Lead with Confidence
Guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond through our educational leadership program.
The Department of Educational Leadership is committed to helping you guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond. Our programs include master's and doctorate degree plans as well as principal and superintendent preparation programs.
Addressing the needs of a diverse range of students, we offer course delivery modes that are mindful of your time, geographic and economic considerations. Most coursework is now fully online, while some certification courses incorporate onsite learning to satisfy state requirements for principal and superintendent preparation programs.
Welcome from the Department Head
The Department of Educational Leadership graduates more than 200 students each year and is one of the largest administrator preparation programs in the state. Faculty utilizes a variety of innovative teaching processes to reach a diversified student population across the state.
Texas A&M University-Commerce has one of the highest graduation rates among Texas public institutions for doctoral programs. The Department of Educational Leadership ranks near the top in Texas in the preparation of K-12 Principals and Superintendents. Our programs are designed for the working practitioner while holding to the highest standards of scholarship and professionalism.
Explore Our Programs
Educational Administration (EDD)
The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration emphasizes K-12 public school administration. This program is one of the only online doctoral programs in the state.
4 Years
None
60 Hours
Dissertation required
Educational Administration (MED)
The Master of Education in Educational Administration degree program will equip you with the leadership, financial and administrative skills needed to become a knowledgeable principal and a great administrator.
1-1.5 years
No foreign language credits required
30 hours
No thesis required
Principal Certification
The Principal Certification program is designed for potential principals, assistant principals, administrators of curriculum and instruction, and all school administrators holding a position below that of superintendent.
1 Year
No foreign language credits required
21 Hours
No thesis required
Superintendent Certification
The Superintendent Certification program will equip you for key administrative roles. The program includes a practicum where you will put theory into practice as you work closely with your mentor/site supervisor in active leadership situations.
1-1.5 Years
No foreign language credits required
15 Hours
No thesis required
Urban School Leadership Graduate Certificate
The Urban School Leadership graduate certificate program at A&M-Commerce will help you gain the knowledge and skills to lead effectively in urban school environments.
1 year
No foreign language credits required
12 hours
No thesis required
Experienced Practitioners
Our faculty members have held various K-12 administrative positions, from assistant principal and principal to superintendent. We are eager to share our decades of experience to help you synthesize research findings, theory and praxis into a certification or degree that will position you to lead with confidence.
Student and Related Organizations
Phi Delta Kappa
Established in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career.
The Department of Educational Leadership is proud to be affiliated with these organizations.
Student Resources
Access resources relevant to students in the Educational Leadership program.
Student Presentations
View a sample of recent professional presentations given by our doctoral students.
Presentations
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Conference Within A Conference, Texas Association of School Administrators.
Calderaro, L., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Technology education: Teachers' lived experiences for high school student career readiness [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Morrison, S., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Secondary principal leadership and the impact of engaging hands-on learning strategies [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration TASA/TEA Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Meyer, E., & Thompson, J. R. (2020). An emerging international phenomenon: Schools of choice [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Sladana, C., & Thompson, J. R. (January, 2019). Hispanic student graduation rate in college ready English language arts and mathematics in Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley [Presentation]. TCPEA Conference within a Conference. TASA Midwinter 2019 Yearbook, 4(1), 18–29.
Oliver, J., Holt, W., & Thompson, J. R. (2018). Elementary teacher perceptions of instructional coach effectiveness in suburban Title I campuses: A Q methodology study [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership.
Spoon, D. F., Thompson, J. R., & Tapper, P. (2018). The principal instructional leadership: Meeting the challenge of inclusivity through an effective mentoring program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, San Antonio, Texas.
