UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
Educational Leadership and Policy - University of Texas at Austin
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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Tuition / yr
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Language
Master's
Level
The University of Texas at Austin offers graduate programs in Educational Leadership and Policy, including Master of Education (M.Ed.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees. These programs prepare students for leadership and research roles in various educational settings. Specializations focus on areas such as higher education leadership and policy, public school executive leadership, and educational policy and planning. The M.Ed. degree requires at least 35-36 semester hours of coursework, with options for a minor outside the department. The Ph.D. emphasizes preparation for a research career, requiring at least 60 semester hours of coursework plus dissertation, with a strong focus on theory development and research methodologies. The Ed.D. programs are geared towards leadership careers, focusing on the application of theory to practical problems and the development of management skills, requiring a minimum of 57-63 semester hours plus a treatise and often an internship or practicum.
Curriculum
The curriculum for each program varies, but core components focus on theoretical foundations, specialization-specific coursework, research methods, and practical application.
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Specialization coursework
- Minor coursework (if applicable)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Core areas in educational leadership theory
- Specialization coursework
- Minor outside the College of Education
- Research methods coursesELP 391P, 391Q, 391E
- Dissertation courses
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Superintendent Executive Leadership
- Core areas in educational leadership theory
- Specialization coursework
- Minor outside the department
- Research methods courses
- Internship or practicum
- Treatise courses
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Executive Leadership
- Core areas in educational leadership theory
- Specialization coursework
- Minor outside the department
- Internship course
- Treatise courses
Careers
Graduates are prepared for leadership careers in various educational settings, including higher education institutions, public school systems, and policy-making organizations. Ph.D. graduates are typically prepared for research-oriented careers.
- Educational Leader
- Policy Analyst
- Administrator
- Superintendent
- Higher Education Administrator
- Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the degree levels and specializations offered in Educational Leadership and Policy?
- The University of Texas at Austin offers Master of Education (M.Ed.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees. Specializations include higher education leadership and policy, public school executive leadership, and educational policy and planning.
- How do I apply for the Educational Leadership and Policy program?
- You need to complete the online graduate admission application via the Cockrell School of Engineering website, submit supporting documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, provide GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable), and pay the application fee.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. An exemption is possible if you have a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an English-speaking country.
- What are the tuition and living costs for this program?
- Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fee Rates page for current international tuition. Estimated living costs are not detailed and you should consult the University's Cost of Attendance for estimates.
- What are the academic requirements for the M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs?
- The M.Ed. requires at least 35-36 semester hours of coursework. The Ph.D. requires at least 60 semester hours of coursework (excluding dissertation), with specific credit hour distributions for core areas, specialization, and research methods.
- What career paths can graduates pursue?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership careers in higher education institutions, public school systems, and policy-making organizations. Potential roles include Educational Leader, Policy Analyst, Administrator, Superintendent, Higher Education Administrator, and Researcher.
Entry requirements
Master of EducationAt least 35-36 semester hours of coursework required, with some specializations requiring a minor of at least six hours outside the department.
Doctor of PhilosophyAt least 60 semester hours of coursework (excluding dissertation hours), including at least 42 hours in the department. Must include 12 hours in core areas, 18 hours in specialization, 15 hours minor outside the department, and 12 hours in research methods. Must pass mid-program review and written/oral examinations.
Doctor of Education (Superintendent Executive Leadership)At least 63 semester hours of coursework (excluding treatise hours), including at least 54 hours in the department. Must include 12 hours in core areas, 33 hours in specialization, 9 hours minor outside the department, and 9 hours in research methods. Must complete an internship/practicum. Must pass mid-program review and written/oral examinations.
Doctor of Education (Higher Education Executive Leadership)At least 57 semester hours of coursework (including treatise hours), including at least 48 hours in the department. Must include 12 hours in core areas, 15 hours in specialization, 9 hours minor outside the department, and 3 hours in an internship. Must pass mid-program review and written/oral examinations.
TOEFL or IELTSOfficial scores required for international applicants, unless bachelor's degree is from a U.S. institution or an English-speaking country.
For detailed information and specific requirements, refer to the Graduate Handbook for the program.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fee Rates page for current international tuition.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fee Rates page for current domestic tuition.
LivingEstimated living costs are not detailed on the provided pages. Consult the University's Cost of Attendance for estimates.
Tuition rates are subject to change. All students must secure their registration by making a payment, confirming attendance, or using financial aid by the published deadline. Failure to do so may result in registration cancellation and late fees.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application for graduate admission via the Cockrell School of Engineering website. Do not use the ApplyTexas application.
2. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload a PDF copy of your current transcripts. Provide three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (1-2 pages).
3. GRE ScoresHave your GRE scores sent directly from the ETS testing center to the Office of Graduate Admissions (University Code: 6882). GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Scores (International Applicants)International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. Exemption is possible for those with a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an English-speaking country.
5. Pay Application FeeSubmit the application fee: $65 for domestic students, $90 for international students.
6. Ensure Document ReceiptIt is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all documents are received by the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) by the application deadline. The department will not make admission decisions until OGA receives all required materials.
Scholarships
Graduate School Fellowships—
College & Department Fellowships—
Externally Funded Fellowships—
Longhorn Awards & Student Scholarship Opportunities (LASSO) Portal—
Frequently asked questions
What are the degree levels and specializations offered in Educational Leadership and Policy?
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The University of Texas at Austin offers Master of Education (M.Ed.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees. Specializations include higher education leadership and policy, public school executive leadership, and educational policy and planning.
How do I apply for the Educational Leadership and Policy program?
+
You need to complete the online graduate admission application via the Cockrell School of Engineering website, submit supporting documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, provide GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable), and pay the application fee.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. An exemption is possible if you have a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an English-speaking country.
What are the tuition and living costs for this program?
+
Please refer to the University's Tuition and Fee Rates page for current international tuition. Estimated living costs are not detailed and you should consult the University's Cost of Attendance for estimates.
What are the academic requirements for the M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs?
+
The M.Ed. requires at least 35-36 semester hours of coursework. The Ph.D. requires at least 60 semester hours of coursework (excluding dissertation), with specific credit hour distributions for core areas, specialization, and research methods.
What career paths can graduates pursue?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership careers in higher education institutions, public school systems, and policy-making organizations. Potential roles include Educational Leader, Policy Analyst, Administrator, Superintendent, Higher Education Administrator, and Researcher.