Department of Educational Leadership
Location: 204 Education Building, Phone: (409) 880-8689
Chair: Dr. Jason Mixon
Director of Masters Programs: Dr. Cindy Cummings
Graduate Faculty
Professor: Dr. Elvis Arterbury, Dr. Sandra Harris, Dr. Gary Martin, Dr. Bob Thompson
Associate Professor: Dr. Kay Abernathy, Dr. Nancy Adams, Dr. Jennifer Butcher, Dr. Vance Cortez-Rucker, Dr. Babette Eikenberg, Dr. Steve Jenkins, Dr. Jason Mixon, Dr. Robert Nicks, Dr. Kaye Shelton
Assistant Professor:Dr. Jimmy Creel, Dr. Cindy Cummings, Dr. Diane Mason, Dr. Kenneth Young
Instructor: Dr. Katie Baur, Dr. Daryl Borel
Research Assistant Professor: Dr. George Saltsman
Visiting Assistant Professor: Dr. Clementine Msengi
The Department of Educational Leadership offers a variety of graduate certificates and degrees that prepare students for leadership roles in various areas of the educational system. Programs in this department at the master's level prepare students for roles as principals and educational technology specialists; other certifications and programs prepare superintendents and educational researchers at the doctoral level. Master of Education degrees in Educational Administration and Educational Technology Leadership are offered online in an accelerated format with students taking one, five-week course at a time. For more information about the online programs, go to /lu-online.
Certifications Offered: Principal and Superintendent
Degrees Offered:
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership
Doctorate of Education
University Admission
Admission to a master’s degree program or a post-master’s “certificate only” program is required of all students taking courses in the Educational Leadership Department.
Admission to a “Certification Only” Program
The Educational Leadership Department offers post-master’s certification programs leading to certification as a superintendent and principal. Students who hold a master’s degree and teacher certification and seek an additional certification offered by this department should apply to the Educational Leadership Department for admission to the appropriate certification program. Those admitted to “Certification Only” are expected to have equivalent and recent course work for substitutions to be made for required courses. Upon completion of the application and receipt of an official transcript, a program advisor will be assigned. The advisor will develop a certification plan for the student. After completion of the certification plan requirements the student must apply for and pass the TExES examination and file for the certificate at the Certification Office and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Admission to a Master’s Degree Program
Students with a 3.0 GPA undergrad or 3.0 in their last 60 hours are admitted unconditionally. Those students who do not have the minimum GPA are then required to take the GRE. Students required to take the GRE must meet the institutional GRE and GPA standard according to the formula (GPA X 50) + GRE Verbal + GRE Quantitative =/or greater than 428.
- GRE taken before August 2011: Undergraduate GPA (or last 60 hours, whichever is higher) x 200 + (verbal= quantitative GRE score) =/or greater than 1350.
- GRE taken after August 2011: Undergraduate GPA (or last 60 hours, whichever is higher) x 50 + GRE Verbal + GRE quantitative =/or greater than 428.
Students not meeting the standard 428 must retake the GRE and submit their scores for additional consideration. Appeals may not be processed without the results of a second GRE attempt.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be accepted as a substitute for minimum scores on the Graduate Record Exam, with approval of the department chairman. If a student has applied for admission to a degree program and has not received notification of acceptance (or non-acceptance) within 30 days after application, the student should check with the Graduate Admissions Office.
Department Admission
Admission to the Department of Education Leadership requires Texas residents to hold a valid teaching certificate, have two years of service at a TEA approved public or private school. In addition, all students are required to obtain a campus mentor and conduct practicum hours on a TEA approved public or private school (ForTexas residents) or a PK-12 school for out of state residents.
Step-by-step procedure for admission and completion of a Master of Education degree program offered on-campus:
- Graduate applicants should submit the Graduate Application online at .
- Submit official transcripts from each college previously attended. This requirement applies regardless of the length of time in attendance and regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. Students must be eligible to re-enter all colleges and universities previously attended. Failure to disclose previous college attendance is justification for revocation of acceptance and dismissal from 91制片厂
- If appropriate, complete the Graduate Record Examination and have scores sent to 91制片厂 Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 11614, Beaumont, TX 77710.
- Complete at least 12 hours of course work from their degree plan and apply for Admission to Candidacy. NOTE: A student must be admitted to candidacy prior to beginning the last nine hours of course work.
- Complete remaining course work.
- Complete requirements for graduation.
- Apply for graduation in the Graduate College office (219 Wimberly).
- Take and pass comprehensive examination during the last semester of attendance.
