This plan is no longer offered at the Flagstaff Campus. See the Campus Availability tab below for alternate plan campus options.
Through this program, you explore the underpinnings of the K-12 educational system and develop knowledge and leadership skills applicable to the K-12 setting. We designed this program for teachers wishing to take a more active leadership role in their schools.
If you are interested in our online program or a cohort, contact the department to learn more at edl@nau.edu.
If you are a school district interested in starting a cohort in your community, contact us at partnerships@nau.edu.
The School Leadership emphasis is designed to help candidates prepare to serve in leadership positions at the K-12 level which do not require State administrator certification. Examples may include, but are not limited to, teachers serving as a department chair of an academic unit, leading curriculum initiatives, working with school and community programs, etc.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Instructional Leadership Degree is to prepare educators and other school personnel to serve in K-12 educational leadership positions that do not require building or district certification.
Students in this program will develop the ability to apply organizational theory and socio-cultural aspects of education to the support and development of their professional area, improve their ability to supervise instructional development and assessment, hone their skills in school finance and budgeting and work with peers across the field of education as they explore and apply leadership concepts to address common challenges. A set of electives within the program ensure students explore areas of interest tailored to their professional aspirations, and implement their new abilities and skills in an internship program.
Examples of leadership roles which our students are progressing towards include, teachers serving on special assignment as instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, special education leaders or as the department chair of an academic unit, leading curriculum initiatives or working with school and community programs. Whether you want to increase your knowledge of effective management practices in K-12 educational systems, or improve your practice of leadership within your current career, we are here to help you.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
This Master’s degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 30 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.