Program Overview | Getting Started | Institution and Advisors | FAQs
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, offered by The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), is designed to prepare candidates for positions of leadership in education. Candidates participating in this program may become eligible for Principal Certification often required for positions in school administration, can complete the degree in 12-24 months, and receive training in instructional and administrative leadership, cultural proficiency, conflict resolution, school law and ethics, fiscal responsibility, organizational theory and other relevant areas appropriate for twenty-first century educational leaders. Superintendent Certification is also available to qualified candidates in a fully-online format.
MA in Educational Leadership online program is aligned with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Principal and Superintendent Competencies, as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)/Education Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards.
The UT Permian Basin College of Education is fully-accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and certification programs are fully-accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
All candidates need to receive and sign a degree plan with the program advisor to formalize their participation in the program. Continued consultation and advisement with the Educational Leadership faculty will insure successful completion of the Master’s degree and/or the Principal and Superintendent certifications.
Program Options
MA with Principal Certification
Thirty-six total credit hours are required for the Master's degree. For eligible candidates, the degree program will also facilitate completion of the course-work requirements for Principal Certification. In addition to completing the degree, candidates for certification as a Principal must earn a passing score on the Texas Principal Certification Exam and must have at least two years of creditable classroom teaching experience.
For eligible candidates with a Master’s degree in fields related to education will be required to complete 21 credit hours to achieve certification as a Principal. In addition to completing course requirements, candidates for certification as a Principal must earn a passing score on the Texas Principal Certification Exam and must have at least two years of creditable classroom teaching experience.
Advanced candidates with a Master’s degree and Principal Certification may qualify as candidates to receive Superintendent Certification. All courses are available online.
Many MA in Educational Leadership, Principal Certification and Superintendent Certification courses are open to cross-campus enrollment. Check with your academic advisor prior to registering for any of these courses to ensure that they apply toward your degree program.
To view MA in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification program courses currently open for cross-campus enrollment, go the Student Portal Course Schedule and select Educational Leadership (MA) from the Finish@UT Program menu, or search for a specific course name/number. To view Superintendent Certification courses available for cross-campus enrollment, select Superintendent Certificate (UTOPS) from the Finish@UT Program menu. UTPB students should refer to the UTPB Course Schedule and register directly through your home campus.
Getting Started
To participate in the program you must apply to and be accepted by UT Permian Basin. Application deadlines, requirements and more can be found on the MA in Educational Leadership program page.
Refer to the Student Support section of our website for additional information on cross-campus registration, course access and campus contacts.
Institution and Advisors
Degree Awarded: MA in Educational Leadership
Program Advisors:
Dr. Jessica Garrett, Chair, Education Leadership and Counseling
(432) 552-2169 | staib_j@utpb.edu
Dr. Kevin Badgett, Assistant Professor, College of Education
(432) 552-2140 | badgett_k@utpb.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
Refer to the MA in Educational Leadership website for current costs.
Are campus visits required?
All of the courses are offered 100% online. If a course requires field-based experience/practicum, it is noted in the course description.
Where can I find more information?
Please consult the MA in Educational Leadership webpage, and contact the program advisor listed above if you have additional questions about the program.