Academic administrators perform a vital job in schools throughout the country, and professional administrators can get started by enrolling in one of the accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan. The benefits of a career in educational leadership include professional autonomy, a great salary and the potential to make a difference in the learning process of students from all walks of life. Choosing the right school to enroll in is an important task for any aspiring professional administrator. The best degree program for an education professional depends on his or her professional and educational background as well as the type of position he or she will be seeking. The colleges and degree programs on this list are some of the best choices available in Michigan. To see more accredited programs in Michigan, visit Educational Leadership Degree Programs in Michigan (N-Z).
Andrews University
School of Education
The School of Education at Andrews University offers several of the top accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan. Students who attend this college have access to the resources, tools and technology needed to study academic education at the university level. Faculty and administration of the School of Education are dedicated to supporting undergraduate and graduate students throughout their course programs. Education majors at Andrews University have the opportunity to learn from some of the foremost professors in the subject of academic education.
MA in Educational Leadership
The MA in Educational Leadership is a prestigious graduate degree that prepares students for careers in school administrations. A master of arts degree in educational leadership focuses on the epistemological theory and qualitative analysis that school administrators need in order to provide optimal leadership. The MA in Educational Leadership requires 36 credit hours of coursework related to education and three to six hours of elective credits. The learning material provides an in-depth analysis of educational leadership over the course of a two-year degree program, so students can gain expertise in academic education while earning a valuable professional degree. With a graduate degree in educational leadership, administrative professionals can take on rewarding positions of responsibility while working toward higher-paid and more demanding positions relatively quickly.
EdS in Educational Leadership
With an education specialist degree, graduates can enter leadership positions in faculties and administrations of K-12 schools across the country. The EdS in Educational Leadership program is designed to prepare students to lead school faculties and administrations as principals and high-level administrators. The course work of the education specialist program builds on the master’s-level material to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of educational leadership. Graduate students in the EdS program are expected to have an advanced understanding of academic education and administrative policy. At Andrews University, students enrolled in educational leadership courses receive instruction and mentoring from some of the top professors in academic education. The EdS program puts an emphasis on analytical theory and policy development, so graduates can confidently lead school administrations.
Doctor of Education (EdD and PhD)
Both the doctor of education and doctor of philosophy degrees prepare students to lead college education departments throughout academia. A doctoral degree is the highest credential attainable by education professionals. The EdD and PhD options enable students to specialize in educational administration and academia, respectively. The EdD program is intended to prepare students for careers in university administrations as deans and administrative heads of departments. The PhD program qualifies graduates to teach academic education at the university level and to conduct policy research in a wide range of institutions. From think tanks to government agencies, the organizations seeking educational leaders with PhD credentials are looking for candidates with academic expertise. The Doctor of Education degree is a top qualification for positions in private and public organizations.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
- Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC)
Contact
School of Education
Bell Hall Room 105
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
(269) 471-3481
sed@andrews.edu
Central Michigan University
College of Education & Human Services
At Central Michigan University, the College of Education and Human Services is dedicated to training students to be professional educators, social workers, case workers and other types of servants of the community. Graduate students of the College of Education and Human Services can choose to specialize in some of the most relevant and up-to-date educational material in the state of Michigan. Undergraduate courses help students prepare for careers in educational administration, civic service and other socially oriented professions. After graduating from the College of Education and Human Services, many students go on to pursue graduate degrees in academic education, social work and related fields.
M.A. in Educational Leadership
The M.A. in Educational Leadership prepares students for leadership roles in the administrations of K-12 schools. It’s one of the top accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan. Graduates of the master’s program can pursue administrative careers in schools throughout the country. The master of arts degree program puts the focus on administrative policy and educational theory. The M.A. in Educational Leadership can be a springboard for a career in school administration or for continued graduate studies. Students are required to complete 36 credit hours of classroom work and present a graduate capstone to their professors. Before enrolling in the master of arts program, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is required. Work experience isn’t necessary prior to enrollment, but experience can help students become oriented in the master’s program more quickly and achieve better results.
