masters in education texas

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Master of education in educational administration.

The College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development's vision is “We transform lives.” The Master of Education offers two areas of specialization: the first in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP) and the second in Higher Education Administration.

The K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy program’s mission is (a) to prepare leaders for public, charter, and private schools in Texas and the nation and (b) to prepare individuals to conduct research and/or teaching at a university, college, institute, or educational agencies. As a result of these dramatic changes, the K-12 ELP faculty is dedicated to attracting, mentoring, and preparing the "best, brightest, and culturally aware young leaders for key roles as superintendents, principals and university professors." To reach these goals, the faculty must nurture educational change agents who can focus on improving the technical core of teaching and learning and seek social justice for all students at all levels of education. It is important that the program meets the challenges of integrating theory and research as a resource that can be used to solve complex problems of administrative practice. The faculty members believe that both the school practitioner and the university professor must have skills in reflective practice and be prepared to integrate reliable formal knowledge with clinical knowledge, i.e., theoretical with craft knowledge.

As you make decisions about becoming a school administrator, the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration program offers an array of options with a focus on K-12. If you are interested in become a school administrator, this program allows an individual to receive both a master's degree and complete the course requirements for principal certification in the state of Texas. The MEd in Educational Administration is designed for individuals who wish to become leaders in the public school field. This is a non-thesis degree. Students are admitted into a cohort which begins each fall semester. Students should complete the program in two years. 

Upon successful completion of all required coursework and with the approval of the program faculty, students may sit for the (state principal examinations) if they:

• Complete all components of the required practicum experience
• Complete all preparation work recommended by faculty and provide a passing score exam certification practice exams (both 268 and PASL 368)
• Complete the SBEC online certification application
• Complete the College of Education and Human Development Certification and Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Developments Requirements

The Higher Education Administration emphasis prepares future academic and student affairs professionals to work in higher education administration. Higher education is a broad-based area of knowledge and study that examines the management and coordination of programs, policies, and processes pertaining to colleges and universities, including issues associated with access to higher education, admission, assessment and curriculum, enrollment and equitably serving all students, finance and economics, governance and law, learning/andragogy, administration, philanthropy, education policy, and college students.

Career paths in higher education vary widely, and are dependent on academic qualifications and job responsibilities required within and across colleges and universities. For example, the qualifications for entry-level academic advisors or activities director at a community college or baccalaureate granting institution are often more flexible than at a doctoral research university. Higher education administrators typically hold a masters or doctoral degree with a masters as the minimal preferred qualification for many entry-level positions. Graduates with a master’s degree can work in university housing, student activities, admissions and other areas of student affairs. Positions in academic affairs are also common, such as academic advisor, recruitment or retention specialist, development specialist, study abroad coordinator, or financial aid counselor. Other students are interested in education policy and may pursue a career in government policy in higher education. Occasionally, our students started working in higher education with a bachelor’s degree and realize they wanted a masters degree for career mobility or for professional development.

The M.Ed. in Educational Administration is only offered in an online format for the convenience of working professionals. This is a non-thesis masters degree with a culminating capstone project. The program is designed to run year-round with summer courses so students can complete the 36 credits in two calendar years. Students take courses in a loose cohort of two courses per semester, usually one required course and one faculty selected elective. While student can make substitutions including some in-person courses, it is designed as an online program and substitutions must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor.

This program is also approved for delivery via asynchronous distance education technology.

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Credit requirement, transfer of credit, limitations on the use of transfer, extension and certain other courses, final examination, student’s advisory committee.

On-Campus and Distance Education Degree Programs

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling for coursework, the student will consult with the head of the department concerning appointment of the chair of his or her advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee for the master’s degree will consist of only the chair. The chair of the advisory committee must be from the student’s department.

Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for us to one year. The student should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

If the chair of the student’s advisory committee is unavailable for an extended time in any academic period during which the student is involved in activities relating to an internship, thesis or professional paper and is registered for courses such as 684, 692 or 693, the student may request, in writing, that the department head appoint an alternate advisory committee chair during the interim period.

The duties of the committee chair include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, any professional study or project, and the final examination. In addition, the committee chair is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee, in consultation with the student, will develop the proposed degree plan.  The degree plan must be completed and filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college, and no later than 90 days prior to the date of the final oral examination .

