Program Offices and Advising:
Curriculum and Instruction, Matthews Hall 204
The Department of Teacher Education and Administration offers graduate programs to develop highly competent teachers, school administrators and others who wish to provide educational leadership to organizations. Effective instruction, curriculum development and evaluation are emphasized in all programs. Students use current theory and research to make decisions about effective practice. The department also strives to improve practice through generation of new knowledge and through service to educational institutions, governmental agencies, and practitioners at all levels.
Masters degrees in elementary, reading, early childhood, secondary, business education, supervision, and administration (mid-management) allow students to apply for the Texas professional certificates and assume building level leadership and departmental responsibilities in curriculum and instruction. Foundations courses provide philosophical, psychological and sociological backgrounds for educational decisions and practices.
Doctoral programs in curriculum and instruction, reading, early childhood and in educational administration prepare students for advanced positions of educational leadership in schools, school districts and other educational settings.
The programs in this department are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, The Texas Education Agency and the Texas Coordinating Board of Higher Education.
Both research and service goals of the department are served through interdisciplinary efforts with other departments in the College of Education, the university and school districts in the Child Development Laboratory, Child and Family Resource Clinic, Center for School Choice and Professional Development Schools.
A limited number of doctoral fellowships are available through the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. Applications may be obtained through that office.
Doctoral programs in early childhood education and reading education are offered in federation with Texas Woman's University and East Texas State University.
Required for major: BUED 5110, 5150, 5160, 5290, 5620 and 5680.
2. A combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
3. A minimum of 18 hours of education.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
5. Must have teacher certification.
The goals of the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction are to prepare professional educators who are skilled and knowledgeable in analyzing and directing curriculum policy, and in developing, implementing and evaluating curriculum products and instructional practices. The program offers a course of studies with an interdisciplinary major in curriculum and instruction for grades K-12.
A research-oriented Doctor of Philosophy and a practitioner-oriented Doctor of Education are offered. Typically, the PhD program is recommended for students whose career ambitions include such activities as (1) researcher in a public or private sector research and development center or (2) professor in a collegiate program of teacher education. The EdD program is recommended for students whose career ambitions include administrative and supervisory positions in school districts.
Admission to the EdD or PhD program in curriculum and instruction is a two-step process. Each applicant first must apply to and meet the general admission requirements of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies.
Applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the faculty in curriculum and instruction for review. Initial acceptance into the program is contingent upon the applicant meeting the following program admission standards in addition to the general requirements listed in the College of Education section.
1. A minimum grade point average of 3.4 on the master's degree.
2. A combined score of at least 1000 on the verbal and quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum score of 450 on the verbal section.
3. Three years of successful teaching experience or related, acceptable experience. In the event the student does not meet this requirement, the faculty in curriculum and instruction may recommend the student participate in extensive practicum or internship experiences as part of the doctoral degree requirements. This practicum or internship will be in addition to that required as part of the regular degree program.
4. Applicants must complete an application form which may be obtained from the Department of Teacher Education and Administration. Applicants must submit the following to the curriculum and instruction faculty for review: a letter of intent to pursue doctoral studies in curriculum and instruction, a professional resume, and three letters of recommendation from persons who can testify to the applicant's ability to do advanced work. In addition to the listed criteria, the faculty may consider the applicant's related work experience, publications, presentations to professional organizations, leadership roles, teaching excellence, awards and other activities that might provide evidence of potential success in a doctoral program.
5. Applicants must complete successfully the written and oral admissions examination within their first 12 hours of course work to receive unconditional admission.
The PhD program also requires the following courses: research courses EDER 6210 and 6280;
In addition to the common courses, the EdD requires a 6- to 9-hour practicum that may include evaluation studies, action research and supervisory studies.
Additional course work may be required, depending on the candidate's previous experience
Required for Related Fields: 6 to 12 hours selected from areas outside of early childhood education.
Early Childhood Administration Option: Specialization courses in related fields will be specified by the department.