Specialist in Education (Ed.S.)
The Specialist in Education degree from Central Michigan University is a high-level degree that qualifies graduates for administrative positions in K-12 schools. With the Ed.S. degree, educational professionals can fill the role of principal or senior administrator while focusing on administrative policy. Like a doctoral degree, the education specialist degree builds on material studied during the master’s program. It offers professional development for school administrators who want to improve their employment prospects and earning potential. Students enrolled in the education specialist program do not need to have professional work experience, but they must have a master’s degree in education. The specialist degree program covers educational theory, history and policy. The social science research of the master’s program provides the foundation for the Specialist in Education degree.
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
The doctor of education degree in educational leadership prepares students for academic and administrative positions in institutions of higher learning. Students pursuing careers in academic administrations should complete the Ed.D. program. With a focus on educational leadership, the program at Central Michigan University offers a well-balanced mix of epistemological, philosophical and scientific insights in the field of academic education. A thorough understanding of educational policy and pedagogical theory prepares administrative professionals for careers in university academic departments. The Ed.D. program is designed to give students wide-ranging expertise in academic administration at the university level. Students who already have a master’s degree when they enroll in the Ed.D. program can complete the program in four to six years. Without a master’s degree, the process can take an additional two years.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University, students can pursue academic careers in educational administration, teaching and policy development. Graduates of the doctoral program will have the expertise to become professors in educational departments of colleges throughout the country. The Ph.D. is a terminal doctoral degree that is the highest credential attainable by academic administrators and professors of education. Central Michigan University is known for providing excellent research opportunities for doctoral students, and the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership is one of the university’s flagship degree programs. Over the course of eight years, Ph.D. students will have many opportunities to demonstrate their readiness for professional life through capstone projects and dissertations. The final capstone will test students’ readiness to enter the academy as educational professors or administrators.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
195 Ojibway Ct
EHS 426
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
(989) 774-3079
ehs@cmich.edu
https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/ehs/Pages/default.aspx
Concordia University
Department of Graduate Education
Concordia University students who are enrolled in the Department of Graduate Education will receive in-depth training in the field of academic education and leadership. Concordia University offers students some of the most prestigious accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan. The Department of Graduate Education is a top destination for education professionals throughout the state of Michigan. It gives students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and expertise at the university level. Graduates of Concordia’s Department of Graduate Education can go on to enter teaching and administrative careers in K-12 schools and universities throughout the country.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership is a graduate degree for professional school administrators seeking leadership positions. With a focus on the social sciences, the master of science degree helps to prepare students for policy-making roles in K-12 schools. The course work associated with the degree takes students through a diverse set of subjects ranging from educational history and theory to applied social science and research. It takes about two years of full-time work to complete, and students can choose from many fascinating elective courses related to educational leadership. A degree capstone at the end of the program tests students’ knowledge of academic education, pedagogy and school administration. After completing this master’s program, graduates will be qualified to perform analytical tasks and critical policy changes for administrations of K-12 schools.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
Concordia University Ann Arbor
4090 Geddes Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 995-7300
admission@cuaa.edu
Eastern Michigan University
College of Education
At the College of Education in Eastern Michigan University, students receive the support and training needed to become leaders and administrators in schools across the country. Eastern Michigan University is known for creating a learning atmosphere with excellent potential for personal and professional development. The College of Education challenges students to exceed their expectations and perform at their highest level throughout the course of their education.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare graduate students for administrative positions in K-12 schools. The curriculum of this program focuses on humanities course work, and it trains students to perform critical analysis with respect to administrative policy. Graduates of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program will be qualified to perform administrative duties and conduct research at the graduate level. Employers value the master of arts degree because it teaches students to think critically while filling a leadership role on a team of administrators. Eastern Michigan University master’s program is one of the top accredited educational leadership programs in Michigan.