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  https://ogsdpss.tamu.edu .

Additional coursework may be added to the approved degree plan by petition if it is deemed necessary by the advisory committee to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination or Request for Exemption from the Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

A minimum of 36 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Education degree.

A student who has earned 12 hours of graduate credit in residence at Texas A&M University may be authorized to transfer courses in excess of the limits prescribed above upon the advice of the advisory committee and with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater might be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Otherwise, the limitations stated in the preceding section apply. Coursework in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit. Courses appearing on the degree plan with grades of D, F or U may not be absolved by transfer work. Credit for thesis research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours or equated to semester credit hours. An official transcript from the university at which the transfer coursework was taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA.

Some departments may have more restrictive requirements for transfer work. If otherwise acceptable, certain courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the master’s degree under the following limitations.

• Graduate and/or upper-level undergraduate courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution, or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the student was in degree-seeking status at Texas A&M University, or the student was in degree-seeking status at the institution at which the courses were taken; and if the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution.
• Courses previously used for another degree are not acceptable for degree plan credit.
• The maximum number of credit hours taken in post-baccalaureate non-degree (G6) classification at Texas A&M University which may be considered for application to the degree plan is 12.

A zero credit 684 or 685 course is only allowed for non-thesis option master's students. A zero credit 681 course can be used for either thesis or non-thesis option master’s students. Other courses, including 691 (Research) hours, are not eligible for zero credit.

• A maximum of 8 hours of 684 (Professional Internship) and/or
• A maximum of 8 hours of 685 (Directed Studies), and
• Up to 3 hours of 690 (Theory of Research).
• A maximum of 2 hours of 681 (Seminar).
• A maximum of 9 hours of advanced undergraduate courses (300- or 400-level).
• For graduate courses of three weeks’ duration or less, taken at other institutions, up to 1 hour of credit may be obtained for each five-day week of coursework. Each week of coursework must include at least 15 contact hours.
• No credit hours of 691 (Research) may be used.
• Continuing education courses may not be used for graduate credit.
• Extension courses are not acceptable for credit.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research coursework required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs.  

Exceptions will be permitted only in unusual cases and when petitioned by the student’s advisory committee and approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

There is no final examination for this degree. The student will instead be required to successfully complete a required common course.

Additional Requirements

Foreign languages, internship or practicum, application for degree.

On-Campus Degree Program

A student must complete 12 credit hours in resident study at Texas A&M University to satisfy the residence requirement for the Master of Education degree.

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School.

See  Residence Requirements .

Distance Education Degree Program

The distance education modality does not have any residence requirement.

All degree requirements must be completed within a period of seven consecutive years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until seven years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework which is more than seven calendar years old at the time of the final examination (oral or written) may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

No specific language requirement exists for the Master of Education degree.

A student who undertakes a professional internship in partial fulfillment of master’s degree requirements after completing all course requirements for the master’s degree must return to the campus for the final examination. The final examination is not to be administered until all other requirements for the degree, including any internship, have been substantially completed.

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Online M.Ed. in:

Curriculum and instruction.

Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Generalist Emphasis

About the program.

This Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction degree, distance education option (also known as the Generalist program) provides a sound combination of theory, methodology and a substantive content area, with some flexibility within the program emphasis, supporting areas.

This 36 hour non-thesis graduate degree option in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to develop effective teaching and research tools that increase educational opportunity and workplace access.

The Master of Education (MEd) degree is rooted in evidence-based research to promote the agentive development of teach practitioners in PK-12 settings. The practical framing of coursework yields transformative curricular teacher leaders prepared to impact a variety of local and global contexts. Program experiences equip master’s students with translational tools to hone classroom practices from the local classroom setting to the larger educational settings.

Live Webinar

Have questions? Please join us for a live webinar!

February 7, at 7:00 p.m.

Join at: tx.ag/MEDOnline

or scan the QR code:

To be admitted to the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program, you must apply to the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture and to Texas A&M University.

Program Design

The program incorporates the following content elements:

Academic Learning

• Research-supported, effective instructional techniques for high rates of student academic learning;
• Research-supported, effective instructional techniques for efficient and successful classrooms;
• Techniques for developing, enhancing and evaluating curricula and lessons for K–12 learners;
• Classroom research techniques for evaluating and documenting student and program success and
• Techniques for enhancing student success on high-stake, state-wide assessments.