- To take the comprehensive examination, a student must be in his/her last semester of course work, have no incompletes (“I” grade) or unsatisfactory (“D” or “F” grades) on their transcripts, and have met all other requirements for graduation.
- Graduate.
Master’s Degree in Educational Administration (Online Only)
The master’s degree in educational administration requires successful completion of a 36-semester-hour program of study. Certification as a principal requires 36 hours of
prescribed course work. Requirements for the traditional program are as follows:
I. Leadership Core
EDLD 5301 Research Methods
EDLD 5311 Fundamentals of Leadership
II. Additional Core Courses
EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership
EDLD 5333 Leadership for Accountability
EDLD 5335 Curriculum Management
EDLD 5312 Diverse Learners
III. Specialization Preparation
EDLD 5326 School Community Relations
EDLD 5339 Organization and Management Issues
EDLD 5344 School Law
EDLD 5345 Human Resource Development
IV. Internship
EDLD 5397 Supervision Internship
EDLD 5398 Internship in Administration
Total for Master's Degree – 36 Semester Hours
Degree requirements for the online M.Ed. in Educational Administration may be found below and at /lu-online
EDLD 5301 Research This course introduces teachers to the design, methodologies, and techniques necessary to understand educational research and to use “scientifically based research” in making informed decisions that can positively impact student achievement. An emphasis is placed on action research.
EDLD 5311 Fundamentals of Leadership This course provides students the opportunity to construct a foundation of leadership through fundamental theories of leadership. Students define their own purpose of leadership and begin to develop the basic skills required to build communities that support learning for all students. Special emphasis is given to leadership as relationships between and among people and systems.
EDLD 5326 School Community Relations This course provides a foundation for developing relationships with stakeholders within the school community—students, faculty, parents, and the community at large for the expressed goal of supporting student learning. A fundamental purpose of the course is to understand and implement strategies to develop essential partnerships between schools and the larger community to foster student learning and achievement.
EDLD 5333 Leadership for Accountability This course concentrates on both short and long-range district and campus planning. Students will examine the state accountability system, disaggregate data, and use data and resources to improve instruction and the curriculum. An emphasis will be placed on problem-solving techniques and facilitation skills of effective school leaders.
EDLD 5335 Curriculum Management This course builds an understanding of curriculum models; curriculum frameworks, including those articulated at the state level; alignment of instruction to standards; and assessment of learning outcomes. District-level curriculum and policies are reviewed. The alignment of policy, goals, and human resources are examined with application to a specified school context.
EDLD 5339 Organization & Management Issues This course positions the school leader as the effective manager of the organization and its operations. Multiple topics are addressed, such as safe and effective learning environments, student support services, school policies and procedures, discipline management, behavior intervention, and fiscal issues in school management.
EDLD 5344 School Law This course provides teachers a foundation to understand the legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of education. Special emphasis is given to the interpretation of case law, Texas Education Code, and federal and state statutes.
EDLD 5345 Human Resource Management This course focuses on building the human resources to support the learning and instructional mission of the school and the attainment of school goals. Topics include ethical considerations in interactions with others, district policy and its relationship to personnel, confidentiality, employment and personnel law, contract renewal and non-renewal, teacher development, and an understanding of motivational theories and its application within the school environment.
EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership This course emphasizes techniques for improving instruction and learning through the application of the research on effective schools and on models of instruction. Topics include leadership related to curriculum, instruction, supervision, and theories and methods for adult learning and professional development. The principal as the leader of learning involves such tasks as teacher evaluation, supervision, mentoring, and effective communication.
EDLD 5312 Diverse Learners This course enhances teachers’ ability to develop instructional programs to assess, instruct, and support students with diverse learning needs. Special emphasis is given to special education, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students.
EDLD 5397 Internship for Supervision This course provides master's students with an opportunity to review and further develop their Action Research and Internships.
EDLD 5398 Internship in Administration
Principal Certification (Online Only)
A student who completes requirements for a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration will have fulfilled the hours required for a principal certificate. The student’s degree plan will include any additional courses required for certification.
Students already holding a master's degree from an accredited university may enter the "Certification Only" program for Principal Certification by making application in the Graduate College as a post-master’s student and office of the Department of Education Leadership and providing an official transcript of all applicable graduate work. Once admitted, students will be assigned an advisor who will develop a certification plan, which depending on age of course work, will require a minimum of 21 hours with additional hours required as appropriate.
