• UNM 2017-2018 Catalog
• >Colleges
• >College of Education
• >Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
• >Graduate Program

Graduate Program

The Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy offers degrees in the following graduate programs:

• Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

Degrees Offered

• Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (M.A.)
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
• Education Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership (Ed.Spc.)
• Master of Arts in Elementary Education (M.A.)
• Master of Arts in Secondary Education (M.A.)
• Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (Ph.D.)
• Education Specialist Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.Spc.)

Educational Leadership

Contact:
Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
Hokona Hall-Zuni, Room 126
(505) 277-0513

Note: Administrative Internships usually follow a fall-spring sequence.

Together with the assigned advisor, all graduate students seeking the M.A. in Educational Leadership design and follow a program of studies that includes the 5 core courses described in the next section. Courses taken without prior approval may not be accepted toward the completion of the degree. Students in any of the programs in Educational Leadership must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA in all Program of Study course work.

The degree and certificate programs in Educational Leadership are designed to prepare individuals to assume leadership positions in educational organizations. All rely heavily on concepts drawn from the social sciences for insight into leadership behavior, including: Strategic and Political Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Leadership for Learning and Professional Development, Data-Informed Leadership and Leadership in a Diverse Society.

Policy on Employment/Load

Faculty and graduates have found that students who give themselves time to concentrate and reflect on their academic studies during their brief time at the University not only achieve academic excellence, but excel later in their professional careers. Therefore, the faculty of the Educational Leadership Program strongly recommends that students who are employed full time enroll in 9 or fewer credit hours of course work fall and spring semesters in order to optimize their educational experience. Students are not allowed to enroll in more than 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters without prior approval.

Note: The State Public Education Department, not UNM, awards administrative licensure. Students seeking licensure must meet all UNM requirements in order to be eligible to apply for state licensure through our programs.

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

All applicants for admission into the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Educational Leadership must meet the requirements set forth in the preceding College section of this Catalog and in the sections on graduate studies at the University of New Mexico. The M.A. in Educational Leadership requires 15 credit hours in the Required Core Courses as described below. In addition to University requirements for graduation, students seeking the M.A. in Educational Leadership must successfully complete a leadership inquiry project and present it in a public forum.

Requirements: 36 credit hours

M.A. Students Seeking Administrative Licensure: If a student in the M.A. degree program in Educational Leadership wishes to complete course work for Administrative Licensure, in addition to the 5 core courses, the student must successfully complete LEAD 520, 521, 560, 561, one LEAD elective, and 6 credit hours of 596 for a total of 36 credit hours.

• At the time of application to the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) for the Level 3B Administrative License, the applicant must hold a Level 2 or Level IIIA teaching license and pass the content knowledge assessment in Educational Administration.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

All applicants for admission into the doctoral program in Educational Leadership must meet the requirements set forth in the preceding College section of this Catalog and in the sections on graduate studies at the University of New Mexico. Generally, minimum requirements for admission include experience as an educational leader, evidence of strong academic potential, and demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a community of learners. In addition, applicants must hold an M.A. degree. As part of the application process, among other things, applicants must complete a letter of agreement regarding their willingness to engage in summer and academic year course work and submit GRE General Test scores. GRE scores may not be older than five years at the time of application.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is designed for active, high-achieving educators seeking to develop a more profound understanding of leadership for learning and community and personal transformation.

The degree program employs a modified cohort model, with groups of students entering every summer and collaboratively engaging in core Educational Leadership course work. Members contribute to and benefit from an emergent community of learners. Cohorts commit to three summers of full-time study in July. For the fall and spring terms, cohorts meet five intensive Friday-Sunday weekends each term.

Students have the option to pursue elective course work outside the core of Educational Leadership courses required for the doctorate.

In addition to University requirements for graduation, students must successfully pass comprehensive exams and complete and defend a dissertation.

Education Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership

The Educational Leadership Program offers a post-Master's Education Specialist certificate of 24 credit hours that includes 6 credit hours of either practicum or administrative internship. Applicants must hold an M.A. in Educational Leadership or a complementary field and meet the requirements set forth in the preceding College section of this Catalog and in the sections on graduate studies at the University of New Mexico.

All graduate students seeking a post-M.A. Education Specialist Certificate work with the assigned advisor to design and follow a program of studies from existing Educational Leadership courses.

