• Introduction
• Recognition
• Partner University
• Curriculum
• Course Delivery Format
• Admission
• Graduation Requirement

Introduction

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) (Specialization in School Administration) program offered in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington is designed to develop the knowledge base, management skills, and personal attributes that allow individuals to advance professionally and to provide executive leadership to public schools. The program is especially organized to meet the professional goals of individuals desiring administrative positions in public schools. To accomplish this goal, the program provides high quality curriculum and instruction to prepare aspiring school leaders for the complex responsibilities of principalship. The program of study support the practical needs of school leaders in their day-to-day work through problem- and field-based learning opportunities and encourages students to expand their thinking to recognize and develop the capacities required of school leaders in the 21^st century. Classes are planned in a logical and careful manner to build upon knowledge gained in the program.

The College of Education expects all graduate students to demonstrate professionalism, to understand and use the professional knowledge base appropriately, to develop cultural responsiveness, and to demonstrate global awareness.

The Master of Education (Specialization in School Administration) program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enhance their efforts in successfully achieving the goals of the United Arab Emirates regarding educational reform.

By completion of the program of study, graduates are able to:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret educational data and determine how it should be used for school improvement;

• Manage information efficiently and effectively using appropriate technologies;

• Use a variety of supervisory models to improve teaching and learning;

• Assess student progress using a variety of techniques and interpret standardized test data;

• Evaluate and develop curriculum and instruction that is appropriate for varied learning styles and specific to student needs;

• Identify and apply appropriate professional development programs for school staff;

• Identify student and family conditions that influence learning and develop programs to involve families and the community in the school;

• Establish operational plans and processes to fulfill strategic goals, using practical applications;

• Implement appropriate management techniques and group processes;

• Develop an efficient budget planning process; and

• Complete and present a capstone project resulting from the application of the strategic, instructional, organizational, and contextual program outcomes. The capstone will be a synthesis of knowledge and research useful to practicing school principals in the workplace.

 In addition, school administrators 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 school administration;

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

• Manifest a professional code of ethics and values; and

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

Recognition

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) (Specialization in School Administration) 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 School Administration) 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 School Administration) curriculum consists of 12 courses delivered over a 24-month time frame. Courses are organized within four areas based on international standards for school leadership development and culminate with an internship. Students begin their final project in their first research course and develop a school improvement study in their school. Courses within each domain are the following:

Strategic Leadership

• EDC 651 Leading Effective Schools
• EDC 601 Introduction to Educational Research
• EDC 603 Using Data for School Improvement
• EDC 635 Assessment and Evaluation
• EDC 695 Research Seminar

Managerial Leadership

• EDC 652 Leadership for School Problem Solving
• EDC 637 Human Performance and Resource Management 

Instructional Leadership

• EDC 633 Applied Learning for Educational Leaders
• EDC 638 Guiding and Analyzing Effective Teaching
• EDC 634 Curriculum Leadership

Family and Community Collaboration

• EDC 639 Student, School, and Community Collaboration
• EDC 699 Internship for School Administrators

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.

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

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.
• 

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.