Social Climate and Emotional Well-Being

• Techniques for enhancing learner self-efficacy and student general self-concept and
• Techniques for ensuring school-wide respect for the linguistic/cultural diversity of students and their families.

School Improvement

• Skillful participation in school improvement efforts, including needs assessments, goal setting, developing an action plan and evaluating improvement results. School improvement efforts should target academic learning of students.

Family and Community Partnerships

• Techniques for developing inclusive partnerships with families and
• Techniques for working with the broader community and other social service agencies (interagency partnerships and collaboration)

The primary delivery system is online. Online formats vary by class, dependent on material presented, but will include eCampus, PowerPoint presentations, video lectures, assignments, group projects, chat rooms, reading assignments and additional course materials.

Note: This is not a teacher certification program.

M.Ed. Degree Plan

M.Ed. Electives

M.Ed. Electives by Category

Graduate Handbook

TLAC Graduate Student Handbook

Prior to 2019 Online M.Ed. Curriculum

An additional 24 hours of elective coursework is required to complete this degree. Up to two elective courses can be taken outside the department with faculty advisor’s permission and prior approval.

Program Details

Degrees Offered : Master of Education, M.Ed. Program Delivery : Online Credit Hours : 36, non-thesis

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our cost and tuition rates webpage ( https://aggie.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates ). This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Contact Advisors

Sandra Meyer

Administrative Coordinator I

View Directory Profile

Program Chair

Michelle Kwok

Assistant Professor

Trina Davis

Associate Professor

Dawn Parker

Clinical Professor

Cheryl Craig

Robin Rackley

Quinita Ogletree

Clinical Assistant Professor

ArCasia James-Gallaway

George Slattery

Shaun Hutchins

Clinical Associate Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

• Online M.Ed. 2

Online M.Ed.

Can you guide me through the application process.

Please visit our web page at https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/masters-admissions or https://tlac.tamu.edu/admissions/doctoral-admissions for step-by-step information about applying for our master’s and doctoral programs.

How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information

I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?

Please feel free to contact our Graduate Advising Office with any questions you may have. Our office information can be found at https://tlac.tamu.edu/student-services/graduate-advising .

Can't find what you are looking for?

Masters in Education Programs in Texas

1-25 of 53 results

College of Education - University of Texas - Austin

• Austin, TX ·
• University of Texas - Austin ·
• Graduate School
• · Rating 5 out of 5   9 reviews

University of Texas - Austin, Graduate School, AUSTIN, TX. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says As a full-time staff member, part-time student, the academic rigor has been challenging yet fulfilling. The first year is designed to get a doctoral student acclimated to the level of academic rigor... Read 9 reviews.

Simmons School of Education and Human Development

• Dallas, TX ·
• Southern Methodist University ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   5 reviews

Southern Methodist University, Graduate School, DALLAS, TX. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Current Master's student says Great school with even better professors. I am so happy that I enrolled here. I have learned so much from my professors and classes. Read 5 reviews.

College of Education and Human Development - Texas A&M University

• College Station, TX ·
• Texas A&M University ·

Texas A&M University, Graduate School, COLLEGE STATION, TX.

Houston Christian University College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

• Houston Christian University ·
• Graduate School ·
• HOUSTON, TX
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   12

Concordia University - Texas

• · Rating 4.84 out of 5   19

Valparaiso University

• VALPARAISO, IN
• · Rating 4.75 out of 5   12

Trinity University

• San Antonio, TX ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   8 reviews

Graduate School, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 8 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Alum says The Trinity University faculty is the best in the nation by far. Over four years, I worked on two team projects and three independent supervised research for publication. Abroad programs are the... Read 8 reviews.

Texas Christian University College of Education

• Fort Worth, TX ·
• Texas Christian University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Blue checkmark. Texas Christian University, Graduate School, FORT WORTH, TX. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The coursework is meaningful and can easily be transferred into the “real world”. It is not too difficult, but does challenge you. Read 2 reviews.

