This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

The educational leadership M.Ed. degree allows candidates to obtain an advanced degree in the field of educational leadership. There are two tracks:

  • The Higher Education Leadership Track prepares candidates to be administrators in institutions of higher education.
  • The P-12 School Leadership Option prepares candidates to serve as entry-level administrators in schools or school systems.

Higher Education Option

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of ethical leadership practices in higher education settings.
  2. Candidates will establish operational plans and processes to accomplish strategic goals, utilizing practical applications of theory.
  3. Candidates will describe the processes of educational leadership and relate them to programs in higher education.
  4. Candidates will interact effectively with internal and external audiences.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will develop a written budget in response to established criteria.
  2. Candidates will prepare a professional portfolio as evidence of their mastery of course content and ability to apply course content to real-world settings.
  3. Candidates will write a narrative as part of their professional portfolio, in which they establish operational plans and processes to accomplish strategic goals, utilizing practical applications of organizational theories.
  4. Candidates will successfully complete the requirements for their internships.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Go to the Higher Education Leadership website for information on:

  • Specific Higher Education Leadership Track, M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program Admission Requirements
  • Higher Educational Leadership Track, M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
  • Higher Educational Leadership Track, M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here

Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree in Educational Leadership
Higher Education Leadership Option

Core Courses9
HEDL 7650Leadership Issues in Higher Education3
HEDL 7800Organization and Governance of Higher Education3
HEDL 7810Fin & Bud in H E3
HEDL 7820Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education3
HEDL 7840History and Philosophy of Higher Education3
HEDL 7860Student Development Theory3
HEDL 7865Collegiate Environments3
HEDL 7870Introduction to Higher Education Leadership3
HEDL 7880Counseling in Student Affairs3
HEDL 8300Social Context of Educational Leadership3
RSCH 7100Research Methodology in Education3
Guided Elective3
Select one of the following:
Law and Policy in Higher Education
Ethics and Standards in Higher Education
Special Topics in Higher Education Leadership
Technology in Student Affairs
Internship in Higher Education Leadership
Guided Elective approved by advisor
Field Experiences (internships)3
HEDL 7921Internship Preparation in Higher Education Leadership3
Total Hours Required for the Degree39

P-12 School Leadership Option 

The P-12 school leadership program allows candidates to become entry-level school or system administrators. Candidates can obtain an M.Ed. or can add P-12 School Leadership and become GaPSC-certified in educational leadership at level 5 by completing the program and posting a passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership Assessment.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the pedagogy in their fields as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
  2. Candidates will use data and current research to inform practices.
  3. Candidates will create positive environments for student learning.
  4. Candidates will demonstrate skills and knowledge to build upon the developmental levels of students with whom they work; the diversity of students, families, and communities; and the policy contexts within which they work.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment.
  2. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to use data and current research to inform their practice through completion of a project designed to improve student achievement.
  3. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for student learning during a faculty and mentor observation of their clinical practice.
  4. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 schools through their completion of an Inventory of Leadership Experiences.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents. 

Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree in Educational Leadership
P-12 School Leadership Option 

Area A -- Leadership12
Ethical and Legal Issues for Leadership
School Culture, Change and Organizational Dynamics
Managing Resources for School Improvement
Leadership for Community and Public Relations
Area B -- Curriculum and Instruction12
Advanced Research Methodology
Instructional Leadership and Supervisory Practices for Improved Teaching and Learning
Technology Leadership for School Improvement
Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration
Area C -- Field-based Activities6
Leadership Field Experiences I
Leadership Field Experiences II
Total Hours Required for the Degree30

Other Degree Requirements

Please note that all students who hold or are seeking this degree must successfully complete EDUC 5999. Candidates must take the GACE Content Assessment in educational leadership.

Additional Certification Requirements

Please note that all students who hold or are seeking GaPSC educator certification must successfully complete EDUC 5999. Prior to being recommended for a clear/renewable Georgia leadership certificate, a candidate must meet the PSC Special Requirements (PSC 505-2-20)--Identification and Education of Children with Special Needs and pass the GACE Content Assessment in Educational Leadership.


Tier 1 Certification Only Program in Educational Leadership 

The Tier 1 Certification non-degree program offers candidates the opportunity to become certified at Tier 1 in educational leadership (level 5). Candidates must hold a Tier 1 GaPSC certification and a master's degree or higher in a field recognized by the GaPSC as a related field.

Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, and then click on Certification in Educational Leadership for information on:

  • Specific Tier 1 Certification in Educational Leadership Admission Requirements
  • Tier 1 Certification in Educational Leadership Program Completion Requirements

To Apply Online, click here

Requirements for Tier 1 Certification in Educational Leadership

Area A -- Leadership12
Ethical and Legal Issues for Leadership 1
School Culture, Change and Organizational Dynamics 1
Managing Resources for School Improvement
Leadership for Community and Public Relations 1
Area B -- Curriculum and Instruction12
Advanced Research Methodology 1
Instructional Leadership and Supervisory Practices for Improved Teaching and Learning 1
Technology Leadership for School Improvement 1
Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration 1
Area C -- Field-based Activities6
Leadership Field Experiences I
Leadership Field Experiences II
The above field-based activities will be conducted at the work site of the candidate and supervised by a Candidate Support Team consisting of a site mentor, a university advisor/coach, and the candidates, at which the residency is completed.
Total Hours Required for Certification30

Additional Requirements

Please note that all students who hold or are seeking this degree and/or GaPSC educator certification must successfully complete EDUC 5999. Prior to being recommended for a clear/renewable Georgia leadership certificate, a candidate must meet the GaPSC Special Requirements (PSC Rule 505-2-20)--Identification and Education of Children with Special Needs and pass the GACE Educational Performance-based Leadership Assessment.