Educational Leadership (MED) - Accelerated Online
Overview
This online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, inclusive of principal certification, is designed to develop culturally responsive educational leaders to serve a diverse student population, especially the English language learner.
UTRGV's M.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program prepares students for new opportunities as a socio-culturally aware educational leader competent in site-based school management, school law, finance, and personnel practices.
Learn how to effectively direct and advocate for academic excellence and lead positive change in today's schools with a particular focus on students from multicultural backgrounds and English language learner (ELL) populations. Gain management experience through field-based problem solving and practice collaborative strategies to shape a nurturing school campus culture.
This program is accelerated and is 100% online. A traditional version of the program is also available. Students are not allowed to alternate enrollment in accelerated and traditional program courses.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester credit hours for clear admission; 2.75 - 2.99 GPA for Conditional Admission.
- Official Transcripts.
- Vita/Resume that includes educational background and work experience.
- Personal statement (see the College of Education and P-16 Integration for more information).
- Video presentation (see the College of Education and P-16 Integration for more information).
- Clear Criminal Background Check (CBC).
- Two years of teaching experience.
- Copy of Educator Certificate.
- Copy of Teacher Service Record.
The application for admission must be submitted before the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Progression Requirements and Dismissal Policy
Leadership and Fitness Dispositions Policy and Exit Policy
All students in the master's and principal certification programs will be assessed with leadership dispositions in every course described in the Student Handbook. Students are expected to conduct themselves ethically, responsibly, and professionally. This conduct is evaluated through the Leadership and Fitness Dispositions (LFD) Policy and the Exit Policy as an element of student's performance in the program. The LFD review process regularly monitors students’ professional and personal development. Students who do not comply with the LFD Policy and the Exit Policy may be removed from the program.
Portfolio B Assessment
During the last semester of coursework, students must apply to take the Portfolio B Interview Assessment. The Portfolio B Assessment must be passed to fulfill degree requirements for graduation. Should students fail, they will need to retake the Portfolio B Interview Assessment.
Additional Program Information
Admission Process
The the Faculty Admissions Committee make admissions decisions chaired by the Coordinator for the Master's Program.
Graduate students are admitted every semester in cohorts and move through the program in cohorts, and they may take two assigned courses each semester.
Program Orientation
Students must attend the Student Orientation before beginning the program.
Graduate students will be required to purchase software to store key documents, field-based work, and assessments.
Field-based Courses
Courses may require field-based hours, which be completed outside of class time.
Transfer Hours
A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of relevant coursework may be transferred to the master’s degree and applied to the degree plan if approved by the department chair. No course lower than a B may be transferred.
Changes to the Degree Plan
Any deviations from the degree plan must be approved by the program coordinator. Students must complete a Petition to Change Degree Plan form and give it to the program coordinator for processing. The degree plan change is NOT approved until the petition has been signed by the program coordinator, the department chair and the Dean of the College of Education & P16 Integration. Once the change is approved, the form will be sent to the Office of the Registrar.
Certification
After program requirements have been completed, students will be eligible to take the state Principal TExES exam. Students will receive information regarding registration for the TExES while enrolled in the pre-practicum course. After completion of the two practicum courses and passing the TExES examination, students should apply for principal certification immediately. If TEA certification standards change between the time you complete the program and the time you apply for certification, you will be required to meet the new standards before being certified. This may mean taking additional courses or completing additional requirements.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 30 Hours
Capstone Requirement
Portfolio B Interview Assessment
Total Credit Hours: 30