School of Education - Baylor University

• Baylor University Graduate School ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   6 reviews

Blue checkmark. Baylor University Graduate School, Graduate School, WACO, TX. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says My graduate school experience has truly exceeded my expectations! Each day presents new academic challenges, yet the unwavering support and accessibility of my professors serve as pillars of... Read 6 reviews.

• Find college scholarships

College of Education - Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX ·
• Texas Tech University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Texas Tech University, Graduate School, LUBBOCK, TX. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says The MEd program had been a wonderful experience. The learning is very thorough and the professors have been very supportive. I am glad I chose Texas Tech for my graduate work. Read 1 reviews.

LeTourneau University School of Education

• Longview, TX ·
• LeTourneau University ·

LeTourneau University, Graduate School, LONGVIEW, TX.

College of Education - University of Houston

• Houston, TX ·
• University of Houston ·
• · Rating 3.33 out of 5   3 reviews

University of Houston, Graduate School, HOUSTON, TX. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I went here for my MEd. I highly recommend the Grad School here. I went part-time for 2 1/2 years and got out with the degree I wanted. Very positive experience! Read 3 reviews.

Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts

• Irving, TX ·
• University of Dallas ·

Blue checkmark. University of Dallas, Graduate School, IRVING, TX.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - St. Mary's University - Texas

• St. Mary's University ·

Blue checkmark. St. Mary's University, Graduate School, SAN ANTONIO, TX.

College of Education - University of North Texas

• Denton, TX ·
• University of North Texas ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of North Texas, Graduate School, DENTON, TX. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Alum says A good selection of degrees that are marketable within the community. Excellent instructors that are accessible to the students. The curriculum prepares one for the profession of Educator. Read 2 reviews.

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• Online Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language Programs
• Online Teaching English as a Second Language Programs

School of Education and Human Services - University of St. Thomas - Texas

• University of St. Thomas - Texas ·

University of St. Thomas - Texas, Graduate School, HOUSTON, TX.

Texas State University College of Education

• San Marcos, TX ·
• Texas State University ·

Texas State University, Graduate School, SAN MARCOS, TX. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am an alumna of Texas State University. I am a continuing student seeking my Masters in Education. I have the experience of not only teaching first grade during the CO-VID pandemic but also... Read 2 reviews.

Dorothy M. Bush College of Education

• Dallas Baptist University ·

Dallas Baptist University, Graduate School, DALLAS, TX.

University of Texas - Arlington College of Education

• Arlington, TX ·
• University of Texas - Arlington ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

University of Texas - Arlington, Graduate School, ARLINGTON, TX. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Current Master's student says I decided to major in social work due to my great love of helping others. I attended school in person and online and had a great experience with the faculty and staff. The school of social work... Read 3 reviews.

Abilene Christian University College of Education and Human Services

• Abilene, TX ·
• Abilene Christian University ·

Abilene Christian University, Graduate School, ABILENE, TX. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be attending the online MHA program this fall which I am excited about. ACU gives me the opportunity to practice my faith while also attaining a higher education. I am looking forward to this... Read 2 reviews.

College of Education and Social Sciences - West Texas A&M University

• Canyon, TX ·
• West Texas A&M University ·

West Texas A&M University, Graduate School, CANYON, TX.

Texas A&M International University College of Education

• Laredo, TX ·
• Texas A&M International University ·

Texas A&M International University, Graduate School, LAREDO, TX.

College of Education - Sam Houston State University

• Huntsville, TX ·
• Sam Houston State University ·

Sam Houston State University, Graduate School, HUNTSVILLE, TX.

Dreeben School of Education

• University of the Incarnate Word ·

Blue checkmark. University of the Incarnate Word, Graduate School, SAN ANTONIO, TX.

College of Education and Human Services - Texas A&M University - Commerce

• Commerce, TX ·
• Texas A&M University - Commerce ·

Texas A&M University - Commerce, Graduate School, COMMERCE, TX. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says I have attended this school for 4 years and graduated with my bachelor degree in social work. I am currently in the process of beginning the masters program and I have no complaints about this school. Read 1 reviews.

University of Texas - Tyler College of Education and Psychology

• Tyler, TX ·
• University of Texas - Tyler ·

University of Texas - Tyler, Graduate School, TYLER, TX.

