EDCL Degree Programs

Program Overview

With an explicit focus on cultural responsiveness and equity-oriented practices for the diverse classrooms of Texas, teachers completing the M.A. in educational leadership with a concentration in instructional leadership program will enhance their own teaching within the classroom, develop skills for assisting other teachers and learn how to become part of collaborative efforts aimed at school/district-wide instructional improvement. 

Recognized by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) for preparing equity-oriented leaders, the M.Ed. in educational leadership with principal certification program focuses on situating school-based leaders within societal contexts and teaches students how to engage school and community assets as the foundation for improvement efforts.

Course Work

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in instructional leadership is a 36-credit-hour program with 24 core hours (including courses focused on instructional leadership in practice) and 12 hours in a minor. Designed for teachers who want to develop leadership skills and become involved in school leadership activities, courses focus on instructional supervision, instructional design, curriculum development, leadership, and action research. Individually selected cognate courses are available in a wide range of content areas including bilingual education, STEM, literacy development, science, mathematics, and technology, allowing students to personalize the program to their interests and career goals. 

The 30-hour Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership program is designed for educators who aspire to formal leadership and administrative roles in schools and districts. The course sequence includes topics on leadership, school improvement, instructional design and school law with an emphasis on action research. All students complete a year-long, field-based internship and will graduate with the principal certification. 

Educators who have already earned a master’s degree in education and have a minimum of one year of teaching experience in K-12 schools can take the 24-credit-hour post-master principal certification program. This program can be completed in three semesters with summer admission. Classes for both programs are offered at the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses.

Master's Degree Program

Master's Degree + Professional Certification Program

Program Overview

Recognized by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) as a national model for creating equity-oriented leaders, the program emphasizes the improvement of PK-12 teaching and learning through the development of systems-level processes and structures and prioritizes educational leadership as a practice integrating school and community contexts.

Course Work

Program Overview

Recognized by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) for preparing equity-oriented leaders, the program focuses on situating school-based leaders within societal contexts and teaches students how to engage school and community assets as the foundation for improvement efforts.

This certification program requires 18 hours to complete.

Course Work

Educators who have already earned a master’s degree in education and have a minimum of one year of teaching experience in K-12 schools can take the 18-credit-hour post-master principal certification program. This program can be completed in three semesters with summer admission. Candidates who have not yet earned a master’s degree should apply to the Educational Leadership (M.A./M.Ed.) program.

Program Overview

The Texas State University superintendent certification program prepares educators to serve as school district superintendents and in other central office leadership positions. The program offers courses taught by experienced superintendents, central office leaders and university faculty and provides an exceptional opportunity to build professional networks.

This certification program requires 15 hours to complete.

Course Work

The non-degree program consists of:

• 15 semester hours of graduate course work that may be completed in one year
• collaborative instruction by experienced university faculty and district administrators
• course content aligned with state and national standards for district level leadership
• a flexible schedule of monthly seminars combined with online learning
• a field-based internship during the fall and spring semesters
• preparation for the TExES examination, which students must pass for full certification
• candidates who wish to earn a doctoral degree + superintendent certification can apply to the Ph.D. in Educational and Community Leadership