2014-2015 Graduate Studies

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Master of Education in Instructional Leadership

The School of Education and Public Service offers a M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership designed to prepare licensure and non-licensure candidates as K-12 school leaders. The program offers two concentrations: Instructional Leadership (Licensure) and Instructional Coaching/Teacher Leadership (Non-Licensure). A core set of courses in educational leadership, legal & diversity issues, and data assessment are followed by differentiated coursework in one of the two concentrations. Representatives from the Institution of Higher Education (IHE) and the Local Education Agency (LEA), examined each of the Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS) to design a program to prepare effective school leaders and Instructional Coaches. Special attention was given to candidate learning outcomes and performance assessments which would lead to academic success for students. Each of the TILS are addressed in the coursework, field experiences, and program requirements. LEA leaders serve in partnership roles throughout the candidate preparation process. These roles include candidate mentors, instructors, and field experience supervisors. 


Mission Statement

The mission of the Instructional Leadership program is to prepare candidates as K-12 school leaders. The Instructional Leadership program provides recurrent opportunities to unite theory and practice via field-based experiences that integrate content knowledge through the integration of theory, reflection and applied leadership opportunities that are in concert with the Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS). Through collaboration, shared decision-making, and a focus on achievement, the Instructional Leadership program will prepare competent, caring, qualified professionals and reflective practitioners.


Graduate School Requirements and Criteria

  • Applicants for the M.Ed. Degree program must have been awarded an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Applicants must also hold a valid teaching license
  • Cumberland University online application ($50 application fee)
  • Official transcripts sent from all previously attended colleges and universities
  • GPA in Bachelor's degree of at least 2.75, or 3.00 in previous Master's programs
  • Three dispositions rating forms completed by district-level administrator or educator
  • Employment by a TN school district (County/district must have partnership agreement 1 on file with the School of Education & Public Service at Cumberland University)
  • A current résumé
  • Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills 2
  • Successful completion of an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty that can determine if the candidate has:
  1. Implemented innovative learning strategies in their classrooms
  2. Shown good communications, human relations, and organizational skills
  3. Used student data and work samples to make instructional decisions
  4. Demonstrated high ethical standards.
  • Other requirements as stipulated by the Tennessee Department of Education for admission to instructional leadership programs are required, and described on the program's website.

Course Delivery

Course delivery will consist of on-site (face-to-face), hybrid, and online classes with some evening and/or weekend sessions required. Many of the courses in the M.Ed. program are paired with practicum-based courses that include job-embedded experiences in collaboration with principals, coaches, or other school leadership. There is a fee associated with these courses. 


Cumberland University rules and regulations are found in institution specific documents including the graduate catalog, the Cumberland University Student Handbook and the Instructional Leadership Handbook. The information found in these documents applies to M.Ed. Candidates. These regulations include, but are not limited to, registration, schedule changes, withdrawal from class and/or the university, graduation participation, grade-point average requirements, release of information, student services, class availability, use of English, class attendance/preparation, grade reports, enrollment certification/verification, change of name/address, and academic misconduct.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements to earn the Master of Education degree in Instructional Leadership at Cumberland University. Each candidate must successfully complete the required 30 semester hours of graduate coursework for the M.Ed. within seven calendar years from the date of entry as a degree-seeking student. All candidates must be in good academic standing to meet graduation requirements (see above). Each candidate must successfully complete the Oral Comprehensive Examination. A passing score for this examination is the equivalent of 80% or higher on each portion of the examination. Each candidate must receive the recommendation (approval) from the Graduate Studies Council of Cumberland University indicating this student to be representative of the high ideals of the graduate studies program of Cumberland University. Each candidate must file an Intent to Graduate form, pay the required graduation fees, and may participate in the Commencement Ceremonies. Participation is no longer required. Licensure Candidates must take and pass the Praxis SLLA exam prior to graduation.