Program Overview

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The master of science degree in educational leadership & policy studies with a concentration in Adult and Continuing Education is designed for professionals working in school settings, colleges/universities, business, and government, as well as those preparing for work in these and related areas.

Program Overview

• The degree requires 36 hours of non-thesis coursework and a comprehensive examination.
• Students take 24 hours of core courses and choose from two concentrations for 12 additional hours in either Adult and Continuing Education or Applied Educational Psychology.
• The curriculum is specific in requirements, and course offerings are planned to facilitate graduation within six semesters.

Concentrations

• Adult and Continuing Education Concentration: Focuses on the advanced educational needs of professionals who work with adults in various settings, including coursework in adult learning and development, program planning, reflective practice, professional issues, research, and teaching adults.
• Applied Educational Psychology Concentration: Focuses on concepts, principles, techniques, and models of educational leadership & policy studies to facilitate teaching and learning and create effective classroom environments for learners of all ages.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Statement of Goals
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Three Recommendations

Deadlines for Submission of Application Materials

• Fall Semester: June 1st
• Spring Semester: October 1st
• Summer Semester: February 1st

Application Guidelines

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Presents detailed information about professional and academic experiences, notable achievements, awards, and volunteer work.
• Cover Letter / Letter of Introduction: Expands on the CV, showcases skills, and describes goals for pursuing the program.
• Goals Statement: Shares research interests, how the degree will help achieve goals, and plans for using prior life and work experiences.
• Transcripts: Upload degree transcripts.
• Writing Sample: Chooses a previous thesis, course paper, published article, conference paper, or other writing that showcases professional writing skills and style.

Program Faculty

• Patricia Higgins, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor
• Jennifer D’haem Kobrin, PhD, Assistant Professor
• Mitsunori Misawa, PhD, Associate Professor
• Qi Sun, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator

Financial Aid Information

Includes departmental fellowships/scholarships and links to other funding sources.

Program Description

The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program focuses on the creation and study of environments that enhance learning potential and promote lifelong learning for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The program is designed to develop reflective practitioners who actively participate in leadership and service to promote adult learning in a global community.

Concentration Details

Adult and Continuing Education Concentration

• Description: Focuses on the advanced educational needs of professionals who work with adults in a host of settings.
• Coursework: Includes areas such as adult learning and development, program planning, reflective practice, professional issues in adult and continuing education, research, and teaching adults.
• Emphasis: On the development of reflective practitioners who actively participate in leadership and service to promote adult learning in a global community.

Applied Educational Psychology Concentration

• Description: Focuses on concepts, principles, techniques, and models of educational leadership & policy studies as they are used to facilitate teaching and learning and the creation of effective classroom environments for learners of all ages.
• Coursework: Includes traditional themes in educational leadership & policy studies, such as human development, learning principles, assessment, and psychoeducational intervention.
• Emphasis: May be used as a stepping stone for entering a doctoral program in educational leadership & policy studies or as additional preparation for functioning in an educational role in schools, mental health centers, and business programs devoted to personal and professional development.