Applicants for the education specialist certificate who seek Administrative Licensure must hold a valid Level 2 or Level IIIA New Mexico Teaching license at the time they intend to participate in the administrative internship. Students seeking Administrative Licensure must take LEAD 503, 509, 520, 521, 560, 561, and 6 credit hours of 596.

Courses taken without prior approval may not be accepted toward the completion of the Post-M.A. Education Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership. Students in any of the programs in Educational Leadership must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA in all Program of Study course work.

Minor in Educational Leadership

Minor in Educational Leadership Candidates for the M.A. or the Ph.D. in other programs who wish to qualify for a transcripted minor in Educational Leadership must successfully complete, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better and a minimum grade of "B" in each class, the 15 credit hours of the required core M.A. courses in Educational Leadership: LEAD 501, 503, 509, 529, and 530.

Note: If a student wishes to complete a transcripted minor in Educational Leadership AND meet the requirements for Administrative Licensure, the student must complete 21 credit hours consisting of LEAD 503, 509, 521, 560, 561, and two semesters of 596. In addition to meeting course work and internship requirements for administrative licensure, an individual must hold a New Mexico Level 2 or Level IIIA license and pass the state examination for administrative licensure prior to applying for New Mexico Administrative Licensure.

Elementary Education

The Elementary Education Program offers graduate degrees that contain components for licensure as an elementary educator (K-8) in the State of New Mexico as well as for practicing teachers for continued professional development.

Prospective M.A. students must apply for admission and be formally admitted by the program faculty. Candidates are required to develop and follow a planned program of study made up of courses selected with the approval of a faculty advisor. Courses taken without an advisor's prior approval may not be accepted toward completion of the M.A. degree.

Contact:
Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
Hokona Hall-Zuni, Room 128
(505) 277-9439
http://coe.unm.edu/departments-programs/teelp/index.html

M.A. in Elementary Education (for Licensed Teachers)

Plan I (with thesis): 30 credit hours
Plan II (without thesis): 32+ credit hours 

This program option is designed for an applicant who already has a teaching license and may have teaching experience. This individual is interested in furthering his/her professional growth by completing a Master’s degree that incorporates advanced study of specific areas of education such as: elementary education, mathematics education, science education, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, reflective practice, and/or teacher leadership.

The M.A. in Elementary Education is designed to be a journey in personal and professional growth. In their program of studies, students engage in purposeful work in each of four Core Areas: Social Justice, Diversity, and Transformational Practices; Instructional Strategies; Curriculum; Technology; Research; focused electives in a specialty area; and a culminating final seminar. The goal is that students improve their teaching and their thinking about the teaching process, resulting in greater depth of meaning for their students.

NOTE: Changes in state requirements or state reform initiatives in education may require periodic revisions of the curriculum and admissions process.

M.A. in Elementary Education with Alternative Route to K-8 Licensure

Plan II (without thesis): 36 credit hours (33 graduate credit hours, 3 undergraduate credit hours) 

This program is for an individual interested in obtaining a K-8 elementary teaching license and completing a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. A student in this program is one who already has a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree. Students complete licensure courses, advanced field experiences through student teaching, and then begin Master's degree courses. In this two-part program, students must complete licensure first before enrolling in courses leading to the M.A. degree.

Application Deadlines

Admissions Criteria

A complete online application must be submitted to the University and to the Department. Admission is based on space availability. For application information, visit the College of Education Web site. 

M.A. in Elementary Education (Plans I and II for Licensed Teachers)

• Meet UNM Graduate Studies requirements;
• Have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the last 2 undergraduate years in the major field of study; and
• Hold a valid teaching license.

M.A. in Elementary Education with Alternative Route to K-8 Licensure

• Pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) Essential Academic Skills Subtest I Reading, Subtest II Writing, and Subtest III Mathematics;
• Meet UNM Graduate Studies requirements; and
• Have an overall GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of university course work.

Curriculum Requirements for Plan I and Plan II

The M.A. in Elementary Education is offered under the general requirements of either Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis). Students working under Plan I (thesis) satisfy Plan I requirements as set forth in preceding parts of the College section of this Catalog and other sections describing specific requirements of the Elementary Education Graduate Program.

Core Area Course and Seminar Grade Replacement Information: All core area courses and seminar must be passed with grades of "B" or better. Students who fail to receive grades of "B" or better may retake a class, earn a higher grade, and request a grade replacement per UNM policy as described in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog.

