Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC)
Explore interdisciplinary programs in educational leadership, policy, and cultural foundations of education. We prepare educators for faculty and leadership roles in schools, universities, organizations, and communities.
The Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC) prepares students for faculty, service, and leadership positions across educational and other organizational settings. Programs focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to lead K-12 schools and districts, teach and administrate in colleges and universities, analyze educational systems, and research and understand the cultural contexts that shape learning.
Explore our Programs
Become a School Leader
Prepare for school and district leadership roles with licensure-focused programs.
- Post-Master’s Certificate in School Administration (PMC-SA)
- Master’s in School Administration (MSA)
- Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools (PPEERS) – MSA
Advance Your Leadership Career
Build expertise in leadership, systems, and organizational improvement.
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
- Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Community-Engaged School Leadership
Study Education & Society
Explore education through research, policy, and interdisciplinary study.
- Education Studies Minor
- Ph.D. in Educational Studies (Cultural Foundations)
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Cultural Foundations and Social Justice (PMC-SJ)
Beyond the classroom
Learning extends far beyond traditional classroom settings. Explore these events and opportunities designed to connect ideas with real-world dialogue, practice, and impact.
Brock’s Critical Conversation Conference
This Conference brings together educators, students, leaders, and community members to engage the urgent socio-political issues shaping the United States. Participants leave with practical tools for meaningful dialogue, teaching, and positive community impact.
Rebecca Carver Institute
The Rebecca Carver Institute on Experiential Learning (RCI) is a recurring professional learning event focused on helping participants understand and apply experiential education. The institute honors Dr. Rebecca Carver’s pioneering research and lasting contributions to the field.
Why ELC?
Why Students Choose ELC
- Attention to leadership, policy, and cultural foundations of education
- Focus on how schools, communities, and educational systems function and intersect
- Faculty focus on a student-centered approach to education
- Programs are grounded in real-world application and research
- Programs provide pathways for educators to advance into different career roles
Careers That Make an Impact
Graduates of our programs pursue careers in:
- School principal or assistant principal
- Instructional leader or district-level administrator
- Higher education or organizational leader
- Education policy or research professional
- Community-based education leader
Explore Our Impact
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Dr. Charles Perkins: Homegrown Education Leader
The Rockingham County School System is now being led by one of its own. Born, reared, and educated in Rockingham County, Charles Perkins was sworn…
What our Students are Saying…
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Spartan Voices: Diego Mureño
Diego Mureño is a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program. The Marion, N.C., graduated this fall.
ELC Research & Publications
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Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas of Generative AI
Dr. Kathy Hytten – Publication Spotlight: Featuring recent faculty research and scholarly impact.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS (ELC)
elc@uncg.edu
Location: School of Education Building, Room 366
Mailing Address: 1300 Spring Garden St.
Greensboro, NC 27412
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