Educational Leadership
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson) | Distance Campus Begins Spring 2026
Cohort-based; two program options
Main Campus applications accepted Dec. 1 - June 1 | Distance Campus applications accepted Aug 1 - Oct 30. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. This is a competitive application process and there are a limited number of applicants accepted each year. If interested, please do not delay in applying!
The Master of Educational Leadership (EDL MEd) program is designed for aspiring educational leaders and individuals seeking to advance their leadership expertise. This 36-unit program can be completed within two years and may lead to principal or education supervisor certification in Arizona. The EDL MEd is offered through two programmatic options, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Participants join a supportive cohort, gain hands-on experience in local schools, and develop leadership strategies, research expertise, and political diplomacy skills. The curriculum also serves as a stepping stone for those considering a doctoral degree, with select courses that may be applicable toward advanced studies.
Prepare for leadership roles for tomorrow's educational organizations!
Can be completed in 2 years.
Cohort-based program fosters student relationships.
With an MEd Educational Leadership, you can hold positions as a:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- District Office professional
- Leader at a state or national organization
- EDL 504 – Disciplined Inquiry in Education
- EDL 560 – Trends in Educational Leadership
- EDL 561 – The Principalship
- EDL 562 – Arizona Education Law
- EDL 563 – Supervision of the Instructional Program
- EDL 565 – School Finance
- EDL 567 – School, Family and Community Relationships
- EDL 568 -Curriculum and Data Literacy for Continuous School Improvement
- EDL 593A -Principal Internship or EDL 593C – Leadership Internship
- EDL 598 – Problems in Educational Leadership: Capstone
- EDL 602 – Culturally Responsive Leadership
- EDL 604 – Leadership for Organizational Change
Choosing the Right Option: Main Campus vs. Distance Campus
The Master of Educational Leadership (EDL MEd) programs are designed for working professionals and students who need flexibility in how they learn and want options for how they participate in their graduate education program.
How do these programs compare?
- Same Degree, Same Courses, Same Faculty – Whether you're enrolled as a Main Campus student or Distance Campus student, you'll complete the same coursework, taught by the same expert faculty, and earn the same “University of Arizona” diploma. The number of required credits is the same for both.
- Certification: The EDL MED programs are approved by the State of Arizona’s Department of Education (ADE) as school principal, education supervisor, and superintendent certification preparation programs. Completion of this program can lead to this certification providing the applicant meets the other state requirements for certification. Please contact the program director for specific questions related to certifications.
- Tuition & Fees – Distance Campus students can benefit from a tuition structure that often results in lower overall costs compared to Main Campus tuition and fees.
- Flexible for Professionals – If you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, both programs allow you to complete your degree while still working during the day
- Completion – Both programs take approximately two years to complete. The graduation ceremonies for both programs are held each May.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or 12 completed courses of graduate work from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 200-500 word statement about your long-term professional goals as they relate to the program’s curriculum focus
- Two, completed reference responses from individuals who have direct knowledge of the applicant's academic and/or professional performance and potential for graduate study.
- A resume or curriculum vita that summarizes the applicant's educational and employment history and any relevant professional accomplishments
- TOEFL (Total and TWE) scores - if applicable
- A minimum of two years of successful teaching in a K-12 setting (or related experience if not pursuing principal certification)
- For those seeking certification, you must also submit a copy of your valid Arizona professional certificate (e.g. teacher, counselor, speech, etc.) and a copy of a valid AZ fingerprint clearance card
- For applicants interested in administrative certifications please check the Arizona Department of Education website for additional requirements
- Preferred Admissions Requirements
- Applicants currently working in Pk-12 education organizations
Ready to learn more?
We recommend reading the student handbook for details about our department and program. Details about the new Distance Campus EDL MEd program track coming soon! For more information, contact the Program Director Dr. Meg. Cota.