Department of Education Policy and Leadership

SMU Simmons: Ranked among the top 11 private graduate schools of education nationally and among the top 3 public & private schools in Texas.

Explore Our Programs

Master of Education: Education Leadership

Prospective Students

This program is designed to prepare educators for a variety of leadership positions in pre-K through grade-12 public, charter, private secular, and religious schools.

Career and Personal Benefits

Through classroom instruction, individual study, collaborative projects, and the application of research-based principles in field settings, students learn about the instructional, ethical, organizational, and administrative aspects of school leadership.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Prospective Students

This program is designed for educators, public officials, and non-profit administrators who are interested in expanding their leadership in service to Pre-K-to-12 students.

Career and Personal Benefits

The curriculum includes study of ethics in leadership, legal concerns, community engagement, change management, technology, district complexities, talent management, educational policy and politics, and budgeting and finance.

Principal Certification

Prospective Students

This program is designed to prepare educators who already hold a masters degree for their Texas Principal Certification.

Career and Personal Benefits

With access to personalized study with district mentors and SMU faculty, our students graduate meeting all requirements for the Texas Principal Certification.

Master of Education in Higher Education

Prospective Students

This program serves students who want to understand and analyze how institutions of higher education are structured and administered. Graduates are prepared to assume a wide range of roles including positions in student affairs, academic affairs, university administration, education non-profits and more.

Career and Personal Benefits

Our master's degree in higher education provides students with a holistic understanding of how universities and colleges function. Students will examine theory and engage in practical experiences that will provide them with the skills necessary to lead within varied organizational structures and to serve diverse communities.

Ed.D. in Higher Education

Prospective Students

This program is designed for mid-career professionals from postsecondary settings and institutions who want to assume advanced leadership roles.

Career and Personal Benefits

Students graduate as higher education practitioners equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve contemporary problems in their organizations and beyond.