum of two years of teaching experience is required for entrance to this program. Examples of the courses that are required for the program include Curriculum Development, Organizational Behavior, School Law, Research Methods and Techniques, and School Management.
Accreditations
- The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
96 Falmouth Street
Portland, Maine 04103
(207)780-5316
bertalan@maine.edu
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Master’s in Educational Leadership Online
Choosing to complete an educational leadership program is a great decision for current educational professionals who would like to broaden their occupational opportunities. And for persons who would like to attend a university in Maine, they will be happy to learn that the three higher education facilities described above offer some of the best educational leadership degree programs in Maine.