College of Education and Human Development - University of Texas - San Antonio

• The University of Texas at San Antonio ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

The University of Texas at San Antonio, Graduate School, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I joined the Master's program for Teaching English as a Second Language in 2021. I have since graduated and have reapplied to get a Master's in Education for Higher Education Administration. I felt... Read 4 reviews.

Nelson University

• Waxahachie, TX ·
• · Rating 4.83 out of 5   18 reviews

Graduate School, WAXAHACHIE, TX. 18 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at SAGU. The social work program has been incredibly enriching, providing me with valuable knowledge and skills. My experience in working in case... Read 18 reviews.

Houston Christian University School of Fine Arts

• · Rating 5 out of 5   1

Tiffin University

• · Rating 4.27 out of 5   26

College of Engineering and Science at Florida Institute of Technology

• Florida Institute of Technology ·
• MELBOURNE, FL

Showing results 1 through 25 of 53

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College of Education - UT Austin

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Higher Education Leadership and Policy Master’s Program

Higher education leadership and policy.

Master’s Program

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy (PHELP) is designed to advance the personal and intellectual development of individuals seeking careers as academic and student services educators and professionals in institutions of higher education, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Students gain historical, political, philosophical, and social knowledge for creating equitable and just environments in an increasingly complex and constantly changing higher education context. 

Program Philosophy

The M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to coursework. Students can tailor the program of study to fit their interests while building sound theoretical foundations, self-reflection practices, and practical experiences. The PHELP’s curriculum aligns with the  Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education  standards for professional preparation programs in student affairs. 

The PHELP M.Ed. is designed to prepare transformative leaders through theory and practice to create conscious scholarly practitioners. Through coursework and assistantships/internships, students build the ability to navigate complex higher education organizational structures and relationships with stakeholders.

Our faculty welcomes and affirms all learners of diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, personalities, talents and learning styles. As a faculty, we believe in the co-construction of knowledge through partnership with the knowledge and experiences students bring to the classroom to make meaning of higher education populations, phenomena, and issues. Students are prepared for a wide range of roles related to higher education that include student life (e.g. residential life, career center, advising, enrollment management, and student activities), academic affairs, financial aid, multicultural affairs, institutional research, P-16 transitions, in K-12 and postsecondary education, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Application Requirements

All graduate students are required to apply through the  Graduate School  website. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us time to process your information. Applicants who miss the application deadline may be allowed to begin in the spring or summer. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by emailing the director of this program an explanation of why the application was delayed.

Three (3) recommendation letters are required.

Any bachelor’s degree  from a U.S. institution or equivalent from an international institution plus  a statement of purpose  that describes:

• why you are interested in a masters degree in the Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy (PHELP) at UT Austin;
• what life experiences have contributed to your decision to apply to our program;
• what personal experiences, achievements, and accomplishments would compel the department to evaluate your contributions to the University’s diversity mission;
• what type of research and//or practice you would be interested in investigating and which faculty member(s) you would like to work with; and
• what your career aspirations are once you complete your degree. 

Course Requirements

Coursework can be tailored to a student’s interests and needs, with the advice and approval of a faculty mentor. Students take 18 hours of required coursework and can customize the electives taken in both the Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy (PHELP). Students will also have the opportunity to take courses outside the department.

Up to six hours of graduate work may be transferred from another institution and counted toward the master’s degree if approved by the student’s advisor and the graduate advisor and Graduate School. 

Departmental Core (18 hours)

• ELP 385R Organization & Admin of Higher Ed
• ELP 385T Student Affairs in HE
• ELP 385E The College Student
• ELP 395H History of Higher Education
• ELP 395L Higher Education Law
• ELP 385C Contemporary Issues in HE Mgmt

PHEL Elective (9 hours)

• ELP 383P Individual Project (2 nd  Internship)
• ELP 395K Campus Cultures
• ELP 395K Comparative Higher Education
• ELP 395K Legislative Issues in Higher Education
• ELP 395K Critical Consciousness in Higher Education
• ELP 395K Enrollment Management
• ELP 395K Research on College Students
• ELP 395K Leadership in Higher Education
• ELP 395K Equity & Access in Higher Education
• ELP 395K The Community College
• ELP 395K Technology & Innovation
• ELP 395K Multicultural Modes of Mentoring
• ELP 395K Problems of College Teaching and Learning

Graduate Internship (3 hours)

An internship of at least three semester credit hours (approximately 120 clock hours) is required.

