Departments

Master's Degree in Educational Leadership
Transforming Education through Expert Leadership

Applications accepted through April 1, 2010 for the fall 2010 student cohort.

Directed by Dr. G. Reid Lyon, distinguished professor of education, the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educators for leadership positions in pre-K through grade-12 public, charter, private secular, and religious schools.  Through study and research in the areas of organizational leadership, academic leadership, and teacher effectiveness, graduates of the program will be well prepared to:

  • Develop and support effective teachers;

  • Select and implement effective curricula and instructional programs; and

  • Identify, implement, and sustain effective organizational practices.

To this end, the program offers the following unique features.

  • Comprehensive Academic Leadership component:  A series of 5 courses focused on the core domains of instruction (i.e., mathematics, literacy, science, social studies and world languages) as well as special programs such as fine arts and Special Education.

  • Field-based projects (internship experiences) integrated throughout the program and completed on each student's campus of employment.

  • Projects that mirror the cycle of a typical school year.

  • Quarter system enabling students to complete the M.Ed. program in one calendar year as part of a cohort.

  • A focus on ensuring that all graduates have the knowledge and skills to evaluate the effectiveness of their leadership on the schools in which they serve.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership curriculum is designed in accordance with certification requirements established by the state of Texas and consistent with national standards and empirical evidence on effective school leadership knowledge and skills.

Program Structure

This 45-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals and can be completed within one year.  Students begin the program in the fall as part of a cohort, taking courses in a prescribed sequence through two 7-week modules offered during the fall, two 7-week modules offered during the spring, and two 5-week modules offered during the summer. 

Each module consists of four 2-hour courses. Three of the four courses will be based on academic content, and one course will be a field studies course.  Each of the three academic courses will assign field-based projects to be completed in the field studies course.  Clinical faculty will supervise and evaluate the field-based projects based on pre-designed rubrics. 

During the fall and spring academic terms, classes meet for approximately 4 hours on Wednesday evenings and all day on Saturdays.  Some course work will be online using the Blackboard Academic suite course management system.   Summer session classes meet 4 days per week, with the exception of the Portfolio Seminar, which meets on an as-needed basis. 

Cost

This program offers reduced tuition, and partial scholarships are available.

Faculty

The faculty for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership is comprised of some of the finest professors in the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education & Human Development.  Guest lecturers and visiting professors will also contribute to the offerings of the program.

Permanent Faculty Members:

Dr. G. Reid Lyon, Distinguished Professor

Dr. David J. Chard, Dean

Dr. Leanne Ketterlin Geller, Associate Professor

Dr. Lee Alvoid, Senior Lecturer & Director of Field Studies

Dr. Gail Hartin, Lecturer & Director of Admissions & Advising

For More Information

eMail:  EdLeader@smu.edu