Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The programme focuses on developing practical leadership skills and a deep understanding of organisational, legal and instructional dimensions of school administration. Core topics typically include:

• Leadership theory and ethics – leadership styles, change management and ethical decision-making in education.
• School law and policy – legal issues affecting schools, student rights, employment law and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• School finance and resource management – budgeting, resource allocation, facilities and fiscal responsibility for school leaders.
• Curriculum, instruction and assessment – aligning curriculum with standards, instructional supervision, data-driven decision-making and assessment practices.
• Personnel administration – hiring, evaluation, professional development and collective bargaining context where applicable.
• Research methods and applied inquiry – quantitative and qualitative methods for school improvement projects and evidence-based leadership.
• Practicum/field experiences – supervised administrative internships or leadership practica in local schools or districts, providing hands-on experience.

Programme structure commonly comprises a sequence of graduate-level courses totalling around three dozen credit hours, culminating in a capstone project, administrative portfolio or comprehensive assessment. Courses are often offered in formats that support working educators, including evening, hybrid or online delivery.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and to be certified teachers or hold appropriate educator credentials when applying for an administration programme that leads to certification. Common admissions criteria include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• A valid teaching certificate or professional educator credential, or evidence of eligibility for certification if required by state rules.
• Professional experience in K–12 education; many programmes expect at least one to three years of classroom experience, with preferred candidates having multiple years.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA as set by the university (applicants with lower GPAs may be considered for conditional admission based on professional experience and supporting materials).
• Supporting documents such as official transcripts, a current résumé, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining leadership goals.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview or required to meet additional state certification prerequisites, such as background checks or specific preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates move into leadership and supervisory roles across K–12 education and related settings. Typical career paths include:

• Principal or assistant principal in elementary, middle or high schools.
• Instructional coach, curriculum coordinator or director of curriculum and instruction.
• District-level administrator such as director of special programs, human resources, assessment or student services.
• School business manager or finance officer responsible for budgeting and resource planning.
• Positions in educational non-profits, policy organisations, or as consultants focused on school improvement and leadership development.

The programme also supports those seeking state administrative certification; successful completion plus required practicum hours and any state licensing assessments positions graduates for formal school leadership licensure where applicable.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a programme designed for practising educators with emphasis on applied leadership and strong ties to area school districts. Advantages of studying at AUM include:

• Faculty with experience in K–12 administration and a focus on practitioner-centred instruction and mentorship.
• Opportunities for practicum placements and partnerships with local school systems, helping students gain supervised, real-world administrative experience.
• Flexible delivery options that accommodate working professionals, including evening and hybrid course schedules.
• A cohort-friendly environment with smaller class sizes that support collaboration, networking and peer learning among current educators.
• Alignment of coursework with state licensure expectations so candidates can pursue certification pathways while earning the degree.

Overall, the programme is suited for teachers and educational professionals seeking the knowledge, practicum experience and credentialing support necessary to step into building- or district-level leadership roles.