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Ramapo College Office of Graduate Admissions

McBride House 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

Phone: (201) 684-7270
Text: (201) 800-6057
Email: graduate@ramapo.edu
Fax: (201) 684-7964

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the MAEL Program. Still don’t see the answer to your question? Email us at graduate@ramapo.edu.

How many credits is the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program?

The MAEL program of study requires 36 credits and consists of eight (8), 4- credit courses, and two (2) co-requisite field-based internships, each requiring 150 hours  of practical experience.

How long will it take me to get my MAEL degree?

MAEL students can complete the program in one year (accelerated format) or 21 months (traditional format). All courses must be completed within five (5) years.

When can I start the program?

Students can join the MAEL program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.

Is the program offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format?

The majority of MAEL courses are offered in a hybrid (in-person/asynchronous or virtual/asynchronous) format.

What are the qualifications to apply to the program?

A baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a valid, state issued teaching certification. Qualified candidates are those who have completed a minimum of 1 full year of  successful teaching experience, and have the desire and potential to serve as exemplary  educational leaders.

Is a teaching certificate required?

Yes.

Do I need to take the GRE?

No. However, you must provide evidence that you have passed either the  required PRAXIS exam for your content area and hold the appropriate standard teaching certificate, or the GRE.

Can I continue to work full time while earning my MAEL degree?

Yes, most all of our MAEL students work as full-time education professionals while pursuing their MAEL degree

Does Ramapo offer off-site cohorts in school districts?

Yes, we have several cohorts ranging from 8 – 20 teachers in districts across NJ. If you and your colleagues are interested in collaborating with us to launch a MAEL cohort in your district, please contact Program Director, Dr. Brian Chinni, at bchinni@ramapo.edu. All courses that are offered off-campus are discounted.

Do you accept transfer credits from other schools?

Yes. Up to two (2) graduate courses (8 credits) may be considered for transfer into the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program, provided the courses are from another accredited institution of higher education. In addition, decisions regarding credit transfer will be determined by the Program Director, upon careful examination of course syllabi and related assessments.

Am I able to take only those specific courses required by the NJDOE to obtain the Standard Supervisor Certificate?

Yes. Students who hold the appropriate MA degree, have successfully completed a minimum of three (3) years of full-time employment under a NJDOE certification (teacher or educational specialist), and have successfully completed EDLD 601-EDLD 604 (initial four MAEL courses)  and/or the MASE/MSET equivalents, will be eligible for the standard NJ Supervisor Certification.

Will successful completion of the MAEL program grant NJ certification as a principal?

Those students who have successfully completed all MAEL coursework and administrative internship requirements, have successfully completed a minimum of five (5) years of full-time employment under a NJDOE certification (teacher or educational specialist), and pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) Praxis are eligible for the NJ Principal CE. Standard (permanent) certification is awarded by the NJDOE upon employment in a school leadership position, under the  mentoring of a school administrator for 2 years.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition is approximately $852 per credit.

Estimated total cost for the MAEL K-12 program = $30,666

Estimated total cost for the MAEL -HE program = $28,962

There is no additional cost for out-of-state students.

Are there payment plans and/or employer reimbursement cooperation agreements?

We do have in-house payment plan options and cooperate with employer reimbursement
programs. More information can be found here https://www.ramapo.edu/student-accounts/options-policies/

Can graduate students apply for Financial Aid?

Yes, Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 annually under the Federal Direct Stafford Loan programs. To qualify for a Federal Direct Stafford loan, graduate students must be enrolled for at least six  (6) credit hours per semester.  Students enrolled for less than six (6) credits may consider an alternative loan.

What makes our graduate education programs unique?

In addition to its outstanding professors, authentic experiential learning and overall  personalized experience, the MAEL program is delivered in multiple formats and in a manner that is practical, flexible and accommodating to the unique needs  of the practicing educational professional. Harnessing the power of modern communication and distance learning technologies, students can effectively and comfortably complete all program requirements within a one- or two-year sequence. For additional information, please visit: https://www.ramapo.edu/graduate/.