Educational Leadership & 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 K-16 educational leadership and policy, two distinct emphases are available: Principal Certificate Courses and Higher Education Administration Emphasis. Students build upon their existing expertise with progressive skills that can increase student achievement, improve teacher performance, and increase organizational effectiveness of schools and higher education institutions.
For those with a master’s degree, the Department offers certification preparation courses for candidates seeking a Principal as Instructional Leader Certificate or a Superintendent Certificate. The Department also offers the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a BA-PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Emphasis.
Students accepted in the M.Ed. with Higher Education Administration Emphasis can elect, with program approval, to pursue the integrated BA-PhD track which allows students to start doctoral work earlier and transfer into the PhD program upon completion of 30 SCH and after two evaluations of their academic progress.
The department has specific requirements that must be met for recommendation to take the TExES Exam. Please see the department's website at https://www.uta.edu/coed/educleadership/.
Degrees and Certifications
Graduate work in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UTA may lead to the following degrees and certifications:
Degrees
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- BA-PhD track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Emphasis
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Educator Preparation Programs
- Principal
- Superintendent
Criminal History Acknowledgement
As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.
1. In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
2. If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
3. You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.
Professional Dispositions
Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff in each professional education course per semester. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. The student/candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education
Admissions Requirements - Master’s Degree Program
All students, including those enrolled in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies master’s program, must meet university, college, department, and Texas Administrative Code qualifications in order to participate in educator preparation programs.
Students accepted in the M.Ed. with Higher Education Administration Emphasis can elect an integrated BA-PhD track which allows students to start doctoral work earlier and transfer into the PhD program upon completion of 30 SCH and after two evaluations of their academic progress and aptitude for doctoral level study.
The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
College of Education Master’s Degree Requirements
Unconditional Admission Criteria
- 2 or more years relevant work experience
- Undergraduate transcripts with a 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours or 3.0 cumulative GPA, the higher of which will be used for admission purposes. A 3.0 GPA on the last 9 hours of graduate coursework may be considered in place of undergraduate GPA.
- 2 professional letters of reference on file
- Program areas may have additional requirements.
Probationary Admission Criteria
- Students with less than 2 years relevant work experience must provide 2 professional letters of reference.
- Students granted probationary admission must maintain a 3.0 (B or better) GPA in the first 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in the College of Education program to be converted from probationary to unconditional admission.
- Program areas may have additional requirements.
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies M.Ed. Program
Admission to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is competitive and some qualified students may not be admitted if demand exceeds the program’s capacity to serve all applicants.
All students must meet university, college, department, and Texas Administrative Code qualifications in order to participate in educator preparation programs. Out-of-state students will not qualify for Texas educator certification. Therefore, students should review their state's requirements to determine if completion of a program at UTA will lead to certification in their state.
In addition to program-area requirements to meet documents required for TEA reporting, other requirements for program admission include: 1) a written response to the given prompts (fulfills “other screening instrument” as required by The Texas Education Agency) and 2) completion of Attestation and FERPA forms. The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent. Additional admission criteria are listed below.
Unconditional Admission Criteria
- 2 or more years of relevant work experience
- Undergraduate transcripts with a 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours or 3.0 cumulative GPA, the higher of which will be used for admission purposes. A 3.0 GPA on the last 9 hours of graduate coursework may be considered in place of undergraduate GPA.
- 2 professional letters of reference on file. Letters from supervisors are strongly encouraged.
Probationary Admission Criteria
- Applicants who meet requirements 2) and 3) from unconditional admission criteria but have less than 2 years of relevant work experience may be granted probationary admission. The faculty admissions committee may require additional documents (e.g., GRE scores) for consideration.
- Students granted probationary admission must maintain a 3.0 (B or better) GPA in the first 9 credit hours of graduate coursework in the College of Education program to be converted from probationary to unconditional admission.
