Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership Degree FAQs

Back to top

Why is NCATE accreditation important?

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is the teaching professionals mechanism to help to establish high quality teacher, specialist, and administrator preparation. Accreditation through NCATE assures a program underwent rigorous external review, meets high standards set by the field at large, and better prepares students for new, more demanding initial licensing expectations in many states.

Also, many states have reciprocity agreements based on graduation from NCATE-accredited schools, so graduates from NCATE-accredited institutions will generally find it easier to apply for licensure when they move out of state.

For more information, go to: http://www.ncate.org/public/whyNCATE.asp?ch=42

Back to top

What should I look for in a distance learning program?

We recommend you search for a program that has extensive experience delivering distance learning, professional accreditation (NCATE), low student attrition, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal travel. Unlike correspondence courses, the University of Cincinnati's distance learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. They have the benefit of traditional education, like instructor-led structured curriculum, with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.

Back to top

I am not computer savvy; can I do this?

Yes. We realize that some students are computer novices; therefore, the University of Cincinnati provides technical support for its students. Online support can be accessed anytime. You can speak with a computer technology person about computer issues, including Blackboard, seven days a week.

Back to top

Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?

Yes, the University of Cincinnati awards the same accredited degree regardless of the delivery method: the traditional campus-based program or the distance-learning program for working professionals.

Back to top

How long will it take to earn my Master of Education in Educational Leadership?

The Educational Leadership curriculum is eight quarters (54 credits) or two years. Applicants may petition to have up to nine quarter credit hours or three classes credits transferred to meet leadership practice strand requirements.

Back to top

What if I can't keep up?

One of the benefits of studying in a small learning community is the special support you will receive from your peers and faculty. Students typically find this greatly helps them to stay on track. Your instructor recognizes your challenges and wants to help you succeed.

Back to top

How much does the program cost?

The courses are $412* per credit hour for Ohio Residents and $422* per credit hour for non-Ohio residents. The University of Cincinnati offers the same quality education at a distance as in state campus-based students receive. Our goal is to ensure that all students with the drive and determination to complete our professional program have the opportunity to do so.

* Tuition rates are based on the current tuition schedule. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Back to top

I've previously taken graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred in?

At the University of Cincinnati, comparable courses in an educational leadership taken at a regionally accredited college or university may be considered for transfer as long as they have been taken within seven years and are taken in the field of education.

Back to top

Why does the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program at University of Cincinnati require a GRE for admissions?

Our comprehensive admissions standards, including the GRE scores, are viewed as a factor among many organizations in evaluating the strength of a graduate program or institution (for example, U.S. News & World Report). Other factors in University of Cincinnati achieving rankings include its outstanding faculty, research, updated curriculum, program accreditations and competitive tuition. Check out University of Cincinnati's rankings on the About University of Cincinnati page of this Web site, and make your educational experience, your degree, your opportunities the best they can be by attending a prestigious university, the University of Cincinnati.

Back to top

I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?

Yes. You can complete your studies at your convenience in the comfort of your own home or workplace. There are no site visits or campus classes to attend. You have access to your course 24 hours a day. Your coursework can be completed around your busy schedule.

Back to top

What are the computer requirements for participation in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program?

To participate in the online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership program you will need a computer system with current specifications that your Enrollment Advisor can relay to you. Please call 800-226-0075. Click here for computer requirements

As a student at the University of Cincinnati, you will be eligible for special pricing on Dell computers.

Back to top

Online degrees vs. campus-based degrees: Does the diploma say "online"?

Students who graduate from the University of Cincinnati's online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program receive the same prestigious degree as students attending on our campus. The diploma will not distinguish that you were a distance education student with the online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program or whether you attended on-campus. Prospective students can place confidence in our University's notable reputation for excellence and high standards while learning on-campus or online from a distance. The resulting graduation and degree is the same; in fact, you should plan to attend graduation ceremonies to celebrate your accomplishment.

Back to top

How can I be sure this online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is right for me?

Our students appreciate that they are going to graduate with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree that is NCATE accredited and provides valuable state-to-state reciprocity when seeking administrative certification. Students and graduates of our program take comfort in the fact that the College of Education celebrates more than a century of excellence and is ranked among the top 100 graduate schools in education by U.S. News and World Report year after year.

Our program is also unique in that most of its students, who begin the program, complete the program. In fact, we can boast that we carry one of the highest student retention rates for an online program at more than 95% each term. You'll see the value of an Educational Leadership degree from the University of Cincinnati will carry on after having completed the program, as our graduates have extremely high pass rates on state certification tests.

In addition to our reputation for excellence, our online learning provides working educators with the convenience and flexibility of a distance education program. Take time to discuss your future plans with an Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-226-0075 and get answers to all your questions before beginning the application process.