Educational Leadership FAQs
As you continue your journey to obtain your online degree, no doubt you will have questions. Below you will find answers to a collection of frequently asked questions to help guide you and make the transition to online student as smooth as possible.
- I have read the Web site. What if I have more questions?
- Why is NCATE accreditation important?
- What should I look for in a distance-learning program?
- I am not computer savvy; can I do this?
- Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?
- How long will it take to earn my Master of Education in Educational Leadership?
- What if I can’t keep up?
- How much does the program cost?
- I’ve previously taken graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred in?
- Why does the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program at University of Cincinnati require a GRE for admissions?
- I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?
- What are the computer requirements for participation in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program?
- Online degrees vs. campus-based degrees: Does the diploma say “online”?
- How can I be sure this online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is right for me?
- Does graduating from the UC MEd program enable me to gain Principal Licensure in my state?
I have read the Web site. What if I have more questions?
An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer all your questions. To have your Enrollment Advisor contact you, fill out the short form on the right hand side of the page, or call 1-800-226-0075.
Why is 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
What should I look for in a distance-learning program?
A. 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.
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.
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.
How long will it take to earn my Master of Education in Educational Leadership?
The Educational Leadership curriculum is eight quarters (54 credits) and can be completed in as little as two years. Applicants may petition to have up to nine quarter credit hours or three classes credits transferred to meet leadership practice strand requirements.
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.
How much does the program cost?
The courses are $457* per credit hour for Ohio Residents and $467* per credit hour for non-Ohio residents. The University of Cincinnati offers the same quality education through its distance program 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.
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.
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 page, and make your educational experience, your degree, and your opportunities the best they can be by attending the prestigious University of Cincinnati.
I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?
Yes. The UC program is asynchronous, meaning there is no specific time in which you need to be online. 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. You will have weekly assignments, but your coursework can be completed around your busy schedule.
What are the computer requirements for participation in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program?
To participate in the online program you will need a computer system with current specifications that your Enrollment Advisor can relay to you.
Please call 1-800-226-0075. Click here for computer requirements.
As a student at the University of Cincinnati, you will be eligible for special pricing on Dell computers and numerous software options such as MS Windows and MS Office.
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.
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.
Does graduating from the UC MEd program enable me to gain Principal Licensure in my state?
Graduating from an NCATE-accredited program is the first step, but there are several paths to licensure. The easiest way to gain licensure is to obtain your license in the state of Ohio (where UC is located) making it easier to gain licensure in your home state. You can also check with your State Education Department (Licensure/Certificate Office) for a list of their most up-to-date reciprocity agreements and requirements for licensure. Finally, be sure to visit the NASDTEC Knowledgebase www.nasdtec.info/ for the most current certification requirements, resources, and topical table data available.
† National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) 2010 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone 202-466-7496. www.ncate.org
