Educational Leadership and Policy Studies FAQ's
Can credits from the Principal Licensure Programs be counted toward other degrees in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS)? Students who wish to apply to the EdD may use 30 credits from the principal preparation program as the foundation to enter the EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Students applying to the PhD may apply to transfer 9-12 certificate credits programs towards the PhD. Students who complete an ELPS certificate program for principal licensure may apply those credits toward the Master's program in ELPS.
Are there scholarships or grants available for the ELPS programs? Students may apply for college and program level scholarships. The Ellie Katz Scholarship is also available to qualified doctoral students. Application directions are posted with the MCE Financial Aid information.
Am I required to be a licensed teacher to apply to the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies programs? No, but the State of Colorado requires that all applicants for the principal's license hold a Colorado professional educator's license and have two years of successful service in addition to completing an approved licensure program.
What is considered for acceptance to your program? The Educational Leadership and Policy studies programs take a "whole person" philosophy when accepting students. In addition to looking at GRE scores (EdD and PhD applicants only), the admissions committee also examines transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of goals, and prior experience that is applicable to the program to which application is being made.
If I have a non-education degree, will that limit my chances for acceptance? If the admissions committee considers your application a strong one, you could be accepted without a previous degree in education. Because all ELPS programs are designed to prepare qualified education professionals, applications from those individuals with prior education degrees and experience may be more highly qualified.
I am applying for the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies doctoral program. If I do not have GRE scores, can I submit results from another test? GRE scores are required for admission to the doctoral program in ELPS. No other test results are accepted. Official scores must be dated within five years from the date of application. Applicants to the Certificate or Master's program are not required to submit GRE test scores.
From whom should I get letters of recommendation? For highest consideration, letters of recommendation should be written by professionals in the field of education who are currently supervising you. If you are a recent graduate, recommendation letters from former professors that speak to your academic abilities and character may be used. If you have several years of work experience, you may use letters of recommendation from professionals who have observed your leadership abilities in an educational setting. Letters of rec
May I use a recommendation letter from a former application? No. Letters submitted for a previous or alternate application are not transferrable.
Is an interview required? Yes, interviews are required for all applicants.
How many students do you accept and do you have an estimate of how many people apply annually? The number of applications received varies from year to year and program to program. Cohorts are rarely allowed to exceed 25 students, and typically have 10-15 participants.
