The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is committed to helping individuals become effective school leaders. The program is designed to “ignite and nurture a spirit of learning for both the educator and student” as reflected in the College of Education’s Conceptual Framework. The vision of the program is to prepare future educational leaders for New Mexico State Licensure as school administrators or leadership positions within higher education or athletics. Educational leaders will gain knowledge, skills, and awareness of self, others, organizations, and society for a variety of leadership roles.

Educational leaders will also acquire skills to work creatively in diverse environments to engage people in accomplishing a shared vision for organizations and institutions. The State of New Mexico Administrator Competencies and the Interstate School of Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards (ISLLCS) will be emphasized to capture the essential aspects of leadership at both the state and national level.

The Educational Leadership (EDL) program is an integral part of the College of Education. Candidates may pursue the following:

• 1st M.A. in EDL or a 2nd M.A. degree in EDL - both of which fulfill the requirement for graduation from WNMU. In order to be licensed you must pass the NMTA Administrator Test #35.
• EDL Graduate Certificate program is for administration students interested in obtaining a NM licensure in school administration but do not want to complete a master’s degree.
• M.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with EDL as a major field - does NOT lead to NM licensure.

NOTE: An applicant for administrative licensure in New Mexico must hold a level II teaching license and must have a minimum of three years teaching experience. In addition, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass the PRAXIS Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision Test to obtain administrative licensure.

In addition to Graduate Division Admission requirements, a graduate candidate must submit the EDL Program Application to the College of Education through TK-20, during their EDUC 529:TK20 Orientation Class and include the following:

1. Application Form
2. Date of Final Acceptance into the Graduate Division stated on the Application Form
3. Three letters of recommendation that address your potential as a future educational leader/administrator with at least one writer’s willingness to mentor you in the required internship. One letter must be from your current, immediate supervisor.
4. Resume
5. Disclosure of Criminal Record
6. A written response describing the students Educational Leadership Philosophy.
7. Professional Behaviors and Dispositions Assessment.
8. Photo Release and Waiver

EDL 581 - Leadership Internship  and EDL 582 - Leadership Residency  are the culminating courses in the program with a minimum of 180 hours of supervised field work under the guidance of a mentor leader. The graduate candidate must have completed at least five courses toward the M.A. Degree in EDL to qualify for the internship. Candidates must complete all coursework and complete a portfolio for EDL 582 - Leadership Residency . In addition, candidates must pass the PRAXIS Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision Test, (5412), or the WNMU Comprehensive Graduate Exam for EDL to achieve the M.A. Degree in EDL.

Transfer credit limit for the Educational Leadership M.A. program is 12 credits which is 1/3/ the total of the 36 credit program.