Educational Policy and Leadership Studies

Graduate degrees: MA in educational policy and leadership studies; EdS in educational policy and leadership studies; EdD in educational policy and leadership studies; PhD in educational policy and leadership studies

Faculty: https://education.uiowa.edu/directory

Website: https://education.uiowa.edu/about/administration/department-educational-policy-and-leadership-studies

The Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies offers academic programs that prepare administrators, professional personnel, teachers, and researchers in the fields of educational leadership, higher education and student affairs, and schools, culture, and society. The department also offers combined programs with other College of Education departments and with other University of Iowa colleges.

The department offers graduate degree programs in several major areas within educational policy and leadership studies:

  • educational leadership (offered in the MA, EdS, and PhD);
  • higher education (offered in the EdD);
  • higher education and student affairs (offered in the MA, EdS, and PhD); and
  • PK–12 administration (offered in the EdD).

The areas are described below under "Graduate Study Areas," followed by information about each degree program.

Applicants for admission to graduate degree programs must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

Graduate Study Areas

Educational Leadership

Study in educational leadership prepares individuals for leadership positions. In addition to graduate degree programs, the area includes principal licensure and superintendent endorsement. See the Master of Arts, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education, and the Doctor of Philosophy in this section of the catalog.

Licensure

To be eligible for recommendation by the University of Iowa for licensure in Iowa as a principal or superintendent/area education agency administrator, students must complete the appropriate program. The specific requirements for each program are available from the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and the Office of Student Services. Students who hold an MA must satisfy all core requirements and must complete at the University of Iowa the minimum semester-hour program for each licensure level they seek. Because each administrative license has specific requirements, candidates are required to plan their programs with their advisors' approval.

University student working with young studies on an assignment in their classroom.

Superintendent Endorsement

The superintendent endorsement curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for licensure as a school superintendent (pre-K–12) as well as for other school district leadership positions; for the chief administrator position in Iowa's area education agencies (AEA) as well as other AEA leadership positions; and for leadership positions in state or federal departments of education and related agencies. The superintendent endorsement requires a total of 30 s.h. of credit.

Students in the endorsement program must have an Iowa administrator license. They obtain the superintendent endorsement (State of Iowa endorsement 171) upon completing the required EdS coursework and at least three years of principal experience.

Higher Education

The higher education program prepares educational leaders to be scholar practitioners who apply the knowledge, skills, and inquiry strategies to solve significant problems related to educational policies and practices in higher education. See the Doctor of Education in this section of the catalog.

Higher Education and Student Affairs

Advanced study in higher education and student affairs draws upon diverse perspectives from varied disciplines and professional fields to analyze critical issues and policies and their effects on students, faculty, administrators, staff, and other members of the higher education community. It also explores the complex interactive relationships among institutions of higher education, the external environment, and society at large.

The higher education and student affairs (HESA) program coalesces around a shared sense of responsibility to produce research and spark innovative thinking that addresses the contemporary challenges and persistent inequities permeating higher education. HESA offers educational leaders, scholars, and practitioners comprehensive expertise built from a range of intellectual traditions. Faculty have diverse philosophies, methods, disciplinary training, and personal backgrounds, ensuring students gain a deep understanding and interconnected view of the field.

Graduate degree programs in higher education and student affairs prepare professionals and scholar practitioners to serve as administrators, researchers, educators, and analysts in institutions of higher and postsecondary education and in related public and private agencies. See the Master of Arts, Specialist in Education, and the Doctor of Philosophy in this section of the catalog.

PK–12 Administration

The PK–12 administration program prepares educational leaders to be scholar practitioners who apply the knowledge, skills, and inquiry strategies to solve significant problems related to educational policies and practices in PK–12 educational settings. In addition to the graduate degree, individuals may complete requirements for superintendent endorsement. See the Doctor of Education in this section of the catalog.

Graduate Certificates

Institutional Research and Effectiveness

The graduate Certificate in Institutional Research and Effectiveness develops skills in institutional research appropriate to the education sector, and for fields and professional settings that are associated with educational interventions, programs, and outcomes. The certificate is offered by the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. To learn more, see the Certificate in Institutional Research and Effectiveness in the catalog.

K–12 Equity and Inclusion

The graduate Certificate in K–12 Equity and Inclusion provides educational professionals or nondegree-seeking students currently working in K–12 schools, districts, and area education agencies expertise in equity and inclusion to better support the needs and interests of a diversifying K–12 student population. The certificate is offered by the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. For more information, see the Certificate in K–12 Equity and Inclusion in the catalog.