UTK Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

07/17/2026

The mission of the ELPS Department is to prepare entry-level and executive-level administrators and faculty for schools and colleges, and to prepare policy scholars to serve in these organizations and in state, regional, and national policy agencies associated with the educational and human service enterprise. The graduate degree programs in the department are designed to enrich the knowledge, skills and values requisite to effective leadership in educational practice settings. The department views leaders as stewards and servants of organizations; designers of the social and cultural climate in which we do our work; teachers who facilitate human growth and development; change agents who continually examine the effectiveness of their organizations; and conceptual provocateurs who challenge ideas and assumptions on which practice and policy are built.

07/16/2026

We are excited to offer ESM 533: Program Evaluation I this Fall!

This course is open to all graduate students to learn core evaluation models and professional standards! In this class, you will gain hands-on experience you can apply across various sectors to help organizations make data-informed decisions!

Please contact Dr. Fatima Zahra ([email protected]) with any questions!

07/15/2026

The Master's of Science (MS) degree within the ELPS department with a concentration in adult & continuing education (ACED) is taught through a distance education program we call Ed Psych Online

This degree is designed for professionals working in school settings, colleges/universities, business and government, as well as those preparing for future work in these related areas!

https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/adult-continuing-education/edpsych-online/

07/14/2026

Our Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) Program, formerly known as College Student Personnel (CSP), aims to prepare graduate students for work serving others in higher education or related services!

This program provides students with an education grounded in research, theory, and practical experience. Check out the link below to learn more!

https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/student-affairs-and-higher-education/

07/10/2026

Join us in congratulating ESM PhD student, Kiley Compton, who successfully defended her dissertation earlier this week!

Kiley's dissertation titled "Pre-award Research Administrators' Professional Development Needs" examined the professional development needs of pre-award research administrators and the extent to which those needs align with competencies emphasized in job postings. Using survey data from 164 pre-award research administrators and content analysis of 32 job postings, the study explored professional development priorities, barriers, organizational support, and competency expectations within the profession. Congratulations, Kiley!

07/09/2026

Evaluation is the systematic study of an organization or program's fidelity, merit, or worth using a recognized set of national standards!

Students in our Ph.D. ESM program will learn about the hands-on application of evaluation procedures, as well as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation designs! Interested? Learn more using the link in our bio!

07/08/2026

The ELPS Department offers an online masters of science in Educational Administration (EDAM) with a concentration in Higher Education Administration (HEAM).

The degree offers advanced graduate study for individuals who aspire to work in higher education settings including post-secondary institutions, policy and research centers, and government agencies! In addition, professionals currently working in higher education settings will also enhance their leadership knowledge and skills for service in current and future positions!

07/01/2026

As July begins and the full Summer session of classes is in full swing, we're cheering you on throughout all the progress. You've got this!

06/26/2026

Our EM master's program prepares professionals who are seeking to enhance their skills and develop new competencies in the rapidly growing field of evaluation methodology!

Students in this 30-credit hour graduate program complete core coursework in the latest evaluation principles, practice, and methodology, and engage in relevant field-based evaluation experiences, culminating in a portfolio based comprehensive examination prior to graduation.

Click here to learn more: https://cehhs.utk.edu/elps/academic-programs/evaluation/evaluation-methodology-concentration-masters-in-education-online/

06/25/2026

The mission of the Higher Education Administration (HEAM) PhD program is to offer advanced graduate study to those students aspiring to enhance their leadership knowledge and skill for service in their current positions; to establish knowledge and skill bases for more responsible and executive leadership appointment; and to build the capacity and inclination for active participation in policy for service in administrative, faculty, and policy scholar roles!

The mission of the Higher Education Administration PhD program is t...