Educational Leadership and Policy Studies - Graduate Programs
Programs
The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. In addition to core courses in educational leadership and policy studies, three distinct emphases are available: Principal Certificate, Principal Certificate with Dual Language, and Higher Education Administration. For those with a master’s degree, the Department offers certification preparation courses for candidates seeking a Principal Certificate or a Superintendent Certificate.
The Department also offers the Doctor of Philosophy in K-16 Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Degrees and Certifications
Graduate work in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UT Arlington may lead to the following degrees and certifications:
Degrees
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in K-16 Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Online Academic Partnership Degree Programs
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (AP)
Educator Preparation Programs
- Principal
- Superintendent (offered online through Academic Partnerships)
Admissions Requirements - Master’s Program
UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Applicants are typically offered unconditional admission if they meet two of the three following criteria:
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by the Graduate School or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale on 12 or more hours as calculated by the Graduate School may be used in lieu of the undergraduate GPA
- A minimum of two of the following three Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: (1) verbal minimum score of 153, (2) quantitative score of 144, (3) written analytical minimum score of 3.5. For exams taken before August 1, 2011, a minimum of two of the three scores are required: (1) verbal minimum score of 500, (2) quantitative minimum score of 500, (3) written analytical minimum score of 3.5.
- Three letters of reference on file, completed by three persons who can assess the applicant’s aptitude, academic skills, and abilities needed for success in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies master’s program
PROBATIONARY ADMISSION
Applicants are typically offered probationary admission if they meet two of the three following criteria:
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by the Graduate School or a graduate GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale on 12 or more hours as calculated by the Graduate School may be used in lieu of the undergraduate GPA
- A minimum of two of the following three Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: (1) verbal minimum score of 146, (2) quantitative score of 140, (3) written analytical minimum score of 3.0. For exams taken before August 1, 2011, a minimum of two of the three scores are required: (1) verbal minimum score of 400, (2) quantitative minimum score of 400, (3) written analytical minimum score of 3.0.
- Three letters of reference on file, completed by three persons who can assess the applicant’s aptitude, academic skills, and abilities needed for success in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies master’s program
Terms of Probation upon Acceptance: All students admitted under probation status will be required to earn a 3.5 GPA during the first 12 hours of graduate coursework in the program.
PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admissions deadline, but whom otherwise appears to meet admissions requirements may be granted provisional admission.
DEFERRED ADMISSION
An applicant’s admission may be deferred when a file is not complete or when denying admission is not appropriate.
DENIED ADMISSION
An applicant may be denied admission if the conditions for unconditional and probationary admission have not been met.
In addition, if a student has been suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons, that student may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education and Health Professions.
Master's Degree Programs
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Principal Certificate
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5322 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5360 | LEADERSHIP THEORY | 3 |
| EDAD 5365 | Leading Learning Organizations | 3 |
| EDAD 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5388 | EDUCATIONAL POLICY ISSUES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 3 |
| or EDAD 5376 | EDUCATIONAL GOVERNANCE | |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Principal Certificate Courses | ||
| EDAD 5305 | CURRICULUM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5330 | LEADERSHIP IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL SETTING | 3 |
| EDAD 5381 | GOVERNANCE, POLITICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5383 | THE PRINCIPALSHIP | 3 |
| EDAD 5384 | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5389 | ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICUM | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Principal Certificate, Dual-Language Emphasis
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5322 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5360 | LEADERSHIP THEORY | 3 |
| EDAD 5365 | Leading Learning Organizations | 3 |
| EDAD 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5388 | EDUCATIONAL POLICY ISSUES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 3 |
| or EDAD 5376 | EDUCATIONAL GOVERNANCE | |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Principal Certificate/Bilingual Courses | ||
| BEEP 5321 | ESL METHODS FOR EC-6 LEARNERS | 3 |
| EDAD 5330 | LEADERSHIP IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL SETTING | 3 |
| EDAD 5381 | GOVERNANCE, POLITICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| BEEP 5366 | SPANISH FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS & TEACHERS | 3 |
| BEEP 5318 | FOUNDATIONS IN BILINGUAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| BEEP 5365 | ORGANIZATION & ADMINISTRATION OF DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5322 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5360 | LEADERSHIP THEORY | 3 |
| EDAD 5365 | Leading Learning Organizations | 3 |
| EDAD 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5388 | EDUCATIONAL POLICY ISSUES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 3 |
| or EDAD 5376 | EDUCATIONAL GOVERNANCE | |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Higher Education Emphasis Courses | ||
| EDAD 5305 | CURRICULUM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5351 | HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS | 3 |
| EDAD 5352 | HIGHER EDUCATION LAW | 3 |
| EDAD 5354 | THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 3 |
| EDAD 5356 | HISTORY, PRINCIPLES, AND PHILOSOPHY OF HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5357 | HIGHER EDUCATION TRENDS AND ISSUES | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Coursework and Degree Completion Requirements
The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies offers two routes to earn the Master of Education in Educational Administration (M.Ed.) and Principal Certification: the self-paced program, and several cohort programs (i.e. groups of candidates following the same sequence of courses). The Department also offers courses for candidates seeking Superintendent Certification.
