Master of Education with Initial Administrator License

Program Details

Total credit hours: 38 semester hours
Program start date: September, January, or June
Program length: Work at your own pace with part-time classes (evening, weekend, and summer classes)
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Faculty coordinator: Mike Howser
Regional programs are also available in Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, South Coast Region

“In my first year as an elementary principal, I have drawn from my experiences in each and every class that was part of the program. The instructors’ personal experiences, the reading and reflection, and the conversations with other educators have been invaluable as I put my beliefs into practice. I love the work I’m doing and couldn’t have been better prepared to do it.” —Sam Breyer, Principal Butler Creek Elementary School

Lewis and Clark’s Master of Education with Initial Administrator License (IAL) Program prepares aspiring educational leaders to have the knowledge, values, skills/tools and courage to improve teaching and learning. The master’s degree is designed for current teachers and/or program leaders who are ready to take a stand for improving learning for all students.

Increasing both adult and student learning lies at the heart of this program. By addressing issues of equity and focusing on best practices for effective leadership, students exit the program ready to:

• take on the challenge of building collaborative learning communities,
• become reflective practitioners,
• think critically and make decisions to positively impact student achievement, and
• use data and research, hold authentic conversations, and take action in their learning communities.

A highlight of the administrator licensing program is the practicum, which gives you in-depth working experiences of leadership. Through the school-site practicum, you develop and practice the knowledge and skills necessary for successful school administration, including both leadership and management responsibilities.

Students in the master’s program can complete 18 out of the 38 required semester hours through participation in the Initial Administrator License cohort programs, which are available in Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and the South Coast Region (Coos Bay). Students will need to attend classes during the summer session on the Lewis & Clark campus to complete the other degree requirements.

What to Expect

What makes the IAL Program through Lewis & Clark unique is our approach to instructional leadership. It’s practical, inquiry-centered and firmly rooted in best practices. In this program, you learn how action leadership supports teachers, students and parents.

Classroom dialogues are rich because students bring with them varied experiences, values, and the philosophies and orientation of their districts. The majority of students work full time as Oregon educators and attend the classes at night during fall and spring semesters or during summer day sessions. The on-campus program draws from all the Portland Metro area and outlying districts. The off-campus programs are even more diverse, with students coming together from eastern, central, and southwestern Oregon counties.

Students may start at the beginning of any semester: fall, spring or summer. Students advance through the program at their own pace—program completion depends on the number of courses taken per semester and the students’ own time line for finishing the requirements. You start when you want and finish when you are done.

Exemplarily practicing administrators serve as adjunct faculty in the program, in addition to full-time faculty. Class sizes run from small seminars up to 20-24 students.

Applying to the Program

The master’s degree in Educational Leadership is designed for educators who currently do not hold a master’s degree, but who are practicing teachers and/or program leaders who are ready to take a stand for improving learning for all students. These are current educators who know they can directly impact more students and their families through working in leadership roles outside the classroom.

We are looking for people who are confident and comfortable in their abilities to work with adults and create change on behalf of student learning. These aspiring leaders are grounded in who they are and what they believe and can face the reality and challenges that come with school and program improvements.

In addition, we are looking for educators who live by integrity and understand the role humility places in the workplace. We want students who embrace challenges, thrive on ambiguity, tackle hard work and know they can make a difference.

Graduate level classes taken at other universities may be transferred into this program if pre-approved by the program coordinator. In addition, students may take up to seven semester hours before being officially admitted.

Apply Now

You can find admissions requirement information and an online application at the Graduate Admissions Office website.

Current Students

Register for classes

Licensing Instructions

MEd Planning Worksheet