The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree addresses the need for teacher leaders, administrators, and principals in public, charter, online, and private schools to possess conceptual and procedural knowledge that is critical for leading today’s schools. This graduate degree is designed to provide professional development for current and aspiring educators and school professionals who already have an established teaching role and are seeking additional leadership skills. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree uses the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards and the Colorado Principal Quality Standards throughout the curriculum to address the six core standards and dispositions necessary to promote best practices in the field. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership has the option of either a licensure or non-licensure track. The licensure track ends with a 300-hour leadership internship course, and the non-licensure track ends with a capstone research project course. While all courses in both tracks are offered online, the leadership internship requires a site-based field experience.

Graduates who satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Licensure degree program may apply to the Colorado Department of Education for an Initial Principal License. Graduates also meet the requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). CCU also offers a 27-credit-hour Principal Licensure (Standalone) track that is designed for experienced teachers who are seeking a path to become a licensed school principal without completing a graduate degree. Candidates who are located out-of-state are encouraged to research their home state’s principal license reciprocity policies.