Unconditional Admission
An applicant who meets all requirements is normally considered for unconditional admission. Unconditionally admitted students must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the duration of the program and have at least a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Probationary Admission
An applicant who does not meet all requirements for unconditional admission nevertheless may show promise for successful graduate study and, upon recommendation of the graduate advisor, Committee on Graduate Studies and with approval of the academic dean may be granted probationary admission. Students admitted on probation to any graduate program in the College of Education must earn a 3.0 GPA, with no grade lower than a B, on the first nine credit hours of study. In addition, in order to graduate from UTA and the College of Education, all candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
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 or probationary admission are not met. In addition, if a student was suspended or expelled from the University of Texas at Arlington or any other university or program for reasons other than academic, that student may be denied admission or readmission to an educator preparation program in the UTA College of Education.
Criminal History Acknowledgement
As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.
1. In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
2. If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
3. You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.
Master's Degree Programs
In order to graduate from UTA and the College of Education, all candidates must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Principal Certificate Courses
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5322 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5360 | LEADERSHIP THEORY | 3 |
| EDAD 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Principal as Instructional Leader Certification Courses | ||
| 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 |
| EDAD 5305 | CURRICULUM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
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 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Higher Education Emphasis Courses | ||
| EDAD 5350 | AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT | 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 | 30 | |
Coursework and Degree Completion Requirements
- Master’s degree and university graduate-level certificate programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Office of Graduate Studies. Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or university graduate-level certificate. Coursework that is more than five years old cannot be used toward state certification requirements for licensure.
- Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff in each professional education course per semester. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education.
All students initially admitted into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Administration Emphasis will complete courses from a prescribed 30 hour curriculum. Students seeking only a master's degree will receive an MEd at the end of their 30 hours of study. Qualified students in the BA-PhD track who seek a doctorate will be allowed to continue their studies at the doctoral level as part of the BA-PhD track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Emphasis.
BA-PhD Track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Emphasis
| Core Courses | ||
| EDAD 5322 | EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5360 | LEADERSHIP THEORY | 3 |
| EDAD 5380 | DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN EDUCATION | 3 |
| EDAD 5399 | CAPSTONE PRACTICUM IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES | 3 |
| Higher Education Emphasis Courses | ||
| EDAD 5350 | AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENT | 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 | 30 | |
Doctoral Degree Program
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 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, higher education administration, 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 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. Qualified students in the M.Ed. with Higher Education Administration Emphasis program who elect an integrated BA-PhD track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Emphasis will transfer into the PhD program upon completion of 30 SCH and after two evaluations of their academic progress. After transfer, they will complete the same required coursework as the doctoral cohort they have joined, and will have the opportunity to take more higher education elective courses.
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, a statement of interest, professional references, and so forth. Meeting admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.
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 or equivalent.
- 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 79 on the Test of English As a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) 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) is recommended.
- 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.
| Required Courses | ||
| 1. Research Methods Core (15 hours) | ||
| 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. Core Content Courses (15 hours) | ||
| EDAD 6301 | INTRODUCTION TO K-16 DOCTORAL STUDIES | 3 |
| EDAD 6330 | K-16 LEGAL POLICY RESEARCH | 3 |
| EDAD 6327 | K-16 POLICY & LAW ANALYSIS RESEARCH | 3 |
| EDAD 6342 | K-16 ORGANIZATIONAL & LEADERSHIP THEORY RESEARCH | 3 |
| EDAD 6343 | HISTORICAL, SOCIAL, & CULTURAL CONTEXTS OF EDUCATION | 3 |
| 3. Elective Courses (18 hours) | ||
| Approved elective courses | ||
| 4. Dissertation (18 semester credit hours minimum) selected from: | ||
| EDAD 6399 | DISSERTATION | 3 |
| EDAD 6699 | DISSERTATION | 6 |
| EDAD 7399 | DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLETION | 3 |
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.
Professional Dispositions
Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff in each professional education course per semester. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. The student/candidate will have an opportunity to develop a plan to remediate any digressions. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education.
Page Information
The information on this page addresses Texas certification. Requirements may change as the Texas Administrative Code and/or Texas Education Code changes.
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, the University, and the Texas Education Agency/State Board for Educator Certification. To be recommended for certification to the Texas Education Agency/State Board for Educator Certification, a candidate must have successfully completed the following: met all Texas Education Agency requirements for certification recommendation, passed required TExES exam(s), and other required exams, and successfully completed educator preparation program with grades and/or degree posted to transcript in MyMav.
There is a limit of four TExES exam retakes per state policy.
