Training Leaders for Schools, Colleges and Community Organizations
Welcome to the Department of Leadership! The department is comprised of two academic programs— Leadership and Policy Studies (LDPS) and Higher Ed/Adult Education (HIAD). Both programs prepare current and aspiring leaders with the necessary skills to excel in a variety of leadership positions, including K-12 school administrators, district superintendents, higher education administrators, and leaders of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and industry.
Our faculty provides outstanding instruction on strategic planning, human resource management, accreditation, financial management, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Members of our faculty have received national and international recognition for their work, obtained a wide range of research grants, engaged in national and international outreach and service projects, and have won a number of research, teaching, and advising awards.
Want to begin your path to leadership with the Department of Leadership? If you would like to apply for Higher Education, our deadline is April 1st, and your classes will start in the Fall of that year.
News
University of Memphis ranked a top school for online master’s in education for 2023
The Department of Leadership at the University of Memphis has been recognized as one of the best schools for online learning at the master’s level by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD). UofM’s education programs earned top honors for overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success. See where UofM ranked at Best Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership – https://www.onlinemastersdegrees.org/best-programs/education/educational-leadership/.
"This year, we focused on the schools making it easier for students to compete in
today’s increasingly difficult job market,” said Kyle Darland, co-founder of OMD.
“Each ranked school offers a fully or partially online master’s program in education
at a time when earning a master’s has become a minimum barrier to entry for many.” Darland
is referencing a recent survey from CareerBuilder, which found that “thirty-three
percent of employers are hiring workers with master’s degrees for positions that had
been primarily held by those with four-year degrees.” These employers cited an evolution
of the skills needed to perform the jobs as the cause of the shift, and an increase
in work quality, productivity and employee retention as the result. “Providing students
with opportunities to get a master’s online is only part of our rankings,” said Darland.
“Top-ranked schools also had competitive tuition rates and/or scholarships to help
drive costs down. And with grocery, gas and other expenses on everyone’s mind right
now, an affordable master’s is key.”
To be eligible for ranking, a university must hold active regional accreditation and
have at least one partially online master’s program in the ranking subject. Just 6
percent of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position
Questions?
Have questions about the Leadership program or degrees? We're here to help. Give us a call at 901.678.2369 or email leadership@memphis.edu. If you are a current student that needs to set up an advising appointment, please contact Ms. Whitney Horton whorton@memphis.edu
Award Winning Programs
Our Doctorate of Education in Higher and Adult Education: Higher Education Concentration was ranked #13 in Best Doctorate in Education (Ed.D) Degrees in 2020 by Best Value Schools read more on bestvalueschools.org.