Coursework and completion requirements
- Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or teacher/administrator certification program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or graduate-level certification.
- Master’s degree and graduate level certificate programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of residency/practicum/program. If a candidate allows the six month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or state exams will be required.
- All transfer credits must be approved by the Faculty Advisor.
- Each candidate in the College of Education and Health Professions of UT Arlington will be evaluated on professional dispositions by faculty and staff. These dispositions have been identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with candidates rated as "unacceptable" in one or more stated criteria. The candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions.
Doctoral Degree Program
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in K-16 Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
The Ph.D. degree is designed for candidates who seek to enter careers in research, institutional assessment, policy analysis, institutional leadership, or the professoriate. The program challenges the conventional wisdom that higher education and K-12 education are different worlds by bringing together scholars and students from all levels of education to work and study together. Particularly, the program focuses on narrowing achievement gaps by studying and creating efficacious transitions within the educational experience. Working from the premise that all people can learn at high levels, the program includes the study of the systemic barriers at all levels of education that prevent so many children, adolescents, and young adults from being as successful as they can possibly be.
In addition to becoming experts in their particular area of inquiry, graduates will have a broad foundation in the study of educational leadership and policy at all levels. Students in the Ph.D. program will be part of a cohort throughout their coursework.
Admission Requirements - Ph.D. Program
A select number of qualified applicants are admitted each session to the cohort- based program. Each cohort begins coursework during the fall semester. Specific guidelines for applying to this program are found on the departmental website. Admission into this program is very competitive. The departmental admissions committee considers prior educational experiences, prior work experiences, GRE scores, writing samples, and professional references. Finalists may be invited to campus to interview with the committee.
In addition to the general Office of Graduate Studies admission requirements, applicants must meet the following requirements for unconditional admission.
- Master’s degree in education or other field appropriate for the doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Grade point minimum average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 from the master’s degree
- Successful applicants for unconditional admission are expected to present a minimum of two of the following three Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: (1) verbal minimum score of 153, (2) quantitative score of 144, and (3) written analytical minimum score of 4. For exams taken before August 1, 2011, a minimum of two of the three scores are required: (1) verbal minimum score of 500, (2) quantitative minimum score of 500, and (3) written analytical minimum score of 4.
- Applicants who do not meet the minimum score requirement for a standardized test will be considered for probationary admission status when other factors are taken into account in a holistic review.
- A minimum score of 550 on the Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants whose native language is not English
- At least three years of documented experience in a work environment in which the primary professional responsibility at any level has been education (e.g., teaching, administration, curriculum development, professional development, post secondary education, government or private industry settings)
- Admission is very competitive. Meeting admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.
- Applicants who have been suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic reasons may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the College of Education and Health Professions.
| Required Courses | ||
| 1. Research Methods Core | ||
| EDAD 6304 | K-16 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY | 3 |
| EDAD 6308 | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY | 3 |
| EDAD 6310 | STATISTICAL METHODS | 3 |
| EDAD 6315 | ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS | 3 |
| EDAD 6318 | ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS | 3 |
| 2. Foundations Core | ||
| EDAD 6320 | K-16 PHILOSOPHY & HISTORY POLICY RESEARCH | 3 |
| 3. Policy Research Core | ||
| EDAD 6327 | K-16 POLICY & LAW ANALYSIS RESEARCH | 3 |
| 4. Leadership Research Core | ||
| EDAD 6342 | K-16 ORGANIZATIONAL & LEADERSHIP THEORY RESEARCH | 3 |
| 5. Dissertation (24 semester credit hours minimum) selected from: | ||
| EDAD 6399 | DISSERTATION | 3 |
| EDAD 6699 | DISSERTATION | 6 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Approved Electives | 18 | |
Written and Oral Comprehensive Examinations
To be elevated to candidacy for the Ph.D., students must successfully pass a written and oral qualifying examination.
Dissertation
Students elevated to candidacy for the Ph.D. may register for the dissertation. The dissertation is the culmination of the Ph.D. program and represents a distinct contribution to the field of knowledge. A dissertation defense is required.
Recommendation to the State Board for Educator Certification
To be eligible for certification under all programs, a candidate must meet specific criteria set by the College of Education and Health Professions, the University, and the Texas Education Agency/State Board for Educator Certification. To be recommended to the Texas Education Agency/State Board for Educator Certification for initial teacher certification, a teacher candidate must have successfully completed the following:
Effective fall 2007, students must pass all appropriate state exams and apply for appropriate state certifications with the State Board for Educator Certification/Texas Education Agency within six months of the completion of their residency/practicum/program. If a student allows the six-month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or state exams will be required for recommendation for certification. Additional coursework will be determined by the appropriate Program Director in consultation with the faculty.
Principal or Superintendent
Before you apply for certification as a Principal or Superintendent, please make sure you have completed the following requirements (subject to verification by the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs):
- Conferred Master’s Degree (or higher);
- Completed all courses on the certification plan;
- Completed all appropriate TExES exams;
- Valid Texas teaching certificate;
- Two years of classroom teaching experience.
