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, 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 Courses
ACED 7620Program Evaluation3
ACED 7150Adult Learning and Development3
HEDL 7650Leadership Issues in Higher Education3
HEDL 7800Organization and Governance of Higher Education3
HEDL 7810Finance and Budgeting in Higher and Education3
HEDL 7840History and Philosophy of Higher Education3
HEDL 7870Introduction to Higher Education Leadership3
HEDL 7880Helping Skills in Student Affairs3
HEDL 8300Diverse Perspectives in Education3
RSCH 7100Research Methodology in Education3
Electives
Select two of the following. Additional graduate level electives may be approved by advisor6
The Community and Technical College
HEDL 7830Law and Policy in Higher Education3
Ethics and Standards in Higher Education
HEDL 7860Student Development Theory3
HEDL 7865Collegiate Environments3
Special Topics in Higher Education Leadership
Technology in Student Affairs
Internship Preparation in Higher Education Leadership
HEDL 7922Internship in Higher Education Leadership3
Total Hours Required for the Degree36
1

 or equivalent. The faculty advisor will collaborate with candidates to identify appropriate courses based on the candidates' other graduate-level coursework and professional knowedge and skills.

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.