Program of Studies and Master’s Examination/Thesis: In the semester prior to graduation, a student must consult with his/her advisor to complete and submit a Program of Studies (POS) in accordance with deadlines determined by the Department. After completing 9-18 credit hours, a student must consult with his/her advisor on the preferred Master's examination or thesis option. If a student fails to successfully complete the exam and cannot make the required revisions to pass the exam by the required deadline, that student has one attempt during one calendar year to retake the M.A. examination. For additional information, see the Graduate Program section of this Catalog.

Changes in state requirements or state reform initiatives in education may require periodic revisions of the curriculum and admissions process.

Plan I (with thesis)

30 credit hours: 24+ credit hours of course work, plus 6 credit hours of thesis, including final oral defense of thesis.

• Minimum of 24 credit hours of course work.
• Minimum of one course in each of the four Core Areas for the M.A. in Elementary Education for a total of 12 credit hours (Note: EDUC 590 Seminar is not required).
• 12 credit hours of electives.
• Thesis (minimum 6 credit hours in EDUC 599).
• At least 6 credit hours of 500-level courses.
• No more than 5 hours of workshop credit.
• Oral defense of thesis.

Required Curriculum for Plan I

Plan II (without thesis)

32+ credit hours, including EDUC 590 Seminar, plus Master's examination.

Candidates working under Plan II (without thesis) satisfy the requirements as set forth in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog, with the following specifications:

• A minimum of 32 credit hours of course work.
• A minimum of 1 course in each of the 4 Core Areas described below for a total of 12 credit hours.
• EDUC 590 Seminar for 3 credit hours.
• A minimum of 17 credit hours of elective courses, chosen in consultation with a graduate advisor. A course in technology is strongly recommended.
• At least 12 credit hours of 500-level courses.
• No more than 8 credit hours of workshop credit.
• Completion of master’s examination.

Required Curriculum for Plan II

Additional Pathway Options

M.A. in Elementary Education (with a focus on Reflective Practice) – Plan I or II: The M.A. in Elementary Education (with a focus on Reflective Practice) (MARP) is a pathway option, intended for licensed, experienced P-12 educators who wish to improve professional practices in teaching and learning through reflective practice. In this advanced professional development cohort program, teachers have the opportunity to transform their teaching practices and their students’ opportunities to learn by engaging in deep work around their classroom practices. Students interested in this pathway must complete the application process noted above for the M.A. in Elementary Education. 

M.A. in Elementary Education (with a focus on Teacher Leadership) – Plan I or II: The M.A. in Elementary Education (with a focus on Teacher Leadership), offered solely online, is an option intended for experienced P-12 educators who wish to learn how to leverage classroom experiences to improve both teaching and learning. This is an advanced professional development program, where teachers develop their own innate leadership skills. The curriculum and strategic course requirements help participants elevate student performance, foster an innovative environment, be effective teacher leaders, and increase community engagement to enhance student learning. The focus on teacher leadership is designed to develop educational leaders who a) advocate for higher standards of student learning and professional development; b) collaborate with colleagues, students, and the community to create new possibilities; c) affect positive change in school culture; and d) inspire fellow teachers to grow personally and professionally.

M.A. in Elementary Education with Mathematics, Science and Educational Technology (MSET) Concentration – Plan I: MSET is a concentration for elementary teachers interested in the fields of mathematics, science and educational technology. Students complete core content classes as determined by their faculty advisor, as well as elective classes in MSET or in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, or Physics and Astronomy. Students interested in this concentration must complete the application process noted above for the M.A. in Elementary Education. 

With the approval of the faculty advisors, students select a support content area in Mathematics, Science, or Educational Technology and complete 12 credit hours of graduate-level courses.

M.A. in Elementary Education with Alternative Route to K-8 Licensure

18 graduate credit hours from the M.A. in Elementary Education with Alternative Route K-8 Licensure requirements along with 12 credit hours of Core Area courses (3 credit hours from each of the following 4 Core Areas) and 3 credit hours of Seminar.

Secondary Education

The Secondary Education Program offers licensure programs at the graduate level as well as M.A. programs for experienced classroom teachers. Students seeking licensure as a secondary teacher (grades 7-12) must choose a teaching endorsement in Communicative Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or World Languages (e.g., Spanish, French and German). Licensed teachers interested in deepening their professional knowledge of teaching and learning can apply for the M.A. in Secondary Education program.

