About EL
The Department of Educational Leadership (EL) offers graduate degree programs at three levels: Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts (M.A.), Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The coursework leading to a graduate degree is taught by a core faculty with expertise in the areas of organizational development, policy development, school administration, supervision and evaluation, curriculum development, school law, school finance, school plant planning, higher education and educational foundations.
Specializations in the areas of elementary and secondary curriculum, reading, counseling and guidance, special education and research can be obtained in cooperation with other departments within the College of Education. By combining some of the above areas, it is possible to provide additional programs for administrators whose roles require specific emphases.
Mission
The Department of Educational Leadership is committed to providing resources and services within an environment that has rapidly changing needs - this "New West" is a region characterized by dramatic changes and variation in demographics, economy, technology and culture. Within this context the department provides degrees in leadership at the master's, educational specialist and doctoral levels that prepare professionals to lead and develop complex organizations and learning environments in varying contexts.
The department seeks individuals interested in using leadership positions in K-12 and higher education organizations to transform teaching and learning environments and to promote educational and community opportunities that advance all participants. The department also seeks dynamic leaders interested in improving the experiences of adults in business, government, health care and non-profit organizations through practices that advance individual, group and organizational learning.
As a department, we see ourselves and our students as a cohesive community of reflective scholar practitioners. Because leadership is inherently a moral craft, in addition to providing useful knowledge and practical skills, we also help our students develop values in which to group the vision and energy they will bring to their communities in the years ahead.