About the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a relatively recent entry into the field of professional preparation of educational leaders poised to become school district Superintendents, and campus Principals and Assistant Principals. The advantages of being relatively new (since the mid-1990’s) include, but are not limited to, the ability to implement innovative, state-of-the-art programs developed to meet contemporary leadership challenges in the rapidly changing public school settings, rather than being encumbered with long standing and antiquated academic degrees and certification programs, and tenured faculty fiercely defending the status quo.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area school districts currently collaborate with the Department in two administrative internship programs. Each allows graduate students to complete course work, internship experiences and a master’s degree in a one-year period. A third option, also offered to a cohort of students, permits completion of the degree requirements in five semesters over a two-year period. Other graduate students choose the self-paced, frequently referred to as the “traditional program,” which provides them with evening and summer academic and internship courses they may select to meet their individual scheduling needs. Some degree and certification requirements may be met via internet/distance courses. Additional distance courses and programs are being considered.

In 2001, the Department name was changed from Educational Administration to Educational Leadership and Policy Studies to reflect its broader mission. Educational policy courses are currently master degree requirements and will be emphasized in the proposed doctoral program, which focus on PreK-16 leadership. Policy studies examine educational governance and contemporary policy issues. One of the current courses provides graduate students with the opportunity to interact with the “players” in educational governance, e.g., legislators, lobbyists, governing boards, and agency staff members. Faculty and graduate students visit the state capitol city over a period of three days each semester the course is offered. Faculties have proposed graduate student internships in both state and federal educational agencies.

Important Contacts
Location and Maps
Accreditation and Partnerships
College of Education Overview
NCATE Educator Preparation Unit