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Attend a live webinar at 6 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 to learn more about the master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision with principal's license. You will receive an application fee waiver after the event, just for registering.

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Charla Chailland Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision Alumna

Leading PK-12 Schools

Quick Facts

  • Delivery: 100% Online
  • Credits: 36
  • Ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 
  • No GRE required 
  • Next Start Date: January 8, 2024

How do we make quality education the nation’s top priority? There’s no question that educational leadership plays a central role, and there’s no question that Ball State’s history, its alumni network, and its national recognition are ideal for preparing educators like you for the task of school leadership.

Our completely online master of arts in education (MAE) in educational administration and supervision provides you with the preparation to earn a PK-12 building-level administration and supervision license (principal’s license).

The MAE is the largest principal preparation program in Indiana, with an excellent reputation for rigor and relevance. The MAE professors are doctoral-level, experienced PK-12 administrators who are among the top practitioners in the state.

This graduate program is designed to help you succeed in educational leadership roles in both school and community settings. The programs are based on high standards of excellence, innovation, applied research, and service and lay the groundwork for careers as school principals, administrators, and superintendents. 

  • U.S. News & World Report ranks our Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision 12th in its 2023 list of Best Online Master's in Educational Administration Programs.
  • Ball State is consistently highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in best online graduate education programs.
  • U.S. News & World Report ranks our Master’s Degrees in Education Programs in the top 20 for Best online programs for veterans.
  • Our Teachers College ranks in the top 25 in the nation for number of nationally recognized educator preparation programs offered.
  • The MAE in Educational Administration program is nationally recognized by the nation’s leading accrediting organization for principal preparation programs, the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA).
  • Our national presence in the field of education gives Ball State grads an edge when competing for education leadership positions.

For the widest array of PK-12 experiences, your 6-credit Principal Internship is served at an elementary school and a middle school or high school. Your internship can be served at your workplace, as well as a nearby second school location of another level.

The required internship gives you practical experience in applying the Educational Leadership Constituents Council ELCC standards for principals as you work collaboratively with a building level administrator. For two semesters, you will actively participate in the decision-making role of a school administrator. For an “on level” semester, you will serve in your own school or grade level of teaching. You will also pursue an “off-level” semester internship in another building and at other grade levels. Both an elementary and secondary internship experience are required.

Learn More

Federal Academic Alliance

Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.

Courses

This 36-credit program can be completed in as little as 18-20 months. 

For a full list of required courses and their descriptions, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

EDCU 665: Special Topics

A New Integrative STEM Education Course

Check with your advisor, Ted Rankin, before enrolling, to see if this course is right for you and your career goals.

Courses from the Department of Educational Leadership:

  • EDAD 600 Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits)
  • EDAD 630 Human Resource Development (3 credits)
  • EDAD 635 Educational Decision Making (3 credits)
  • EDSU 650 Supervision of Instruction (3 credits)
  • EDAD 684 Educational Finance and Ethics (3 credits)
  • EDAD 686 School Law (3 credits)
  • EDAD 689 The School Principal (3 credits)
  • EDAD 694 Principal Internship (6 credits)

Courses from other departments:

  • EDPS 640 Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research (3 credits)
  • EDCU 601 Principles and Procedures of Curriculum (3 credits)

Select one of the following:

  • EDCU 665 Integrative STEM Education: Principles and Pedagogy (3 credits)
  • EDFO 621 Education and Ethics (3 credits)
  • EDFO 641 History of American Education (3 credits)
  • EDMU 660 Multi-cultural and Multi-ethnic Education in American Schools (3 credits)

Additional Indiana Requirements

In addition to earning a master’s, the state of Indiana mandates that building leaders must have completed a minimum of two years of teaching experience prior to serving as a principal. Also, the state of Indiana—like most states—requires that applicants for a principal’s license pass a leadership assessment administered by the state.

Hear from an Alum
Please note that the MAE in educational leadership and supervision leads to PK-12 principal licensure, but not a licensure for director of exceptional needs

Ready to Apply?

Are you interested in our program? Then it's time to apply!

Apply Now

Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, certain states have regulations regarding licensing programs in nursing and education. Learn more about state authorizations for non-Indiana students.

Want to Learn More?

Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, explore frequently asked questions, or reach out directly to one of our staff.

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