Leadership, Foundations, and Policy

The Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy offers programs in higher education, foundations and policy school administration, school supervision, educational psychology, education of the gifted, sport and exercise psychology, educational research, and instructional technology. These degree programs seek to prepare professional educators who rank with the best in the nation.

The school administration, school supervision, educational policy studies, and higher education programs are designed for students who are preparing themselves for leadership roles in the nation’s schools, colleges, universities, and governmental or research agencies.

Another set of programs are grouped under the foundations rubric. Included here are programs in educational psychology, psychology and education of the gifted, educational research, educational evaluation, instructional technology, and the social foundations of education. These programs have a dual function: they prepare master’s and doctoral candidates in their respective areas of specialization, and they provide courses that serve to enrich the research competencies, technical skills, and knowledge base of students in other programs within the Curry School.

Programs in the Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy may lead to the Master of Education (M.Ed.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is also offered in selected programs.

These programs are designed for students interested in research and instruction relating to educational programs, organizations, and processes. The programs in the department emphasize academic and practical experience, with most students spending extensive time working on research and instructional projects in the field. Since the ratio of full-time graduate students to faculty in the department is about three to one, students have close contact with faculty and ready access to assistance and guidance. Each program has its own emphasis, but all share a common commitment to the analysis of educational theory and practice from a systematic, broad-based perspective.

Many opportunities are available for students to gain experience in a variety of research and instructional activities. Within the University, opportunities are available in the Center for the Study of Higher Education, The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, the Summer Enrichment Program for Gifted Students, the Office of Medical Education, and the Evaluation Research Center. Beyond the University, students work on a wide range of projects in school systems, business and industry, government agencies, and non-profit research and development organizations.

General Information The Department of Leadership, Foundations, and Policy contains several centers and agencies that enhance career development opportunities for students. The Center for the Study of Higher Education sponsors conferences, seminars, workshops, publications, and internships, in addition to program offerings for graduate students. The Virginia Center for Educational Policy Studies conducts policy studies for, and provides assistance to, agencies and policy makers concerned with education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. Other departments and agencies can be found in the Facilities and Services section within the General Information section of this School.

Administration and Supervision of PreK-12 Schools At the master’s degree level, students may choose programs leading to Virginia endorsement in school administration and supervision, or programs focusing on research in educational leadership and policy studies.

Those seeking full administrative endorsement are expected to complete an internship, successful completion of the School Leadership Licensure Assessment examination, and course work in general leadership studies, communication skills, school management, and an area of specialization (for example, instructional leadership). The minimum number of credits for a master’s degree leading to full administrative endorsement is 36. In addition to courses in administration and supervision, students are encouraged to select courses from social foundations of education, psychological foundations of education, curriculum and instruction, and research.

Applicants for advanced graduate study (post-master’s) in administration and supervision programs should complete two years of administrative and/or supervisory experience before the degree is awarded. Because many states require teaching experience as part of the endorsement requirement, the student is urged to check state requirements before seeking certification. Students with at least two years of teaching experience will be given strong preference over those without teaching experience for admission to the principal preparation and supervision programs.

Education specialist degree programs are designed to provide a post-master’s degree level of preparation for school leadership. Emphasis is placed on developing specialized skills and in-depth familiarity with a particular professional role in educational leadership. Generally, the pattern of course work for each student is planned to supplement and complement work already completed at the master’s degree level. Internships and practica, depending upon the need of the individual student, may be included in the program. The Ed.S. is a planned 30-credit (minimum) post-master’s program, 24 credits of which must be taken on Grounds, and 18 credits of which must be taken after admission to the program. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study. Virginia endorsement, either full or partial, in school administration and/or supervision may be earned as part of an education specialist program.

Programs leading to the degrees of Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy are designed to provide the highest level of preparation for professional and scholarly leadership. The typical Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs consist of a minimum 78 credits of course work, including work completed for the master’s degree. A minimum residence of 24 credits taught by Curry resident faculty is required for the Ed.D. degree, and a minimum of two years of full-time study is expected for the Ph.D., although full-time enrollment until completion of all requirements is encouraged. (See Residence Requirements in the Doctor of Education Program.)

Professional Development Program This is an approved program for individuals seeking endorsement in preK-12 school administration and supervision. The program is intended for individuals who have a master’s degree and are seeking state endorsement and a position as principal, assistant principal, or central office supervisor. Students complete the core program and must successfully complete the state proficiency examination. In addition, students may be required to complete an internship.