Criminal History Acknowledgement
As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.
1. In order to receive educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
2. If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
3. You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a non-refundable $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
Information for Out-of-State Students Who Complete COEd Programs
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.
Master’s Degree with Principal Certification Courses
The Master’s Degree includes courses required for candidates seeking the Texas Principal as Instructional Leader Certification. In addition to obtaining the Master’s Degree and successfully completing an approved Texas principal educator preparation program, candidates must also successfully complete the required state exams, hold a valid classroom teaching certificate, and have at least two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher in a TEA-approved school (see other requirements below and on TEA's website; requirements are subject to change). Candidates must have their school district send via U.S. mail (not fax) their official Texas Teacher Service Record to the UTA College of Education. The Department offers the Master’s Degree with Principal Certification courses online.
The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
Certificate Information
To be eligible to receive the Texas Principal Certificate, candidates must:
- Hold a master's degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
- Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate.
- Have two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher
- Successfully complete an approved Texas principal educator preparation program
- Successfully complete the required exams
- Apply to State Board of Education Certification and pay the appropriate fees
See the College of Education and TEA websites for additional information.
State requirements are subject to change.
TExES Certification Exam
The department has specific requirements that must be met for recommendation to take the TExES Exam and other state exams. Please see the department's website at https://www.uta.edu/coed/educleadership/ and College of Education website at https://www.uta.edu/coed/certification/steps-advcert.php
Superintendent Certification Program
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) (limit of four retakes) 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 format.
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 the 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 (minimum 3.0 GPA required)
- Other documents required for TEA reporting
The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
Certificate Information
To be eligible to receive the Texas Superintendent Certificate, candidates must:
- Hold a master's degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
- Hold a Principal certificate or the equivalent issued by the TEA, another state or country or, completed the superintendent certificate application (PDF, 314 KB) and been approved by the TEA to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate
- Successfully complete an approved superintendent educator preparation program
- Successfully complete the required exam
- Apply to State Board of Education Certification and pay the appropriate fees.
See the College of Education and TEA websites for additional information.
State requirements are subject to change.
Superintendent Certification Program Course List
| 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 format.
Principal Certification Preparation Only (PCO)
Students with a Master’s Degree, 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 program), and other documents required for TEA reporting can apply to the Principal Certification Only (PCO) program that is 18 hours (six courses). These candidates must also pass the Texas Principal Certification exams, hold a valid classroom teaching certificate, and have at least two years of creditable classroom teaching experience as a classroom teacher in a TEA-approved school.
After being admitted, students must meet the following:
-
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in order to continue in the program
-
Submit all documents required for the field-based practicum which must be conducted in a Texas Education Agency approved site
-
Submit other documents required for TEA reporting
The overall grade point average (GPA) of each incoming class admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program (EPP) may not be less than 3.00 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
Certificate Information
To be eligible to receive the Texas Principal Certificate, candidates must:
-
Hold a master's degree from a university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
-
Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate.
-
Have two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher
-
Successfully complete an approved Texas principal educator preparation program
-
Successfully complete the required exams
-
Apply to State Board of Education Certification and pay the appropriate fees
See the College of Education and TEA websites for additional information.
State requirements are subject to change.
TExES Certification Exam
The department has specific requirements that must be met for recommendation to take the TExES Exam and other state exams. Please see the department's website at https://www.uta.edu/coed/educleadership/ and College of Education website at https://www.uta.edu/coed/certification/steps-advcert.php
Principal Certification Preparation Only Course List (for students who already have a master’s degree)
| Core Courses | ||
| 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 | 18 | |
Coursework and Degree Completion Requirements
- Master’s degree and university graduate-level certificate programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Office of Graduate Studies. Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or university graduate-level certificate. Coursework that is more than five years old cannot be used toward state certification requirements for licensure.
- Each student/candidate in the College of Education of UT Arlington will be evaluated on Professional Dispositions by the faculty and staff in each professional education course per semester. These dispositions are identified as essential for a highly-qualified professional. Instructors and program directors will work with students/candidates rated as “unacceptable” in one or more stated criteria. If digression(s) are not, or cannot be successfully remediated as in the case of an egregious digression, a determination will be made by Committee on continuation or dismissal from the College of Education.