As the interest for education-related academic careers increases, the number of people interested in pursuing those degrees grows exponentially. This is especially true in Texas, which is where the number of schools offering programs to accommodate this change in the market is on the rise. Courtesy of countless in and out-of-state students interested in these opportunities, however, many schools are also beginning to offer a mix of leadership training integrated into the traditional list of classes focused on education. So, here are some of the most notable facilities in Texas that have implemented various programs to help students pursuing a higher level of knowledge in education.
Angelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Angelo State University is a flexible, tech-savvy department where courses are offered five times a year. In order to accommodate this type of schedule, courses run for a total of eight weeks at a time. Additionally, those who may be unable to attend face-to-face classes can apply to complete their degree plan online where tools like Blackboard and other internet-based programs are utilized. Besides advanced methods and a proven track record in teaching, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction has been recognized as one of the most affordable options for students around the nation.
Master of Education in Educational Administration
If students are interested in becoming principals or superintendents, Angelo State University’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction has a perfect solution. The Master of Education in Educational Administration is a custom-made degree plan that prepares people for the principal certification that is required for the job. Of course, those who are not interested in the certification can still fulfill the degree plan without it. Some examples of the common classes seen in this curriculum include Legal and Ethics Principles, Professional Writing for Educators, Leadership, and similar. The total number of credits that are required for graduation is 36 while two of the courses taken are electives. Those who are pursuing the principal certification, however, will already have these electives assigned. Upon the completion of all the coursework, students have to pass the so-called Comprehensive Review Program (CPR). Some of the most notable learning outcomes include lessons on organizational structure, operations management, and defense of judgments.
Master of Education in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education
The Master of Education in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education is built for students who want to work in non-academic jobs. For those unfamiliar, this means that they are aiming to find employment in the spheres of career services, residential programs, student development, and so on. Successful completion of the degree plan will take them through 36 hours of intensive studies. Additionally, all classes are handled online to help the students incorporate their own lifestyle and figure out the best time to complete the coursework at their own pace. Some important learning outcomes revolve around advising, leadership, inclusion, student learning and development, and human resources. Applicants will not need to present their GRE scores but the GPA requirement is set at 2.5 for a previously earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The program also incorporates hands-on experience with a mandatory internship class.
Contact
2601 W. Avenue N
San Angelo, Texas 76909
(325) 942-2209
Daniel.Martinez@angelo.edu
Baylor University
Department of Educational Leadership
Once the students obtained their undergraduate degrees, Baylor’s Department of Educational Leadership aims to help them further improve their leadership for public and private institutions. Additionally, the programs offered at this department are recognized for their ability to polish people’s researching skills. There is currently a total of five programs that are offered and they include everything from a Minor in Leadership studies to an actual Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies and Leadership. Thus, students with varying needs should be able to find a program that works for them and follow a simple application process in order to get enrolled and begin taking classes.
Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies and Leadership
As a full-time doctorate program offered by one of the most prominent schools in Texas, this degree plan will include a plethora of research mixed with a lot of hands-on experience. The key objective is to prepare all the students to be formidable leaders in a challenging field that evolves fast. The applicants are grouped into small units that get to start their degree every fall semester. Another focus of the department is tangible mentorship that leads to useful life lessons which the students take with them long after graduating. Also, the program comes with 20-hour apprenticeships that happen every week. Of course, given the school’s track record, the curriculum includes a subtle dose of faith combined with a plethora of learning. Generally speaking, people take about three years to complete their studies as there is a total of 72 hours with a mandatory dissertation.
Ed.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership
If students are looking to get a meaningful degree at only half of the cost, K-12 Educational Leadership program might be the perfect solution. The reason why is that almost everyone who attends this program gets 50 percent of their expenses covered by financial assistance programs offered through the university or the federal government. The program aims to create leaders who understand complex data problems and know how to go about solving them. Additionally, students are taught in a way that prepares them for the Superintendent Certification and teaches a combination of modern theories of problem-solving. Furthermore, courses are scheduled during weekends to help busy professionals complete their degree plan in as little time as possible. This also includes the summer time period where most of the teaching takes place. Lastly, every student has a chance to utilize the mentored clinical experience which relies on applicable problems from the practice.