Master of Science (Thesis Option): Degree requires a total of 30 hours including a minimum of 12 hours of early childhood education courses and
Requirements for Experience: At least one year of successful teaching experience of young children (birth to age 8) is required for MEd and MS. One year of successful early childhood administrative experience or appropriate practicum, field experience or internship is required for the Early Childhood Administrative Option. It is the prerogative of the early childhood faculty to require additional classroom or administrative experience with young children.
2. A combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section.
3. A minimum of 18 hours of education.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
5. A portfolio is required for the master's degree in early childhood. Appropriate education and experience. Faculty will assess transcripts, prior education and life experiences when developing the degree plan. Based on assessment, requirements for the degree may exceed 36 hours.
The federation doctoral program provides opportunities for formal course work, seminars, independent study, participation in regional and national conferences, and dissertation research. The program also includes federation-sponsored seminars featuring outstanding nationally and internationally recognized educators.
Given the importance of appropriate educational experiences during the early years for both the individual and the society at large, graduate programs are needed that provide education for future leaders in the conceptualization and provision of early childhood education programs as well as expertise in conducting research that will extend understanding of the importance and means of providing early childhood education experiences. The purpose of the federated doctoral program in early childhood education is to train professional educators to assume leadership roles in higher education and in public and private education settings. Graduates are prepared to assume diverse roles including teaching, research and administrative responsibilities.
Students initially apply for admission to the graduate school of one of the participating universities. After meeting the general university admission standards, each student's application is then reviewed by the Early Childhood Education Federation Admissions Committee, made up of faculty from both TWU and UNT. Students who graduate from the federation program will receive the EdD from the university through which they entered the program.
The policies of the doctoral program are guided by committees made up of faculty from the participating institutions. The policies must be consistent with the policies of both participating universities.
Applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the Early Childhood Education Federation Admissions Committee for review. Initial acceptance into the federation doctoral program is contingent upon the applicant meeting the following program admission standards.
1. A combined score of at least 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If the applicant does not meet this standard, the GRE must be repeated. If an acceptable score is not achieved the second time, the student may appeal to the federation admissions committee based on the presentation of alternative evidence of potential success in graduate studies. Students who have not satisfied the GRE requirement nor presented a successful appeal by the end of their first semester of graduate work will not be eligible to take further course work until this requirement is satisfied.
2. Three years of successful teaching experience (at least two years with young children, birth through age 8). In the event the student does not meet this requirement, the federation admissions committee may recommend the student participate in extensive practicum or internship experiences as part of the doctoral degree requirements.
3. Approval of the federation admissions committee.
In addition to meeting these criteria, applicants also must complete successfully the written admissions exam during their first semester of study to receive unconditional admission.
If the applicant is deficient in any of the above areas, an appeal may be made to the federation admissions committee. In addition to the listed criteria, the committee may consider the applicant's related work experience, publications, presentations to professional organizations, leadership roles, teaching excellence, awards and other factors that might provide evidence of potential success in a doctoral program.
1. Each student must complete an 18 semester credit hour core. The student must complete one each of the following pairs of courses.
3. Additional courses will be selected based on discussions with the student's major professor and doctoral advisory committee.
4. Each student must complete a tool subject that will enhance the completion of the dissertation research. In most cases, the tool subject will consist of research methods or computer-related courses. A foreign language may be considered under special circumstances.
5. The student must complete successfully the written qualifying exams prepared by the Federation Qualifying Examination Committee.
6. The student must successfully develop a dissertation proposal, defend the proposal, and complete and defend the proposed research. The research project should add substantive confirmation or understanding of the principles, theories and practices of early childhood education.
A master's written comprehensive examination is required for all master's degrees in both educational administration and supervision.
Required: two courses outside of education, selected from sociology, economics, psychology, political science, applied economics, computer sciences, journalism, speech, anthropology, business administration or computer education and cognitive systems, subject to the approval of the student's adviser.
Prerequisite(s): provisional elementary certificate.
