MAEL

Earn a Master of Arts in Education and Become an Administrator or Principal

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program is designed for certified teachers who wish to become administrators or principals while they earn a Master’s Degree in Education.  The program has been crafted to meet new certification standards beyond the Type 75 for principalship in the State of Illinois.

Candidates complete the program and may assume their first administrative position in three years. Evening and summer courses are offered in three locations: Chicago, Crystal Lake and Arlington Heights.  Evening classes generally start around 6:00 pm and meet once a week.  New terms begin each year in the fall.

Learning Through the Cohort Model

MATC candidates have the advantage of working together through a Cohort Model.

Illinois Teacher Requirements

MAEL candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Illinois Board of Education in three areas:

Course Work

The MAEL program consists of 34 semester hours, including eleven core courses and a practicum in educational leadership. All courses must be taken through North Park University.  The MAEL Academic Planning Guide contains details of course work.

Clinical Experiences

MAEL candidates participate in multiple clinical experiences through the course of the program.  In addition, candidates participate in a one-year internship including a four-week, full-time residency (typically two weeks before and two weeks after the school year). An additional minimum of 200 clinical hours throughout the internship is required. Placements will provide the breadth of administrative experiences necessary for the principal in training.

State Testing

MAEL candidates are required to pass Illinois exams for principals and administrators.

International Students

MAEL candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents in order to obtain state certification. However, candidates can still earn the same graduate degree. International students have additional requirements for admission.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are qualified based on their completion of specific admission requirements.

Application Process

The MAEL program is focused on developing the next generation of leaders in education. A career in educational leadership starts with this simple admissions process.