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
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of ethical leadership practices in higher education settings.
- Candidates will establish operational plans and processes to accomplish strategic goals, utilizing practical applications of theory.
- Candidates will describe the processes of educational leadership and relate them to programs in higher education.
- Candidates will interact effectively with internal and external audiences.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Candidates will develop a written budget in response to established criteria.
- Candidates will prepare a professional portfolio as evidence of their mastery of course content and ability to apply course content to real-world settings.
- 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.
- 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| HEDL 7650 | Leadership Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
| HEDL 7800 | Organization and Governance of Higher Education | 3 |
| HEDL 7810 | Finance and Budgeting in Higher and Education | 3 |
| HEDL 7820 | Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education | 3 |
| HEDL 7840 | History and Philosophy of Higher Education | 3 |
| HEDL 7860 | Student Development Theory | 3 |
| HEDL 7870 | Introduction to Higher Education Leadership | 3 |
| HEDL 7880 | Counseling in Student Affairs | 3 |
| HEDL 8300 | Social Context of Educational Leadership | 3 |
| RSCH 7100 | Research Methodology in Education | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two of the following. Additional graduate level electives may be approved by advisor | 6 | |
| The Community and Technical College | ||
| Law and Policy in Higher Education | ||
| Ethics and Standards in Higher Education | ||
| Special Topics in Higher Education Leadership | ||
| Technology in Student Affairs | ||
| Internship Preparation in Higher Education Leadership | ||
| Internship in Higher Education Leadership | ||
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 36 | |
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
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the pedagogy in their fields as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Candidates will use data and current research to inform 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 project designed to improve student achievement.
- Candidates will demonstrate their ability to create positive environments for student learning during a faculty and mentor observation of their clinical practice.
- 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A -- Leadership | 12 | |
| 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 Instruction | 12 | |
| 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 Activities | 6 | |
| Leadership Field Experiences I | ||
| Leadership Field Experiences II | ||
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 30 | |
Other Degree Requirements
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A -- Leadership | 12 | |
| 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 Instruction | 12 | |
| 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 Activities | 6 | |
| 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 Certification | 30 | |
- 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.