Accreditations
- Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPOED)
Contact
One Bear Place 97304
Waco, TX 76798-7304
(254) 710-3060
Trena_Wilkerson@baylor.edu
Lamar University
College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University is divided into five departments that include the Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Kinesiology, Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Teacher Education. The college has been around for a whopping 60 years and has a strong alumni network that goes far beyond the borders of Texas. Additionally, under the guidance of Dean Robert Spina, the college has been able to reach countless milestones in the area of innovation and student retention. Those interested in educational leadership will have a chance to choose between three different programs that can be completed both in person and online.
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
The Educational Leadership program offered at Lamar University is one of the fastest ways to get a doctorate degree in Texas. It requires 8 semesters that are accelerated and hosted online to provide the students and faculty with better accessibility. Additionally, the program has an underlying theme that repeats throughout every course and it involves innovative change. More precisely, the professors who teach the students will try to instigate them to become more innovative when it comes to solving local, national, or international matters. The courses themselves are going to be based on a lot of research that will further help the students learn how to navigate an online environment where they are solely responsible for meeting the deadlines. Currently, the critical dates start all the way in February as the students have to apply for admission no later than February 15th. Also, every 8-semester degree plan will actually start in the Summer and go on until the 60-hour requirement is met.
Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership
Getting to specialize in the field of education is often as far as prospective educators have to go to find their dream jobs. With this particular degree, however, Lamar University is going to equip these professionals with highly transferrable knowledge in design and implementation of modern technological concepts. Candidates that should pursue this degree generally need to have an interest in technology beyond the basic requirements that come with the field of education. In other words, they should have the drive to create new projects which can help their students learn in a unique way. The overall length of the program is 36 hours and there are two start dates. The early one is on March 4th and requires one to apply by February 4th. Those who would like to get an extra month can apply by March 14th and start their degree plan on April 15th. Regardless, given the current set-up, obtaining the degree will generally take a little over a year.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact
4400 S M L King Jr Pkwy
Beaumont TX 77705
(409) 880-8217
teachedu@lamar.edu
Midwestern State University
Graduate School
The Graduate School at Midwestern State University offers 22 different programs that range from Biology and Clinical Mental Health all the way to Business Administration and Political Science. Students interested in Educational Leadership will have an opportunity to learn and practice a number of standards created by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council. The studies that are offered at this department mostly revolve around master’s degrees. Depending on the degree plan, one may or may not be able to complete their curriculum outside of campus as certain programs require face-to-face meetings.
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Midwestern State University is a graduate program built for students who are seeking employment in schools. Unlike most other options, however, the students who decide to pursue this program will work on real-life issues. For instance, instead of spending the vast majority of their time inside of a classroom, the students will work in smaller groups and try to find solutions to contemporary issues that educators have to face every day. Doing so will instill incredibly valuable lessons on innovation, critical thinking, technical knowledge, and skill application that the next generation of teachers or education-based workers must possess. Moreover, the program will make one eligible for the Texas Principal Certification and, in turn, open up a lot of opportunities on the administrative side of things. The overall length of the program is 42 hours and comes with the mandatory 18 credits that are needed for the principal certification.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges (SAC)
- Schools Commission on Colleges (SCC
Contact
Midwestern State University
3410 Taft Blvd
Wichita Falls, Texas 76308
(940) 397-4920
sierra.trenhaile@msutexas.edu
Praire View A&M University
Withlowe R. Green College of Education
Given the history that Whitlowe R. Green College of Education has, it is one of the best options for people who want to become the next outstanding educator. The department prides itself in diversity and retention rates. In fact, the A&M’s system creates the highest number of teachers who remain in their profession for at least five years after graduation. More impressively, this system of 11 universities has given birth to more fully certified teachers than any other competitor in the state. Prospective applicants can choose from one of the many programs offered by the Educational Leadership, Health and Kinesiology, and Curriculum and Instruction.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
The Educational Leadership program is currently the only doctorate degree plan offered at the College of Education at Praire View A&M University. It requires one to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from their previous graduate studies as well as three recommendation letters. The Ph.D. program itself is subdivided into the P-12 Leadership and Higher Education. Some of the most important classes that one must take include Governance, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Development and Change, and a plethora of Research. Regardless of the fact that most of these courses parallel other Texas-based universities who offer the same program, there are many obvious differences. For instance, this program offers weekend classes that will help those with busy schedules graduate in a timely manner. On top of that, the college is very sensitive when it comes to culture and implements it in every aspect of their teaching. Thus, the sense of diversity is very much present.
