The Ed.S. Degree with a Major in Educational Leadership (Tier I Certification)
The specialist program allows candidates to become entry-level school or system administrators and acquire GaPSC Tier I certification in educational leadership at Level 6 by completing the program and posting a passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership Assessment.
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Candidates will demonstrate an adequate understanding of the knowledge expected in their fields and delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Candidates will use data and current research to inform their practices.
- Candidates will create positive environments for student learning.
- 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
- Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to use data and current research to inform their practice through completion of a comprehensive review of literature.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for student learning during a faculty and mentor observation of their field experience.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 learning through 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, 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.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Deadline: July 1
- Spring Deadline: November 1
- Summer Deadline: April 1
To Apply Online, click here.
Requirements for the Ed.S. Degree with a Major in Educational Leadership
(Tier I Certification)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Leadership | 18 | |
| LEAD 8240 | Managing Resources for School Improvement | 3 |
| LEAD 8140 | Leadership for Creating an Effective Learning Environment | 3 |
| LEAD 8030 | School Culture, Change and Organizational Dynamics | 3 |
| LEAD 8520 | Executive Leadership for the 21st Century | 3 |
| LEAD 8620 | Leading a Professional Learning Community | 3 |
| LEAD 8630 | Coaching and Mentoring for High-Performing Schools | 3 |
| Area B: Curriculum and Instruction | 6 | |
| LEAD 7120 | Instructional Leadership and Supervisory Practices for Improved Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| RSCH 8000 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 |
| Area C: Field-based Activities | 6 | |
| LEAD 7920 | Leadership Field Experiences I | 3 |
| LEAD 7930 | Leadership Field Experiences II | 3 |
| Total hours required for the degree | 30 | |
The Ed.S. Degree with a Major in Educational Leadership (Tier II Certification)
The performance-based specialist program offers candidates the opportunity to continue to develop their knowledge and skills through advanced and more specialized content designed specifically to address the candidates’ leadership position and career goals.
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Candidates will demonstrate an adequate understanding of the knowledge expected in their fields and delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Candidates will use data and current research to inform their practices.
- Candidates will create positive environments for student learning.
- Candidates will understand and 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
- Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to use data and current research to inform their practice through completion of a comprehensive review of literature.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for student learning during a faculty observation of their clinical practice.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 learning through a school improvement project.
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, 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.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Deadline: July 1
- Spring Deadline: November 1
- Summer Deadline: April 1
To Apply Online, click here.
Requirements for the Ed.S. Degree with a Major in Educational Leadership
(Tier II Certification)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A Core | 12 | |
| LEAD 8140 | Leadership for Creating an Effective Learning Environment | 3 |
| LEAD 8620 | Leading a Professional Learning Community | 3 |
| LEAD 8520 | Executive Leadership for the 21st Century | 3 |
| LEAD 8630 | Coaching and Mentoring for High-Performing Schools | 3 |
| Area B Residency | 18 | |
| LEAD 8920 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences I | 6 |
| LEAD 8930 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences II | 6 |
| LEAD 8940 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences III | 6 |
The residency will be completed at the candidate's work site under the supervision of a Candidate Support Team consisting of a site mentor, a university advisor/coach, and the candidate. | ||
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 30 | |
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 PASL Educational Performance-based Leadership Assessment.