To receive the principal certificate, a student must complete all course requirements, hold a valid Texas Teacher certificate, have two years of classroom teaching experience, and pass the TExES examination. To apply for the certificate, go to .
Professional Superintendent Certificate (Online Only)
Prerequisites for the Professional Superintendent Certificate include a master’s degree and Principal Certification. Students who meet these prerequisites and wish to seek certification as a school superintendent should apply to the Department of Educational Leadership. Admissions may be limited. Applicants are expected to meet the GPA and GRE requirements for admission to the Graduate School for graduate work. Upon completion of the application and receipt of an official transcript of graduate work an advisor will be assigned to develop a certification plan for the student. Students meeting the prerequisites can usually obtain certification as a superintendent by completing 12 semester hours plus a year-long internship of six hours. After completion of the certification plan the student must take and pass the TExES examination and apply for the certificate at .
Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Leadership (Online Only)
The master’s degree in educational technology leadership requires successful completion of a 36-semester-hour program of study. Principal certification is part of the ETL program. Please see Principal Certification above. Requirements for the traditional program are as follows:
Information about the online program in Educational Technology Leadership may be found below and at /lu-online
EDLD 5301 Research Methods This course provides an introduction to skills and techniques for descriptive and inferential research on education problems with an emphasis on planning, designing, and selecting methodology for research projects. Significant course time is devoted to writing a research proposal.
EDLD 5311 Fundamentals of Leadership This course provides students the opportunity to construct a foundation of leadership through fundamental theories of leadership. Students define their own purpose of leadership and begin to develop the basic skills required to build communities that support learning for all students. Special emphasis is given to leadership as relationships between and among people and systems.
EDLD 5352 Instructional Leadership This course emphasizes techniques for improving instruction and learning through the application of the research on effective schools and on models of instruction. Topics include leadership related to curriculum, instruction, supervision, and theories and methods for adult learning and professional development. The principal as the leader of learning involves such tasks as teacher evaluation, supervision, mentoring, and effective communication.
EDLD 5333 Leadership Accountability Focused on accountability and data, this study develops planning and problem-solving abilities using techniques employed by effective school leaders. Special emphasis will be given working with campus improvement committees and to applications on an individual campus and the relationship of campus processes to district planning processes.
EDLD 5335 Curriculum Management This course examines models of curriculum development with emphasis on the management of these functions, including curriculum policy, alignment with standards and resources, and evaluation.
EDLD 5344 School Law This course focuses on knowledge and implementation of school law as found in the Texas Education Code and the handbook of Public School Law as well as laws relating to technology, ethics, and digital citizenship.
EDLD 5345 Human Resource Development Fundamentals of human relations and organizational behavior in developing programs of recruitment, selection, assignment, evaluation, promotion, and termination of personnel.
EDLD 5362 Informational Systems Management This course overviews information technology (IT) in educational environments and the planning required for IT to support the purposes to which it is applied. The course includes administrative applications that support the school system, such as financial, budgeting, and facilities management, as well as a review of current trends in IT.
EDLD 5363 Video Technology & Multimedia This course surveys the principles of video and multimedia design, production, and reflective evaluation. Candidates work in collaborative teams using digital tools to create an edited video distributed to a web page or multimedia presentation.
EDLD 5364 Teaching with Technology This course begins with learning theories and the implications for using technology to promote learning and to enhance teaching. Then the course moves to the technology strategies and best practices that impact student achievement.
EDLD 5366 Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing This course provides an overview of the principles of design and the application to digital graphic and animation products along with the design and development of web-based and printed page layout.
EDLD 5397 Internship for Supervision Designed to give the prospective supervisor job-related experience with school district mentor and faculty of 91制片厂.EDLD 5398 Internship in Administration
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D..) (Online and Hybrid Programs)
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, with concentrations in Effective Schooling, Diversity and Multiculturalism, and Higher Education is designed for scholar/practitioners who desire to create positive lasting change in schools and other organizations. The Ed.D. prepares educators for advanced professional responsibility, leadership, and accountability for effective schooling in diverse school and learning communities.
More specifically, the Ed.D. program prepares graduates for
1. Advancing professional responsibility, leadership,p and accountability for continuous improvement in diverse school and learning communities.
2. Creating a transforming school culture to accomplish lasting school reform.
3. Inspiring lifelong learning among students and adults.
4. Putting into practice standards-based curriculum and performance-based assessment to raise the bar for higher achievement for all students.
5. Creating caring schools in which teachers collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop collegial connections to address equity, opportunity, and excellence.