Prerequisite(s): provisional secondary certificate.
Prerequisite(s): provisional elementary, secondary or special subject certificate.
The PhD program prepares individuals to conduct and evaluate research that will expand knowledge in educational administration. Typically, the PhD student plans a career as a university professor, although in some cases the graduate may pursue a career as a policy analyst or research director in a state or local education agency.
The EdD program is designed for students who plan careers as school administrators. This degree emphasizes the application of educational research and accepted management practice to educational administration. The aim of this program is to assist students to prepare for leadership roles in education.
Applicants must meet requirements for admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies, general education requirements (as listed in the College of Education section of this catalog) and the departmental requirements for admission to doctoral study. The faculty may consider additional factors that in their professional judgment may impinge on the performance and competencies of the applicant.
A candidate for admission to either doctoral program must have completed 24 hours in education at the undergraduate or master's level. Students who do not have a master's degree in school administration must complete a minimum of 15 hours of deficiency courses in educational administration. These courses, generally taken prior to or concurrent with the doctoral requirements, are specified by the student's major professor.
It is expected that applicants will have had experience as public or private school teachers and will hold a teacher's certificate.
All applicants are expected to submit at least three letters of reference. Applicants to the PhD program must submit at least two letters from professors familiar with their ability to deal with abstract concepts, conduct research and communicate orally and in writing. At least one letter must address their teaching ability, professionalism and potential for success as a member of an organization. Applicants to the EdD program must submit at least two letters from administrators familiar with their work performance and potential success as a school administrator. One letter must be from an individual who can address the applicant's ability to do doctoral-level work.
Applicants for both the EdD and PhD programs must submit a paper, article or report that shows their ability to do graduate-level work.
1. Core courses: EDAD 6100, 6400, 6510, 6570.
2. Research and statistics: EDER 6000, 6010.
3. Educational administration electives: 15 hours selected based on the student's career focus.
4. Minor field: 15 hours selected from a single field based on the student's career focus.
5. Dissertation: 12 hours minimum.
1. Core courses: EDAD 6100, 6400, 6510, 6570; plus two courses selected from EDAD 6110, 6310, 6900.
2. Research and statistics: EDER 6000, 6010; plus one from EDER 6210, 6220, 6230 and 6280.
3. Philosophy: Either EDUC 6150 or PHIL 5110 or 5260.
4. Educational administration electives: 9 hours selected from a list established by the department.
5. Minor field: 15 hours outside the college in a field related to the student's area of research interest.
6. Dissertation: 12 hours minimum.
7. Tool subject: Competency in a tool subject must be demonstrated by completing either 9 hours of computer sciences or equivalent courses (over and above other computer-related courses listed on the degree plan) or 9 hours of research courses (over and above other research courses listed on the degree plan). Proficiency in a foreign language also can be used to satisfy this requirement if knowledge of the language is necessary for completing the student's dissertation research. Possible use of native language to meet this requirement will be determined by the doctoral committee of the student. Such students may either be allowed to take and pass a proficiency exam in native language or complete nine hours of foreign language.
Required for major: EDEE 5320, 5360, 5710 and 5720; 12 hours in elementary education including three of the following courses: EDEE 5020, 5040, 5050 and 5060.
Required for minor: 12 to 15 hours in a resource area is required for the professional certificate.
A written comprehensive examination or portfolio is required for the master's in elementary education.
2. A combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
3. A minimum of 18 hours of education.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
5. Must have teacher certification.
Required for major: EDEE or EDSE 5710; EDEE or EDSE 5720; EDRE 5170, 5180, 5190 and 5370; 6 hours from EDRE 4830, 5200 and EDEE 5060; 3 hours from SPHS 5820, ENGL 5320 and 5570; 3 hours from GEOG 5010, SOCI 4150 and EDUC 5130; students holding a provisional elementary certificate must take EDSE 5400 or 5440; students holding a provisional secondary or junior high certificate must take EDEE 5320; 3 hours of electives are chosen outside education.
