Springfield, Ohio – Leading change in today’s classrooms requires out-of-the-box thinking, creativity and a compassionate heart. For decades, Wittenberg-prepared teachers and educators have set the standard for leading such change, making the university’s Master of Arts in Education program a sought-after option for teacher-leaders of all experience levels and allowing the university to become a respected leader in teacher education.

Wittenberg University’s Master of Arts in Education program is now introducing a master’s degree leading to the Ohio Principal License, an advanced program for those looking to pursue positions in educational administration. Courses will be focused on developing leadership skills in today’s educators. The program is scheduled to begin in the fall 2016 semester and is designed as a two-year program for the degree with additional coursework to complete licensure requirements. Applications for the program are currently being accepted.

"Wittenberg's nationally accredited education program has produced some of the country's best and brightest educators for decades," said Roberta A. Linder, associate professor of education. "We are excited to be able to continue our tradition of equipping educational leaders for success through our new principal licensure program."

The master’s degree consists of 36 semester hours in core courses, research courses for preparation of a master’s thesis, focus inquiry and professional studies. Affordable and highly flexible with classes only meeting on Tuesday evenings, the program includes courses in the traditional face-to-face format, as well as blended ones with online components. The cohort model promotes a supportive environment for the candidates, and small class sizes facilitate positive relationships with the instructors and fellow classmates.

Participants will have the opportunity to consider various school leadership roles that support student development and school success, to improve their craft of educating, to consider theories of educational leadership, learn critical supervisory and mentoring skills, and to engage in authentic teacher leadership experiences.

The master’s degree leading to an Ohio Principal License at Wittenberg will continue the university’s tradition of emphasizing moral responsibility, social consciousness, vocational commitment, and constructive social change as the foundations of citizenship in the world’s human community and in each person’s particular society.