Graduate Studies

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) (Specialization in Educational Leadership)


Introduction

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) (Specialization in Educational Leadership) program offered in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington is designed to meet the needs and interests of educational leaders and those aspiring to be leaders in the many dynamic fields associated with education. Designed on a learning-outcomes-based model, the program ensures that students graduate with the ability to apply best practice in educational leadership to meet the changing needs of students in the twenty-first century.

Leaders' work in education involves engagement in a rapidly changing world. Central to the vision of Zayed University's College of Education is the belief that faculty and students should assert moral, ethical, and professional leadership that contributes to the transformation of education to meet the needs of the United Arab Emirates. This vision aligns well with the goal of the United Arab Emirates to ensure quality education for all U.A.E. nationals.

The College of Education expects all graduate students to be passionate and caring abouth their work and to demonstrate professionalism, to understand and use the professional knowledge base appropriately; to develop cultural responsiveness; and to demonstrate global awareness.

Through a commitment to academic excellence, the Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) program seeks to develop highly competent, confident, and professional leaders in education who are prepared to assume positions of responsibility, contribute to an improved future for all students, and strengthen the modern educational system of the United Arab Emirates.

The program prepares leaders who understand:

  • The role of leadership in developing effective educational environments;

  • The influence of policy on education and leadership;

  • The application of current, credible learning theory and approaches to assessment;

  • Planning and change theory and implementation;

  • The impact and strategic use of resource allocation and human resources;

  • Principles and practices of community leadership, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, and public relations; and

  • Design of inquiry and the use of information management.

In addition, education leaders are expected to have the skills to:

  • Work collaboratively;

  • Apply and assess current technologies for educational improvement;

  • Examine current research and development in a range of settings, including the U.A.E., that inform best practice in educational leadership;

  • Manage ongoing change and foster collaboration in the educational community;

  • Manifest a professional code of ethics and values;

  • Assume stewardship of the vision of the educational organization; and

  • Accept responsibility for the improvement of the educational setting for all learners.

Recognition

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) (Specialization in Educational Leadership) program is approved by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. As Zayed University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the program is internationally recognized for further education and employment in private and public sector organizations.

Furthermore, the College of Education is a candidate for:

  • NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education), based in the U.S.A.

Partner University

University of Washington in Seattle, Washington

The participation of the partner university allows the Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) program to select experts in their respective fields of study who bring a depth of knowledge and an emphasis on practical application, both of which are essential to creating a relevant masters program.

The University of Washington's College of Education is ranked 7th in the nation among all Colleges of Education in the U.S. News and World Report 2008. The College offers outstanding programs in educational leadership, special education, principal education, and English as a Second Language. In addition, the University of Washington's College of Education faculty are renowned for their research, and the College is one of 10 selected by the Carnegie Cooperation to participate in renewal of teacher education. The College is also the lead research institution on learning as a science.

The University of Washington is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Within the College of Education, a number of degree programs have formal accreditation.

Curriculum

Prior to formal coursework, students participate in an orientation program where they are introduced to the nature and requirements of the program, some of the major issues involved in being a graduate student, the facilities offered in the program such as the library, online databases and other resources, the Curriculum Resource Center, the Graduate Writing Center, academic reading and writing preparation, and ways of communicating with faculty. During this orientation students form small, informal working teams to provide support for each other during the entire program.

The Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) curriculum consists of 12 courses delivered over a 24-month time frame. The courses are linked to three strands that are based on key aspects of educational leadership. Areas of study include the following:

Strategic Leadership

  • EDC 632 Strategic Leadership in Education
  • EDC 601 Introduction to Educational Research
  • EDC 602 Models of Educational Research
  • EDC 635 Assessment and Evaluation
  • EDC 695 Research Seminar

 Learning and Instructional Leadership

  • EDC 653 Education Standards in an International Context
  • EDC 654 Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
  • EDC 655 Social, Community, and Family Contexts of Education

 Organizational Leadership

  • EDC 640 Leading Educational Organization
  • EDC 637 Human Performance and Resource Management
  • EDC 636 Educational Improvement and Systemic Change
  • EDC 656 Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Course Delivery Format

Each of the courses is offered during either a six to eight week period or an intensive period. Each course includes face-to-face instruction in addition to out-of-class activities conducted independently or through technology applications that complement the course interactions. All courses are based on 15 contact hours per credit.

For more information on the admission deadline, please visit the Key Dates section of our website.

Admission

  • Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities.
  • Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher from an accredited university.
  • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced program.

The Master of Education (Specialization in Educational Leadership) program is delivered over a period of 24 months at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and/or Dubai.

For more information on the admission requirements, application procedure and program cost, please visit the Admissions and Fees section of our website.

Graduation Requirement

Graduate students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in course work taken and complete a final project in fulfillment of the requirements of a masters degree.

Important Links

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