ANNUAL UPDATE: Program News and Growth

The first cohort in the EdD in Learning and Organizational Change graduated in August, launching 40 new innovative leaders into educational and professional roles, reaching an impressive 84 percent graduation rate in only three years. Including all graduate programs, August commencement marked the largest group of graduate degrees awarded in the School of Education’s history.

GRADUATE PROGRAM GROWTH

Graduate programs in the School of Education are growing by leaps and bounds, preparing outstanding leaders who are well equipped to take on significant roles addressing challenges in educational, nonprofit, health, and corporate settings. In the fall of 2018, the SOE’s graduate student population stood at 259, and in fall of 2021, we welcomed 770 students — coming very close to tripling graduate enrollment.

Since 2018, the SOE has launched several new graduate programs:
• PhD in School Psychology — Department of Educational Psychology
• EdD in Learning and Organizational Change (online) — Department of Curriculum & Instruction
• EdS (Education Specialist) in School Psychology Dallas Program — Department of Educational Psychology
• MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) — All SOE departments
• MA in School Leadership — Department of Educational Leadership
• MA/MSEd/MDiv Joint Degree with Truett Seminary — Department of Curriculum & Instruction
 

Much growth has come from the EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, offered online, which launched in 2018 and saw its first cohort graduate in August 2021. Its program numbers are nearing full strength, and students in this program experience two on-campus “immersion” sessions in Waco during the program. The EdD in Learning and Organizational Change is the university’s largest graduate program.

During this period of rapid growth, the SOE has outpaced the University in increasing diversity among students as measured by Baylor’s Institutional Research department, particularly in groups previously under-represented, who self-identify as African-American, Hispanic, or Multi-Racial on University surveys. These students represent 42 percent of SOE graduate students for fall 2021, while all non-white students represent 48 percent of SOE graduate students.

The School of Education believes that increasing diversity is particularly important among educational leaders who will serve in our nation’s schools and universities.

PLACEMENT FOR BSED GRADUATES

The School of Education’s May graduates have reached 100 percent placement for the last two years, indicating the strength of Baylor’s reputation among school districts and graduate school programs.

The average starting salary for May 2021 graduates who accept employment in public schools as classroom teachers is almost $50,000.