6. Preparing all students to work in a global society.
7. Creating and utilizing research-based data to enhance learning communities.
Admission Considerations
Applicants should submit all necessary paperwork by the end of March for admission in the next cohort. Students will begin the Ed.D.. program as a cohort in the fall semester of each academic year. Prospective students should go the College of Education website for a current application.
While the Doctoral Executive Council considers all applicants and makes recommendations regarding acceptance, entrance into the program is competitive. Applicants should submit the following information for admission consideration:
1. Evidence of a completed master’s degree from an accredited university in an area related to the proposed studies, with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for courses applied toward a master’s degree.
2. Undergraduate transcript with GPA
3. Graduate Record Examination scores
4. Commitment and demonstration of interest in education as a career and to the advancement of education through professional leadership demonstrated by (a) Essay of approximately 500 words on the applicant’s background, professional career goals, and reason for pursuing a doctoral degree; and (b) Interview with program faculty.
5. Students should be currently or previously involved in and have educational leadership experience encompassing a number of settings, including schools, colleges and universities, health and human service agencies, and community-based organizations.
6. Three (3) professional references
Degree Requirements
The Ed.D. requires the completion of 60 semester hours: 33 hours of core courses (12 hours are in research), 12 hours in dissertation, and 15 hours in selected concentration and electives. All course work (including successful defense of the dissertation) must be completed within ten years.
EDUD 6301 Adult Learning Theory Study of effective professional development standards based on adult learning models and the connections between staff development and student learning in PK – 16.
EDUD 6302 Ethics and Values Foundations of philosoph, and the functions and ethics of leadership in application to building learning communities in schools.
EDUD 6303 Cultural Influences on American Education Social justice issues reflected in cultural and societal patterns affecting the American educational system examined through an analysis of American educational history, multicultural and critical pedagogy and contextualized in terms of equitable leadership for today.
EDUD 6305 Organizational Change Exploration of the role of change in promoting continuous school improvement and in modifying educational practice to result in innovative outcomes.
EDUD 6306 Dynamics of Leadership The study of leadership theory as it applies to the school setting and extends into the community.
EDUD 6314 Academic Research Writing The study and practice of writing as a scholar. Application of these principles using APA on a research topic
EDUD 6315 Directed Action-Research Field-Based Internship I The completion of an action research project that addresses a topic or school-based project.
EDUD 6350 Applied Research A review of research methods related to informed decision-making related to school problems/issues. Application of these principles to a current school-based problem is required.
EDUD 6351 Quantitative Research Application and review of descriptive and inferential statistics, applications, and hypothesis testing.
EDUD 6352 Qualitative Research Exploration of naturalistic observation, archival research, ethnographic studies, case studies, and surveys. A field study will be conducted for application.
EDUD 6353 Synthesis Seminar Completion of a student proficiency assessment comprised of portfolio, synthesis paper, and oral presentation. Successful completion is required to apply for candidacy. Note: Must be taken concurrently with Dissertation I – Proposal Writing
EDUD 6361-6364
Dissertation I – Proposal Writing
Dissertation II – Proposal Defense
Successful completion required for advancement to candidacy
Dissertation III
Dissertation IV
Prerequisite: Approval of Doctoral Director—Note: Students must maintain continuous enrollment from the time of advancement to candidacy and register for at least 3 credit hours each semester until successful dissertation defense, not to exceed 3 years of advancement to candidacy. Maximum number of dissertation credit hours is 12.
Concentration and Elective Courses
EDUD 6307 Educational Policy The theory and practice of policy making and the political influences brought to bear on policy issues in education.
EDUD 6312 Relationships for Leadership in a Multicultural Environment Study of theoretical foundations of relationships, communication, and group behavior and dynamics applied to the learning-centered culture and climate.
EDUD 6313 Seminar: Contemporary Issues Examination of current trends, emerging issues, and research-based practices in education organized around broad themes to complement doctoral course requirements. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.
EDUD 6316 Directed Action Research Field-Based Internship II Completion of internship and action research project that engages in scholarship activities within an organizational setting to improve individual practice, the practice of an identified group, and/or the practices within the organization under the guidance of a mentor.
EDUD 6318 Special Topic Study of significant topics in educational leadership that complement doctoral course requirements. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.
EDUD 6319 Independent Study Supervised investigation into special areas of education under the direction of a graduate faculty member. May be repeated for credit when topic of investigation varies. Prerequisite: Consent of doctoral director.
EDUD 6325 Leadership in Higher Education Study of significant topics in leadership with an emphasis on leadership and administration in higher education.