Application Process

Although there is no application deadline, prospective students are encouraged to submit all application materials at least three months prior to projected initial enrollment. Learn more.

1. Apply to Texas Tech University's Graduate School.
   • Complete the Graduate Admissions Application.
     • The application fee is $100 for U.S. residents and $100 for international applicants.
     • International students must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score to the Graduate School. Scores must be less than two years old at the time of application. Learn more.
2. Apply to Texas Tech University's College of Education.
   • For advisement on the admissions process, please contact one of the programs' faculty members.
3. Apply for financial aid and/or general scholarships.
   • Financial aid is distributed based on full-time enrollment and several other eligibility requirements. Your enrolled hours as of the 12th day of class in the fall and spring semesters determines your enrollment status for the semester, and financial aid is disbursed accordingly. Attending less than full-time could mean a reduction in aid. Learn more.
4. Check your admissions status. Texas Tech University will notify you of your admissions status by updating the Applications tab in your Raiderlink.

Program Requirements

The 36-credit hour Master of Education in Education Leadership program is completely integrated into the 42 credit hour Principal Professional Certification Preparation Program. The Principal Professional Certification Preparation Program is designed to prepare students interested in pursuing careers as elementary or secondary school principals in Texas.

The program utilizes study of factual knowledge and theory, as well as internship field experiences, to develop student knowledge and skills. The 42 credit hour Principal Professional Certification Program includes the following courses:

EDLD 5001	Advanced Education Workshops in Teaching and Administration
EDLD 5306	School-based Leadership
EDLD 5310	Instructional Supervision
EDLD 5330	Staff Development
EDLD 5340	Educational Law
EDLD 5350	School Personnel and Fiscal Management
EDLD 5361	Process of Educational Change
EDLD 5391	School and Community
EDLD 5392A	Principal Internship in Education, First Semester
EDLD 5392B	Principal Internship in Education, Second Semester
EDCI 5320	Curriculum Theory: Foundations
EDCI 5380 Action Research I* OR EPSY 5379 Introduction to Educational Research*
EPSY 5323	Cultural Foundations of Education

Students must also complete Instructional Leadership Development (ILD) and Professional Development and Supervision (PDAS) training at a Texas Regional Education Service Center (equivalent to 3 semester credit hours).

*Students have the option of taking either EDCI 5380 (Action Research I) or EPSY 5379 (Introduction to Educational Research).

Successful completion of the courses above satisfies the academic requirements for the school principalship in Texas.

The courses above include course requirements for professional school principal certification in Texas. Such certification also requires a satisfactory score on SBEC's TExES examination for school principals, a valid Texas teacher certificate, and two years of teaching experience. Students must also apply to the College of Education Certification Office.

Learn more about courses and internship requirements.