Program Overview
The Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership through the UNM College of Education offers the active, high-achieving educator an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of leadership for learning, community, and personal transformation.
NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Education does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Before applying for admission, contact your state board of education to assure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please contact the College of Education for more details.
Disclosures
The University is required by federal regulation 34 CFR 668.43 to inform students that obtaining this degree may not be sufficient to meet the licensure requirements of your state licensure agency. Since only state agencies have the authority to determine if an individual satisfies the criteria for certification or licensure, UNM cannot assure the attainment of any certificate or license for an individual.
UNM strives to stay informed about the current state requirements for certification or licensure as these are subject to change. Prior to applying for admission, refer to our Professional Licensure Disclosure (PLD) webpage and contact the relevant licensing agency in your state. Also refer directly to the program you are interested in for additional details.
All online and distance education is protected by federal regulations and policies. For details on how, refer to the following resources: State Authorization, Disclosures, Accreditation and Complaint Resolution.
Admissions
The MA in Educational Leadership requires completing 15 credit hours of core coursework as described in the Degree Requirements tab. There will also be an additional 21 credit hours of elective coursework that students will choose with guidance from a faculty advisor.
In addition, students must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA to be awarded the Master’s degree. Additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. Please contact the College of Education for more details.
Program Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work
- Official transcripts from every higher education institution previously attended
- Required documentation, including a letter of intent, professional biographical form, original writing sample, and three letters of recommendation
NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Education does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Before applying for admission, contact your state board of education to ensure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please reach out to the College of Education for more details.
Degree Requirements
Students in the program work with an assigned advisor to design and follow a 36-credit-hour program of studies from existing Educational Leadership courses (15 hours of core courses plus 21 hours of electives.)
Required courses include:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| LEAD 501 | Educational Leadership in a Democratic Society | 3 |
| LEAD 503 | Data Informed Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 509 | Leadership and Organizational Change | 3 |
| LEAD 529 | The Adult Learner | 3 |
| LEAD 530 | Leadership for Conflict Resolution in Schools and Organizations | 3 |
| LEAD 594* | Practicum (If NOT in the Administrative Licensure program) | 3 x 2 |
| LEAD 596* | Administrative Internship (If in the Administrative Licensure program) | 3 x 2 |
*LEAD 594 and 596 are taken for two semesters for a total of 6 credit hours
Elective courses. Students work with faculty to decide on elective courses based on student interest and whether or not the student is working on Administrative Licensure. Prospective students should reach out to the College of Education and Human Science for more information.
Possible elective courses may include the following:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| LEAD 520 | School Principalship | 3 |
| LEAD 521 | School Finance and Resource Allocation | 3 |
| LEAD 560 | Instructional Leadership, Supervision, and Evaluation | 3 |
| LEAD 561 | Legal Issues for School Leaders | 3 |
NOTE: Additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The New Mexico Public Education Department awards this licensure to qualified applicants. Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Education does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department. Please contact the College of Education for more details.
Learning Outcomes
The MA in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare individuals to assume leadership positions in educational organizations. The curriculum relies heavily on concepts drawn from the social sciences for insight into leadership behavior, including:
- Strategic and political leadership
- Organizational leadership
- Leadership for learning and professional development
- Data-informed leadership
- Leadership in a diverse society