• M.A. in Secondary Education
• M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure

Contact:
Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
Hokona Hall-Zuni, Room 126
(505) 277-0513
http://coe.unm.edu/departments/teelp.html

Application Deadlines:

Steps in the admission process for M.A. degrees in Secondary Education can be found at the department Web site.

Admissions Criteria:

M.A. in Secondary Education

1. Meet UNM Graduate Studies requirements;
2. Has achieved a GPA of 3.0 as an undergraduate; and
3. Hold a valid teaching license.

M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure

1. Meet UNM Graduate Studies requirements, including an overall GPA of 3.0 as an undergraduate and a 2.5 GPA or higher in a teaching field;
2. Be within 6 credit hours of completing course requirements for a teaching field;
3. Register for, take and pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) Essential Academic Skills Subtest I Reading, Subtest II Writing, and Subtest III Mathematics;
4. Register for, take and successfully complete the National Evaluation Series (NES) Content Knowledge Assessment in the discipline they plan to teach.

An applicant who does not meet these requirements but wishes to apply must meet with the Secondary Education faculty member who is the advisor for the applicant's chosen content-teaching field.

Formal admission to graduate status occurs concurrently with admission to Secondary Education.

Curriculum Requirements for the M.A. Programs

M.A. programs are offered under the general requirements of Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis) described in other sections of this Catalog. Plan I requires a minimum of 24 credit hours plus thesis. Plan II requires a minimum of 32 credit hours and a written exam. The M.A. in Secondary Education program with Licensure is a Plan II degree.

1. All students must complete the M.A. core, which consists of classes in: a) educational research; b) curricular studies; c) pedagogical practices; d) educational diversity; and e) a synthesis capstone seminar.
2. Students considering a Plan I program must consult with a faculty advisor for an appropriate completion to their program.
3. A written examination must be successfully completed for all students in a Plan II program.
4. Not more than 4 credit hours of Problems (591) may be a part of the program.

Note: Changes in state requirements or state reform initiatives in education may require periodic revisions of the curriculum and admissions process.

Core Course Grade Replacement Information: All core courses must be passed with grades of "B" or better. Students who fail to receive grades of "B" or better may request a grade replacement per UNM policy as described in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog.

M.A. in Secondary Education (Plan I or Plan II)

Prospective students must be licensed teachers. Students may choose either Plan I or Plan II (see previous description). In addition to the required core courses, students choose a specialty area of 12-15 credit hours from subject areas taught in the secondary schools such as language arts; social studies; mathematics; science education; technology education, etc. The student can also define an area of interest and select courses focused on topics like teacher leadership/development and reflective practice. They can also choose courses in other educational programs like educational administration and special education. Students are required to develop and follow a planned program of studies made up of courses selected with the approval of a faculty advisor. Courses taken without an advisor’s prior approval may not be accepted toward completion of the M.A. degree.

M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure (Plan II only)

Students holding a bachelor’s degree can complete requirements for a teaching license (grades 7-12) from the State of New Mexico and earn a Master's degree in Secondary Education. Students must meet with a faculty advisor and complete an advisement form as part of the application process. Admission is a competitive process as the Secondary Program cannot accept all who apply. In this two-part program, students must complete licensure first before enrolling in courses leading to the M.A. degree.

The complete M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure includes three types of requirements: 1) teaching field courses; 2) professional licensure courses for a standard or alternative license; and 3) graduate courses, including Core Areas of Studies and related Licensure Specialty Area Courses.

• All post-baccalaureate students seeking Secondary Education Licensure must be admitted to the M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure program through the Office of Graduate Studies. Students may choose to complete the Teaching Field and Licensure Requirements only. Students in the full M.A. program have up to seven years to complete the entire degree.
• Teaching Field courses are usually completed as part of a baccalaureate degree program or other content course work taken prior to, or in conjunction with, Professional Licensure Requirements. They typically are not included in the graduate program requirements of the M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure. The GPA for the Teaching Field must be 2.5 or above in order to be admitted and to enroll in the Professional Licensure courses taken in the Fall.
• Students must achieve and maintain a grade of "B" or better average in all Professional Licensure courses in order to enroll in Advanced Field Experiences (EDUC 595) and complete licensure requirements.
• Both undergraduate and graduate courses are included in the Professional Licensure Requirements. Three undergraduate courses involve foundational aspects of teaching in secondary schools and are corequisites to graduate courses. The undergraduate courses are part of the New Mexico licensure program, but some do not count towards the M.A. degree.
• If desired, up to 12 graduate credit hours from the Professional Licensure Requirements may be used to complete Specialty Area requirements for the Master's degree.
• When you have completed Teaching Field requirements and the Professional Licensure requirements listed below, you are eligible to apply for a Level I standard (24 credit hours) or Level I alternative (18 credit hours) teaching license from the State of New Mexico.