If you are a candidate who is applying for Principal or Superintendent certification, you must request that your school district mail a copy of your teacher service record indicating you taught for at least two years. Please request that your school district mail your teacher service record to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the College of Education and Health Professions at UT Arlington. Then, apply to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
Master’s Degree with Principal Certification Courses
The Master’s Degree includes courses required for candidates seeking the Texas Principal Certification. In addition to obtaining the Master’s Degree, candidates must also pass the Texas Principal Certification exam, have a valid Texas Teacher Certificate, and have at least two years of accredited classroom teaching experience. Candidates must have their school district send via U.S. mail (not fax) their official Texas Teacher Service Record to the Certification Officer in the UT Arlington College of Education and Health Professions. Courses for the Master’s Degree are offered at both the UT Arlington and the Fort Worth Santa Fe campuses. The Department also offers the Master’s Degree with Principal Certification courses entirely on-line through Academic Partnerships.
Probationary Principal Certificate
A candidate who has completed (grades posted) all requirements (EDAD 5360, 5381, 5383, 5384) and has completed 5389 Practicum or is enrolled in 5399 Capstone may apply for the Probationary Principal Certificate. In order for UT Arlington to recommend a candidate for the Probationary Principal Certificate, the candidate must have a district administrative/practicum employment assignment. The Probationary Principal Certificate issued by the state is valid for one year from the date of issuance, renewable annually for 2 consecutive years for a maximum of 3 years total.
Principal certification candidates on a Probationary Principal Certificate must maintain continual enrollment in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies department by taking EDAD 5389 or an equivalent course approved by the ELPS faculty graduate advisor. This applies to all of the three years allowed for probationary certificates.
For more information on how to apply, contact the College of Education and Health Professions Certification Office.
Superintendent Certificate
The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies offers coursework and practicums leading to a Superintendent Certificate. Upon completion of superintendency coursework, Texas administrators seeking a Texas Superintendent Certificate must make a passing score on the Superintendent Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) and provide evidence of Principal or equivalent certification before they will be recommended to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for issuance of the certificate.
Required EDAD courses for the Superintendent Certificate: 6179, 6279, 6371, 6373, 6374, and 6378. Currently, courses are offered in an online-only format through Academic Partnerships.
Out of state students will not qualify for Texas educator certification. Therefore, students should review their state's requirements to determine if completion of the Superintendent Certification program at UTA will lead to certification in their state.
Admissions requirements for superintendent certificate program:
- Certified Administrator in state of residence (if applicable)
- Currently serving in an administrative position or 2 years of administrative experience at building or district level
- Master's GPA of 3.75 or 3 recommendation forms submitted
Superintendent Certificate
| EDAD 6179 | SUPERINTENDENCY PRACTICUM | 1 |
| EDAD 6279 | SUPERINTENDENCY PRACTICUM | 2 |
| EDAD 6371 | PERSONNEL & SCHOOL LAW | 3 |
| EDAD 6373 | THE SUPERINTENDENCY | 3 |
| EDAD 6374 | ADVANCED SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| EDAD 6378 | ADVANCED CURRICULUM AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Currently, courses are offered in an online-only format through Academic Partnerships.
Principal Certification Preparation Only (PCO)
For students with a Master’s Degree, the Department has a Principal Certification Only (PCO) program that is 21 hours (seven courses). These candidates must also pass the Texas Principal Certification exam, have a valid Texas Teacher Certificate, and have at least two years of accredited classroom teaching experience. Candidates must have their school district send via U.S. mail (not fax) their official Texas Teacher Service Record to the Certification Officer in the UT Arlington College of Education and Health Professions. Courses for the Master’s Degree are offered at both the UT Arlington and the Fort Worth Santa Fe campuses. The PCO program is not available online through Academic Partnerships.
Principal Certification Preparation Only (for students who already have a master’s degree)
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5365 | Leading Learning Organizations | 3 |
| EDAD 5330 | LEADERSHIP IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL SETTING | 3 |
| EDAD 5381 | GOVERNANCE, POLITICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5383 | THE PRINCIPALSHIP | 3 |
| EDAD 5384 | RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | ||
| EDAD 5389 | ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICUM | 3 |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Coursework and Degree Completion Requirements
The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies offers two routes to earn the Master of Education in Educational Administration (M.Ed.) and Principal Certification: the self-paced program, and several cohort programs (i.e. groups of candidates following the same sequence of courses). The Department also offers courses for candidates seeking Superintendent Certification.
Coursework and completion requirements
- Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or teacher/administrator certification program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or graduate-level certification.
- Master’s degree and graduate level certificate programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of residency/practicum/program. If a candidate allows the six month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or state exams will be required.
- All transfer credits must be approved by the Faculty Advisor.
- Each candidate in the College of Education and Health Professions of UT Arlington will be evaluated on professional dispositions by faculty and staff. These dispositions have been identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with candidates rated as "unacceptable" in one or more stated criteria. The candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions.