An individual interested in specializing in public school administration may have the option to obtain either a master's or doctoral degree. This specialization will prepare individuals to obtain principal certification or superintendent certification.

• Master of Science (M.S.) or a Master of Education (M.Ed.) - allows an individual to receive both a master's degree and complete the course requirements for principal certification in the state of Texas. The curriculum for the 39-hour master's degree is designed to meet the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) standards for the principal certificate. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students are eligible to register for the TExES exam. After a student has passed the TExES, he/she may apply for the Texas principal certificate. It is the responsibility of the student to make application for certification, please visit the Certification link for information.      

Students who are interested in applying for the master's/principal certification program must have the following prior to applying:

   1. Bachelor's Degree that qualifies them to obtain K-12 teaching experience
   2. Texas teacher certificate
   3. At least two years full-time teaching experience
 
Students interested in the doctorate degrees may incorporate the required hours for obtaining superintendent certification into the either degree program. 

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) -  the 69-hour program, offered in a cohort model, specializes in educational leadership providing students with culturally responsible leadership understandings and the skills needed to develop and administer districts. Ed.D students must have principal certification prior to being fully admitted into the graduate program. The next cohort deadline is December 1, 2009, to begin fall, 2010.
  Ed.D degree plan
       
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - this 73-hour program introduces students into a research tradition that values rigor, mentoring, and a commitment to education and social justice. In addition to the coursework, individuals will be expected to co-teach with the faculty advisor for at least two semesters.    

Application submission deadline for all Public School Administration degrees is December 1 for admission the following summer (Master's or Ed.D.) or fall semesters (Ph.D.).   Currently, all candidates are required to come to campus for an interview with faculty in early February and all admission decisions will be made by mid March.


*Please note: All courses are subject to final committee approval.