Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.
The 30-hour Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction graduate degree program prepares educators for a variety of educational leadership roles. The program also provides a pathway for interested individuals to earn a Texas EC-12 Principal as Instructional Leader certification.
Areas of Concentration
This graduate degree lets educators tailor a program to meet their personal career goals by offering either a certification route or non-certification route and allowing a choice from one of the five emphasis areas described below:
The Leadership in Curriculum Instruction 30-hour degree program is 100% online
Multiple Start Terms: Choose to begin classes in the fall, spring, or summer
Flexibility: Take classes either full-time or part-time
Program Standards and Learning Outcomes
The curricula and coursework for this program are in alignment with the State Board for Educator Certification standards for Texas Principals as Instructional Leaders outlined in 19 TAC §241.15, the domains and competencies for Principal as Instructional Leader exam (TExES 268), and the Performance Assessment of School Leaders (PASL) tasks. All program learning outcomes are established to develop educational leaders who have the knowledge and ability to promote the success of EC-12 students.
To become certified in a class other than classroom teacher, a candidate must complete a minimum of 160 clock-hours of practicum experiences as described in 19 TAC §228.35. These required performance-based assessment tasks and authentic field-based experiences will be included in the three required core leadership courses. The culminating exams include the master's comprehensive exam for conferral of the M.Ed. degree, and the Principal Exam for the state licensure as a Texas principal from the Texas Education Agency.
Admission Requirements
The Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction graduate program offers options for aspiring leaders in education. Applicants may apply for either the certification route leading to a Texas EC-12 Principal as Instructional Leader certification, or the non-certification route to earn the M.Ed. degree only. Upon successful completion of the program, the master’s degree is conferred by West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). If the candidate chooses to pursue the certification route and successfully completes all requirements for the certification, the Texas Education Agency will issue candidates the EC-12 Principal as Instructional Leader certification upon recommendation by WTAMU’s Educator Preparation Program’s (EPP) certification officer.
Apply to the Graduate School
- Admission to the Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction program begins with completing the online graduate school application.
Submit Program Specific Requirements
- Specific requirements for admission to the Graduate School and the Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction degree are described in detail within WTAMU’s academic catalogs.
- Applicants must fulfill all graduate admission requirements and deadlines to receive admission into the program. The Guidance for Completing and Submitting Application Material documents may be helpful in preparing the application packet. All application documents should be uploaded into the WTAMU Applicant Portal according to the specific instructions provided.
Dr. Nathan Maxwell, Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction Professor and Superintendent of Ralls Independent Schools District in Ralls, TX, gives more information about the new program.
Applicants for the M.Ed. degree and the principal certification pathway must complete the appropriate application components described in the tables below:
| PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
Requirements |
M.Ed. Degree
|
M.Ed. Degree + Principal Certification Route |
| GPA (overall or last 60 hours) |
2.75 or higher |
2.75 or higher |
| Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate* |
N/A |
Teacher |
| Completion of at least eighteen (18) hours of previous education coursework |
Yes |
Yes |
| Credible Teaching Experience |
0 years |
2 years of creditable service is required. If an applicant does not have this experience upon admission, they will be required to submit a deficiency letter and must have the required years of experience before graduation and certification. |
*Please refer to Texas Education Agency (TEA) specific requirements for becoming a principal in the state of Texas.
| APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
Application Components Required
|
M.Ed. Degree |
M.Ed. Degree + Certification |
| Graduate School |
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| Program Application |
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| Screening Requirements |
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| Official Transcripts (must show earned bachelor's degree) |
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| Candidate Information Page |
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| Resume/Curriculum Vitae |
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| Two Professional References (provided electronically) |
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| Letter of Intent |
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| Signed Acceptance Letter |
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| Service Record and/or Deficiency Letter |
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| Signed TEA Code of Ethics |
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| Educator Certificate |
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| TEA Technology Fee Payment Receipt |
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Graduation
All candidates must apply for graduation by the posted graduation deadlines. Upon successful completion of all program coursework and passing the master’s comprehensive exam, the candidate will be eligible for graduation.