Three years of successful teaching in an accredited school and passing the state required examination for the certification of educators in Texas are required for certification.
A written comprehensive examination is required for the master's degree in reading.
2. A combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum score of 400 on the verbal section.
3. A minimum of 18 hours of education.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
The federation doctoral program provides opportunities for formal course work, independent study, participation in regional and national conferences, and dissertation research. The program also includes federation-sponsored seminars featuring outstanding nationally and internationally recognized scholars.
The doctoral program in reading education prepares educators and researchers for specialized work in reading at all levels of education. The program responds to the recognition of the value of literacy and contributes to its development in diverse social contexts, from local school districts to universities in the United States and abroad. At all levels of study, the interrelationships of theory and practice are valued, as students are led to develop theory and new knowledge leading to integrations of research and teaching.
The policies of the doctoral program are guided by committees made up of faculty from the participating institutions. The policies must be consistent with the policies of the participating universities.
Applications of students who meet initial graduate school admission standards are forwarded to the Reading Education Federation Admissions Committee for review. The committee consists of one member from each institution. The admissions committee admits qualified students into either the PhD or EdD program. That decision is based on the applicants' career goals, work experience and other pertinent factors. Students who graduate from the federation program will receive their degree from the university through which they entered the program.
The applicant must meet the following program admission standards.
1. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 on the master's degree.
2. A combined score of at least 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If the applicant scores 900 or above, the student may appeal to the federation admissions committee. The committee may use a sliding scale that uses both the GRE and GPA. The student must obtain two letters of recommendation from faculty, each stating that the faculty member has had this student in a graduate course and attesting that the student's level of scholarly performance is of doctoral quality.
3. Completion of three years of successful teaching experience. In the event the student does not have the full three years of experience, the federation admissions committee may recommend that the student participate in extensive practicum or internship work as part of the doctoral degree requirements.
4. Initial acceptance into the federation doctoral reading education program also is based on the applicant (a) participating in an interview, (b) submitting three letters of recommendation, (c) providing a goals statement for doctoral studies and (d) completing an on-site writing sample.
5. Successful completion of common admission examinations developed by the admissions
1. The following specific degree requirements must be completed for the PhD or EdD.
3. PhD students are expected to take a minimum of 12 hours outside the College of Education.
4. For both PhD and EdD students, a minimum of 12 hours must be taken at a federation institution other than the student's home institution.
5. To complete the integrated core curriculum of the federated doctoral program in reading education, the student must complete each of the following courses. Each course will be taught at the indicated campus.
For the PhD, the student must complete two consecutive semesters (excluding summers) with a minimum of 9 credit hours taken each semester. Employment is restricted to 20 hours or less per week during residency.
For the EdD, the student must complete two consecutive semesters with a minimum of 9 hours taken each semester. Consecutive semesters may include summer, and employment is not restricted.
8. Students have 10 years to complete the program. No course work beyond the master's degree that is more than 10 years old at the time the doctoral degree is conferred can be used toward the doctoral degree.
9. The student must complete successfully the common exit examinations (written qualifying examinations) prepared by the Federation Doctoral Committee which consists of one member from each institution. The examination will consist of one and a half days of written work in the major and a half day in the minor.
10. The student must successfully develop a dissertation proposal, defend the proposal, and complete and defend the proposed research.
The major emphasis for the master's is in secondary curriculum and instruction. The minor field must be 12 to 18 hours in one or more state-approved teaching fields or endorsement areas.
A written comprehensive examination is required for the master's degree in secondary education.
2. A combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
3. A minimum of 18 hours of education.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
5. Must have teacher certification.
Required for minor: 12 to 18 hours in one or more approved teaching fields or endorsement areas.
A thesis is not required. Final comprehensive examinations required in the major field are administered in EDSE 5720.
Required for minor: 6 hours in a state-approved teaching field.
A thesis is required. A final oral examination over the thesis and course content also is required.