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Educational Leadership and Policy Studies - MASTER'S (MED)

CIP CODE 13.0401.00

DEGREE OVERVIEW

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) prepares educational leaders and administrators. Students build upon their existing experiences and learn skills that can increase student performance, improve organizational culture, enhance teaching and learning, and impact organizational effectiveness of schools and higher education institutions. Two emphasis areas are available: principal certificate courses (for PK-12 schools) or higher education administration.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a non-thesis, 30-credit hour degree.
Curriculum, program delivery, and admission requirements are specific to each of the program emphases (Principal Certificate Courses or Higher Education Administration).
The principal-oriented emphasis area is offered online. (A Principal Certification Preparation Only option is also available for applicants who have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university and who meet all other requirements.)
The Higher Education Administration Emphasis includes additional options for 1) a dual degree, Master of Social Work and Master of Education in ELPS, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis or 2) a B.A. - Ph.D. Track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. The Higher Education Administration Emphasis is an in-person program.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

M.Ed. in ELPS with Higher Education Administration emphasis graduates find employment in many areas of higher education, including but not limited to:

Student affairs
Housing
Financial aid
Institutional research and technology

M.Ed. in ELPS with Principal Certificate Courses emphasis graduates pursue leadership/administration positions in PreK-Grade 12 schools, including:

Principal
Assistant principal
Principal
Central administration

DEGREE OPTIONS

M.Ed. in ELPS with Principal Certificate Courses

This online degree option is for students who want to work in administration in a PK-12 environment.
Along with earning a master's degree, eligible students in this program are prepared for Texas principal certification.
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 to be recommended for Texas educator certification. If you are an out-of-state student interested in seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with the state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and complete any additional requirements. Please see additional information on our website.

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M.Ed. in ELPS with Higher Education Administration Emphasis

This degree option is for individuals who would like to pursue a career in higher education or who work in colleges and universities and wish to enhance their knowledge of the higher education system.
This is an in-person program that includes hybrid instruction modalities. Because most students are working professionals, courses are offered in the evening.

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B.A. - Ph.D. Track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Students accepted in the M.Ed. with Higher Education Administration Emphasis can elect, with program approval, to pursue the integrated BA - Ph.D. track.
This track allows students to start doctoral work earlier and transfer into the Ph.D. program upon completion of 30 credit hours in the M.Ed. program.

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Dual degree MSW/M.Ed. Master of Social Work/Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis

Students seeking their Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis may wish to seek a dual degree to also concurrently obtain a Master of Social Work that offers multiple specialties.

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