Specialist of Arts in Educational Leadership
With a Specialist of Arts in Educational Leadership degree, education professionals will have the necessary skills to become school principals or administrators. The education specialist degree follows the master’s degree and can lead to doctoral research for professional educators and administrators. The Specialist of Arts program focuses on history, epistemology, administrative policy and academic research. It is primarily founded on humanities course work and educational theory. Graduate students should have a strong background in academic education and the liberal arts. A master’s degree in education is required to enroll in the Specialist of Arts program. Administrative work experience can provide additional preparation for the research and capstones of this program.
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership gives students a full range of expertise in academic education. It is the most advanced degree available in the field of educational leadership, and it takes about eight years to complete. Students are not required to have graduate school or work experience prior to enrolling in the PhD program at Eastern Michigan University, but master’s degree holders can advance through the program more quickly than bachelor’s degree holders. The course work is focused on the humanities and social sciences. Students are put through a challenging sequence of leadership courses designed to prepare them for careers in research and educational policy. After completing the capstones of the PhD program, graduates will be qualified to fill leadership roles in university administrations or teach classes in university education departments.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
310 Porter Building
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
(734) 487-1414
emu_coe@emich.edu
Grand Valley State University
College of Education
The Grand Valley State University College of Education is widely recognized as one of the top education departments in the state of Michigan. It offers undergraduate and graduate courses in academic education for students pursuing careers as administrators of K-12 and post-secondary schools. The College of Education is a top destination for education majors and administrative professionals throughout Michigan. Students enrolled in education degree programs can take advantage of the tools and technology available at the College of Education and the libraries on campus.
Educational Leadership, M.Ed.
Students pursuing the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Grand Valley State University receive thorough preparation for administrative roles in K-12 schools. The educational leadership at Grand Valley State University program is one of the top accredited educational leadership programs in Michigan. The M.Ed. is highly prized by school administrators across the country. A focus on educational leadership is a good choice for education professionals who want to increase their career prospects as administrators of K-12 schools. Graduates of the master’s program are qualified to hold positions of responsibility, such as coordinator, dean and vice principal. The master’s degree takes about two years of full-time study to complete. It culminates in a degree capstone that tests students’ knowledge of educational policy, academic theory and administrative organization.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
College of Education
401 W. Fulton St, Building C
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
(616) 331-6650
coeserve@gvsu.edu
Madonna University
College of Education
At Madonna University, students of the College of Education have access to some of the best educational resources in the state of Michigan. Madonna University is known among education professionals as a top facility for training teachers, administrators, professors, principals and other faculty of education. Courses and lectures are designed to be challenging and rewarding for students. At Madonna University, education majors and graduate students receive support and training from some of the top teacher educators in Michigan. A degree from the College of Education enables teachers, educators and administrators to pursue careers in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools throughout the country.
Educational Leadership, MS
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership at Madonna University prepares students to fill leadership roles in administrations of K-12 schools. It is one of the best accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan. School administrations throughout the country recognize it as a valuable professional credential. Students enrolled in the master of science program receive rigorous training in the science of academic pedagogy. The course content of the educational leadership program consists of 36 credit hours of classroom learning as well as two master’s capstones that test the student’s readiness for professional school administration. Master’s students are able to choose two elective courses from a wide selection of options.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Contact
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, Michigan 48150
(734) 432-5697
pdp@madonna.edu
https://www.madonna.edu/academics/programs/educational-leadership-ms/
Related Resource: 15 Cheapest Online Programs in Educational Leadership and Administration
Enrolling in an educational leadership program is an exciting first step in the process of becoming a senior administrator, principal or dean. Studying education policy and theory provides a foundation of knowledge for academic administrators. The programs includes on this list are the top accredited educational leadership degree programs in Michigan, and they are a great place to start for anyone seeking a career in education.
