Department of Education Policy and Leadership
The Simmons School is ranked among the top 11 private graduate schools of education in the nation and the top 3 public and private schools in Texas.
Explore Our Programs
M.Ed. in PK-12 Education Leadership
Prospective Students
This program is designed to prepare educators for a variety of leadership positions in pre-K through grade-12 public, charter, private secular, and religious schools.
Career and Personal Benefits
Through classroom instruction, individual study, collaborative projects, and the application of research-based principles in field settings, students learn about the instructional, ethical, organizational, and administrative aspects of school leadership.
Ed.D. in PK-12 Education Leadership
Prospective Students
This program is designed for educators, public officials, and non-profit administrators who are interested in expanding their leadership in service to Pre-K-to-12 students.
Career and Personal Benefits
The curriculum includes study of ethics in leadership, legal concerns, community engagement, change management, technology, district complexities, talent management, educational policy and politics, and budgeting and finance.
Principal Certification
Prospective Students
This program is designed to prepare educators who already hold a master's degree for their Texas Principal Certification.
Career and Personal Benefits
With access to personalized study with district mentors and SMU faculty, our students graduate meeting all requirements for the Texas Principal Certification.
M.Ed. in Higher Education
Prospective Students
This program serves students who want to understand and analyze how institutions of higher education are structured and administered. Graduates are prepared to assume a wide range of roles including positions in student affairs, academic affairs, university administration, education non-profits and more.
Career and Personal Benefits
Our master's degree in higher education provides students with a holistic understanding of how universities and colleges function. Students will examine theory and engage in practical experiences that will provide them with the skills necessary to lead within varied organizational structures and to serve diverse communities.
Ed.D. in Higher Education
Prospective Students
This program is designed for mid-career professionals from postsecondary settings and institutions who want to assume advanced leadership roles.
Career and Personal Benefits
Students graduate as higher education practitioners equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve contemporary problems in their organizations and beyond.
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Ph.D.
Prospective Students
The program offers apprenticeships with top scholars in highly interdisciplinary fields such as the Learning Sciences, Literacy, STEM Education, AI and Technology-Enhanced Learning, Teacher Education, Measurement and Psychometrics, Education Policy and Leadership, Applied Physiology, and several other allied and interdisciplinary areas.
Career and Personal Benefits
Graduates of the program are prepared to make significant contributions to research, policy, and practice through academic and research careers in their fields of interest. These highly proficient researchers tend to seek employment in one of three areas: academia, public organizations or large school districts, or private for-profit companies.
