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Pathways Information

The WTAMU Ed.D. program in educational leadership is a cohort-based program. Students may choose to pursue one of three pathways of study within the program that will advance their professional and personal goals. The pathways of study include EC-12 Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and Educational Business and Finance Leadership. A student’s previous experience, research interests, and professional goals are considered in formulating their plan of study.

The EC-12 Leadership pathway is designed to prepare leaders for key leadership positions in public and private primary and secondary schools, including those serving rural communities. Specific leadership skills are developed and enhanced for mid-management (principals, assistant principals, curriculum directors, and special programs directors) and executive leadership positions (superintendents and assistant superintendents) in EC-12 educational settings, and/or executive directors of state education agencies or professional organizations. As an option, Texas Superintendent Certification may be earned in this pathway for students who enter the program with the Texas Principal Certificate. Subject to institutional requirements, graduates are qualified to assume professorships in departments of education in colleges and universities.

The Higher Education Leadership pathway is designed to prepare leaders for executive positions in higher education institutions, including those serving rural regions. Specific leadership skills are developed and enhanced for administrative positions at colleges, universities, educational organizations, non-profit entities, and/or instructional positions in higher education include upper (presidents and vice-presidents) and mid-management leadership (deans, department heads, directors, etc.) with a deep understanding of ethics, organizational theory, power, decision-making, academic research, and scholarly writing. 

The Educational Business and Finance pathway is designed to prepare leaders for financial leadership positions in educational institutions (primary, secondary, and post-secondary), including those serving rural regions. Specific leadership skills are developed and enhanced for business and finance officers and those seeking a specialization in business affairs within educational institutions, including an understanding of the legal/fiscal structures, constraints, and opportunities available to chief financial officers and their support teams. The program provides a deep understanding of ethics, organizational theory, power, decision-making, academic research, and scholarly writing. Transfer course credit in the program may be awarded to students who enter the Educational Business and Finance pathway with a master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.

For additional information please consult our Curriculum and Course Scheduling Guide