Curriculum Requirements for M.A. in Secondary Education with Licensure (45 credit hours)

Standard Licensure Component (24 credit hours):

Optional Alternative Licensure Component (18 credit hours):

Note: EDUC 362: Teaching Experience I and EDUC 595: Advanced Field Experiences require off campus placement in a secondary school. In EDUC 362: Teaching Experience I (pre student teaching), students are in the school every week assisting and teaching in one class (the same class) for the entire semester. Days and times vary depending on the schedule at the school. EDUC 595: Advanced Field Experiences (3-6 credit hours) requires that students be at the school for the entire day, Monday-Friday, and complete related educational responsibilities for one semester. For a standard license, students must enroll in 6 credit hours of EDUC 595. Students pursuing an alternative license enroll for 3 credit hours. In addition to the daily work in schools, students must also attend a seminar.

All students pursuing a Master’s degree program with licensure (33 credit hours) must also complete a core of graduate courses, including classes in: a) educational research; b) curricular studies in a general or specialty area; c) pedagogical practices in a general or specialty area; d) educational diversity; and e) synthesis seminar. Students may also complete up to 6 credit hours or more in related course work. Students must consult with a secondary education faculty advisor and complete an advisement form.

M.A. in Secondary Education With Mathematics, Science and Educational Technology (MSET) Concentration

MSET is a concentration for secondary teachers interested in the fields of mathematics, science and educational technology. Students complete core content classes as determined by their faculty advisor, as well as elective classes in MSET or in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, or Physics and Astronomy. Students interested in this concentration must complete the application process noted above for the M.A. in Secondary Education.

Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

Graduate Degrees and Post-Master’s Certificates

• Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
• Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
• Education Specialist Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction

Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

The Ph.D. and the Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education are offered in the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy. These degrees provide for the study of teacher education, research, teaching, and learning in ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse settings. Both the Ph.D. and Ed.D. require a core of Foundational Studies, Curriculum Theory, Pedagogy in Teacher Education, Technology and Teacher Education and Multicultural Education/Social Justice.

Contact:
Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
Hokona Hall-Zuni, Room 126
(505) 277-0513
http://coe.unm.edu/departments-programs/teelp/index.html

Applications: In addition to all materials required by the University of New Mexico Office of Admissions, the following must be submitted directly to the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy:

1. three letters of recommendation
2. a letter of intent
3. a professional writing sample
4. official copies of transcripts
5. GRE scores
6. a curriculum vitae/resume

Applicants may be asked to come in for a meeting or interview with Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy faculty. 

Admission Requirements: Meet graduate school and program requirements, including:

1. an overall GPA of 3.0
2. a minimum of three years of teaching experience in educational settings
3. a Master’s degree in education or related field
4. GRE scores
5. evidence of potential to conduct scholarly research and produce academic writing

A complete application packet must be submitted to the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy.

Application Deadline: A complete application must be submitted by April 30 or October 30 and must include GRE scores or a registration receipt for taking the GRE. 

Degree Requirements: The doctoral program requires 72 credit hours of course work (not including the dissertation) comprised of 48 credit hours in the major doctoral core and 24 credit hours in a focused support area that draw from academic areas outside of the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy. Details for other requirements can be found in the College of Education’s description of Doctoral Programs. A midpoint evaluation is completed at 24 credit hours.

Core Course Grade Replacement Information: All core courses must be passed with grades of "B" or better. Students who fail to receive a grade of "B" or better may request a grade replacement per UNM policy as described in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog.

Education Specialist Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction

An Education Specialist Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction is offered for practitioners interested in studies beyond the master’s level, but not in a doctoral program. The certificate is intended to deepen knowledge and experiences in one area of interest to strengthen a practitioner’s contributions to schools, communities, and educational agencies. The certificate requires 30 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Courses taken in this certificate program may not be transferred to the doctoral degree.

For more information contact:
Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
Hokona Hall-Zuni, Room 126
(505) 277-0513
http://coe.unm.edu/departments-programs/teelp/index.html