FEATURED NEWS
Templeton Named Inaugural Presidential Faculty Fellow
A&M-Commerce Professor Nathan Templeton is the university’s first Presidential Faculty Fellow. Templeton will assist the university’s leadership team with initiatives including enrollment strategies for Dallas College students at A&M-Commerce and management of Dallas ISD and Tyler ISD cohorts in the Educational Leadership graduate program. “I am thankful for this opportunity to provide leadership to our […]
A&M-Commerce Doctoral Alum Selected for Superintendent Post
The Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees recently named A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Deana Steeber as the lone finalist to become its next superintendent. Her 27 years of experience in education includes serving as principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She has served as assistant superintendent for Argyle ISD since 2017. […]
Lewisville ISD Taps A&M-Commerce Alum as New Elementary Principal
Lewisville Independent School District has appointed A&M-Commerce alum Jennifer Driver as the new principal at its Indian Creek Elementary School campus. With 24 years in education, Driver brings with her more than 10 years of principal experience at the elementary and middle school levels. Driver earned her bachelor’s degree in English at A&M-Commerce in 1998, […]
A&M-Commerce Educational Leadership Professor Receives Distinguished Award
Dr. Nathan Templeton, professor for the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, has been selected by the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) as recipient of the 2023 Achilles-Hoyle Service Award. According to its website, ICPEL is professional organization committed to the practice and study of educational administration. The Achilles-Hoyle Service Award recognizes […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Selected for Rising Presidents Fellowship
The Aspen Institute has selected A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Jerry Thomas to participate in its Rising Presidents Fellowship program. The intensive fellowship aims to reduce turnover in community college presidency by recruiting diverse leaders to drive change and contribute to student success. Currently serving as vice president for Academic Affairs at National Park College in Hot […]
A&M-Commerce Alum: “They Call Me an Office on Wheels”
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Samuel Ogbonna is featured in a recent profile published by Focus Daily News in Dallas, Texas, highlighting his 39-year career in education. Born and raised in Nigeria, Ogbonna moved to the U.S. at age 21 to attend Dallas Baptist University (DBU). After earning his bachelor’s degree, he began a 28-year career as […]
Grapeland ISD Selects A&M-Commerce Alum as Next Superintendent
Grapeland Independent School District has unanimously selected A&M-Commerce alum Dr. David Maass as the district’s next superintendent, according to The Messenger newspaper in Grapeland. Maass earned his master’s degree in educational administration in 2006, and his doctorate in higher education in 2018 from A&M-Commerce. He has been an educator since 2003. He has served as […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Next Superintendent at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Wendy Eldredge is the sole finalist to become the next superintendent at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, following a unanimous decision by the district’s board of trustees. Eldredge earned her doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce in 2008 and returned for her superintendent certification. She has more than 30 years of experience […]
A&M-Commerce Professor Receives Advocate of the Year Award
Dr. Nathan R. Templeton, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, received the Advocate of the Year award from the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA). The award recognizes outstanding professors focused on service to the profession and TCPEA. Learn more about Templeton and the Department of Educational Leadership at […]
Graduates Give High Marks for TAMUC Region 10 Superintendent Certification Partnership
Two A&M-Commerce Region 10 ESC Superintendent Certification graduates shared their experiences in the Fall 2022 edition of Reach!, a biannual magazine published by the Region 10 Education Service Center (ESC). Ben Dickerson and Michael Gipson were in the 2022 cohort of students participating in the one-year certification program. Dickerson said the program helped him practice […]
Meet our Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the master’s degree in educational technology offered online?
How do I apply for financial aid?
First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.
For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership mission?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce prepares graduates for teaching, service and leadership roles in a variety of educational, business, governmental and industrial contexts.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership vision?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce envisions exemplary programs that challenge highly qualified students to excel in their respective disciplines and careers through engagement in a rigorous and transformative learning environment linking theory to practice while expanding the knowledge base of the learner, the profession and the respective academic discipline.
How many students are normally accepted into each program? What is the rate of acceptance?
There is no limit in the acceptance rate. Applicants are accepted or rejected based upon their credentials.
Can I check my admission status?
You can check your admission status online through our My Leo system.
Just click on “Registration/Student Information Access”. Enter your Student I.D. number (Social Security Number). Your initial PIN number will be your six-digit birth date (MMDDYY). You will be asked to change this PIN number to another six digit number.
Under “Student Records” click on “Application Status”. Select the term for which you have applied.
Note: If departmental approval is the only missing item, all documents have been received and the file is with the department for review and recommendation.
What are the Department of Educational Leadership beliefs?
- We believe faculty lead by example.
- We believe department success is directly attributable to individual program quality and competitiveness.
- We believe that high-quality programs are achieved through faculty expectations that instill academic rigor, specific measurable outcomes, student accountability and deliberate evaluation and feedback.
- We believe that faculty have a major role in mentoring student entry into the ranks of academia.
When will my application be reviewed for Admission?
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Depending on the time of year, it takes approximately one month to process an application. However, once the application deadline has passed, applications will be reviewed somewhat more quickly.
Contact Us
- Department of Educational Leadership
- 903.886.5520
- [email protected]
- Frank Young Education North Building, 113
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011