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Educational Leadership and Policy

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Educational Leadership and Policy
#5 Ranked Program by U.S. News & World Report

Leadership in Education

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy has a legacy of excellence in training scholars, practitioners, and educational leaders for PK-12 public schools, higher education, and the P-16 policy arena. We prepare a diverse cadre of change-makers who go on to serve as superintendents, school principals, professors, researchers, and student affairs professionals. Our award-winning faculty, nationally recognized graduate programs, and highly regarded research centers focus on educational leadership and policy through an equity and social justice lens.

Our department consists of two program areas that offer master’s and doctoral degree concentrations in specific fields: the Program in Higher Education Leadership and the Public School Executive Leadership Program.

Apply to Master's or Doctoral Program

Research

Our collective research work as a department spans both K-12 and higher education issues, and the impact of our research contributions is evident at the state and national levels.

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Graduate Programs

Two women in the Educational Leadership and Policy program talk about a paper during class.

Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Through research across departments within the university, students gain first-hand experience into effective applications, policies, and leadership skills used in academia by faculty and staff.
Executive Ed.D. faculty address the first cohort of students.

Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Students will learn competencies in social justice, equity, research, organization, and technology that contribute to aspects of a qualified educational leader through a flexible program focused on career development.
Professor Richard Reddick leads a graduate seminar

M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership

An interdisciplinary approach to course work enables students to tailor the program of study to fit their interests while building sound theoretical foundations, self-reflection practices, and practical experiences.
Three graduate students sit at a table in front of a wall full of large notes about leadership.

Cooperative Superintendency Program (Ed.D.)

This program prepares students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences to provide direction within a dynamic educational landscape as superintendents or executive leaders.
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Education Policy and Planning Program (M.Ed., Ph.D.)

Through vigorous coursework and innovative research, students examine important topics and issues in public schools to better inform policies that benefit all students.
Graduate students listen as a classmate delivers a presentation.

Texas Principal Leadership Academy (M.Ed.)

The Leadership Academy is a 12-month master’s program designed to prepare graduates to be leaders of socially just, equitable, and high-achieving public schools.

About the Department

Learn more about our faculty, staff, and students that promote educational leadership and policy.
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Current Student Resources (on the ELP Wiki) >
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Features

Texas Education Mourns Passing of Associate Professor Patricia Somers

Dr. Somers was a devoted colleague, a caring educator and a mentor who helped our higher education program rise to national prominence.

Q&A with Dr. Liliana Garces: Exploring How Legal and Education Systems Shape Students’ Futures

For the past 17 years, Dr. Liliana Garces has helped translate social science research for courts across the U.S. as counsel on amicus curiae, or friend-of-the-court, briefs. Advocating for individuals or organizations who aren’t parties in the litigation, these filings provide critical data and perspectives to inform legal deliberations.

Q&A with Dr. Sarah Woulfin: Connecting the Dots Between Education Policy and Equitable Instruction

As the effects of the pandemic contributed to an already rocky terrain, districts and schools were forced to recognize the need for numerous reforms—from new instructional materials and evaluation systems to tutoring programs and assessment systems.