Accreditations
- The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)
- Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)
Contact
700 University Drive,
Prairie View, Texas 77446
(936) 261-3311
vwashington18@pvamu.edu
Sam Houston State University
Department of Educational Leadership
Sam Houston State University and the Department of Educational Leadership have a long-lasting history of molding leaders. Students who go through one of the programs here tend to work in fields ranging from libraries and public schools to higher-education institutions and adult education programs. The offering has everything from certifications to doctoral degrees with a total of nine different options. The courses are held at the main campus, which is in Huntsville, and the Woodlands Center. Also, students who reside out-of-state are eligible for online courses that allow them to complete the curriculum without having to attend face-to-face meetings.
Instructional Leadership, M.Ed.
Instructional Leadership is a master’s program that targets students who would like to work in a public or private school. In other words, people who would like to have a career in an educational organization should look no further. The program itself does not require a thesis for graduation but carries 36 hours of coursework. Classes are offered during the Fall, Spring, and even Summer terms. Thus, people who may be interested in completing their academic plan faster can rely on the summer sessions. It is important to note that those who will need a principal certification should not choose this degree as it will not offer it. The coursework that is covered during the program includes classes on research, instructional supervision, the psychology of learning, practicum in instructional leadership, and more. Also, the student gets to choose 12 hours of elective courses that are counted as their “minor” field of study.
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
The Educational Leadership doctorate program is the highest degree that any professional in this field can obtain. It is an executive-style degree that combines students in a group which goes through the courses together. Expectedly, they are all set to graduate together after successful completion of the academic plan. As with most doctorate programs, there is a dissertation requirement that is accompanied by a hefty number of research-based classes. In the past, students who were able to get this degree were generally promoted in their fields of practice or reached higher leadership positions relatively fast. Some common areas of employment for the alumni of this curriculum include school districts, education service centers, educational consulting, and similar. The actual coursework adds up to a total of 60 credit hours that require summer enrollment which must be completed prior to March 1st.
Higher Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
Unlike the previous degree, the Higher Educational Leadership doctorate program is customized to fit the needs of students who would like to work at a college or a university. The credit requirement remains the same at 60 cumulative hours that include a major research project. Although there is a dissertation here as well, it revolves around this project where the student will be asked to defend their standpoint. Some important learning objectives include the student’s ability to properly create institutional mission plans, utilize a high degree of ethics to assign resources, and rely on the development theory to facilitate success. Additionally, given the high-responsibility nature of jobs that come with this degree, the alumni often get jobs that require them to comprehend the relationship between the federal, state, and local agencies. Doing so gives them an opportunity to impact the administrative side of things.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS),
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP),
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Contact
1908 Bobby K. Marks Drive
TEC 319
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1147
jjs083@shsu.edu
adv006@shsu.edu
Related Resource: Top 20 Master’s in Educational Administration Online
As the industry continues to move in this direction, it is fair to expect that the interest rates for educational leadership will go up. What does this mean for the educational facilities and the student body? Well, it will lead to a lower turnover rate that could resolve the peaking dropout levels caused by the employees that lack clear-cut guidance.
