MA in Education, Leadership and Change

Introduction

The Master of Arts in Education, Leadership and Change program prepares progressive leaders for action at all levels in schools, as well as other nonprofit and for-profit educational organizations and community-based work, to understand and then respond justly to the cultural issues that demand change in our professional and civic lives. Candidates gain authority on systems thinking and analysis, change-based organizing, leadership as mission-relevant advocacy, participatory action research, how to draft fundable grant projects, and the ways in which critical literacy can advance personal success and social sustainability.

This degree is offered by AU Los Angeles.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Education, Leadership and Change is a stand-alone degree. It is designed for individuals who are seeking an advanced degree to support the work in fields related to education. Classes are offered one or two nights per week and occasionally on Saturdays. The program is designed with working adults in mind and is half time in nature, to be completed over 6 quarters of study.

Degree Requirements

• 5 or 6 quarters of half-time study (45 quarter units)
• Two classes per week (generally Wednesday nights from 4pm to10pm)

Requirements

The curriculum consists of six half-time quarters where candidates develop a systems approach to social justice and sustainability-oriented educational leadership perspectives along with a variety of elective courses to best suit their area of interest and Department goals. The degree culminates with candidates sitting an oral Capstone experience that is based on research and learning they will have conducted within the program.

Candidates are assigned to a faculty advisor when they are accepted into the Program and work closely with their advisor to tailor the degree to meet their needs and allow them to pursue their individual interests.

For detailed curriculum and degree requirements, please visit the AULA catalog.

Career Outlook

Earning an MA in Education gives both educators and professionals the skills to take on leadership roles in educational settings, which often require an advanced degree. Our graduates have been accepted to top-tier doctoral programs in education and our master’s degrees provide a strong foundation for future academic study.

Graduates of all of AULA’s Education Department programs have found success providing instruction, leadership, and guidance in positions that include:

•    Child advocates
•    Civic leaders
•    Classroom teachers and aides
•    Community organizers
•    Coordinators in educational nonprofits
•    Curriculum development leaders
•    Educational researchers
•    Faculty members in institutions of higher education
•    Leaders in schools and school districts