• ELP 383N Graduate Internship

Out of Department Electives (6 hours)

Electives can be taken from different departments within the College of Education or other colleges within the University

Download the Program of Work

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships provide both income and experience for students. Students can put into practice the skills they are learning in the CUSPA program.

Examples of current and past assistantships include Greek Life and Intercultural Education, Recreational Sports, New Student Services, International Student Office, Student Activities and Leadership Development, and the McCombs School of Business Office of Student Life.

Job descriptions, processes for hiring, and position availability are posted on the  UT Employment Homepage .

Cohort Profiles

Core Faculty

Examines the effects of state and federal policies on college access and completion outcomes for low-income and underrepresented populations including immigrant and English Learner students.

Higher education finance and policy, with a focus on equity in policymaking processes and the effects of policies Current research topics include: • the differential effects of free college (or Promise) programs on students and higher education in...

Expertise on the intersection of law and educational policies and practices focused on access and equity in higher education, including affirmative action, freedom of expression and inclusion, and the use and influence of research in law.

Accepting new students

Focuses on student governance and involvement in the areas of college student government, the student body presidency, sorority/fraternity life, equity and justice issues, queer students and issues in higher education, and educational crises and emer...

Bringing the experience of 28 years as dean of the College of Education, Justiz shares his expertise in topics of public policy, the politics of education, and providing equal access for minorities in education.

Interests include academic administration, faculty in higher education, and college student development with research on college teaching and minorities in higher education.

Leads the Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success Initiative focused on Latino males in education; seeks to advance research-informed policy solutions that enhance educational outcomes for students in secondary and post-seconda...

Studies how to ameliorate social inequities in the United States through higher education policy; focuses on college pathways at broad-access institutions, including community colleges.

Affiliated Faculty

Manages and coordinates multiple research and evaluation grants and contracts for the Educational Research Center.

Focuses research on student success and graduation initiatives, including innovative college readiness assignments, student success programs and understanding the completion agenda.

Oversees the Center’s community college relations and serves as a point of contact for state leaders, funders and national higher education organizations.

Focuses on policies, practices, and interventions that promote social mobility and reduce socioeconomic stratification in K12 and higher education.

Interests include: student affairs administration, professional staff development, college student development, retention programs for students of color.

Teaches courses that examine the intersectionality of culture, organizations, and systems of privilege, power, and difference in higher education.

Focuses on identifying factors that hinder or promote the success of children and families from vulnerable and underserved populations.

Works in support of first-generation, low-income and underserved populations in the areas of student development, retention, academic support, assessment and advising.

Shares her expertise in student affairs, higher education policy, administration and finance, strategic planning, and leadership development.

Examines the experiences of faculty of color at predominantly White institutions; mentoring relationships between faculty and Black students; and work-life balance in academia.

Centers research on college student identity development, personal branding for student leaders, and work/life integration for student affairs administrators

Academic technology, technology-enhanced learning, learning technologies, online education, college teaching and learning, course evaluations, design thinking, design pedagogy, learning experience design, and developing expertise in generative AI too...

Focuses on university-wide campus climate initiatives such as developing inclusive classrooms, campus climate issues and support, and recruitment/retention of faculty of color at predominantly white institutions.

Serves as the Associate Director for Student Learning and Development and researches post-qualitative and post-structuralist methodologies, discourse analysis, and gender performance.

Expertise in Title IV policy and administration and higher education fundraising. Focused on issues of college affordability, under-represented student recruitment, and donor relations.

Contact the Program

For more information, please write, email or telephone: The University of Texas at Austin Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy 1912 Speedway D5400  Austin, Texas 78712-0374

Telephone: (512) 471-7551 Fax: (512) 471-5975

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At a Glance

Program Starts : Fall

Deadline to Apply : December 1

Credit Hours Required : 36

Schedule : Full time or part time permitted per discussion with program head

Program Location : On Campus

GRE Required? No

Program Co-coordinator Liliana Garces

Program Co-coordinator Lauren Schudde

Program Co-coordinator Michael Anthony Goodman

Find out information about the admission process and application requirements.

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