Credits: 33
CIP Code: 130401

Program Overview

The specialist program is designed to provide advanced preparation to educational leaders at the building and district levels. This program is performance-based and thereby provides for application and synthesis of basic concepts in educational leadership. Evidence of a certificate in educational leadership and employment by a school district in an approved leadership position are required for persons seeking NL-6 certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership must meet the General Admissions Requirements of the University as published in this Catalog including the following:

1. Completed application
2. Have at least three years of successful P-12 school experience; and
3. Demonstrate evidence of leadership potential.
4. Hold a current P-12 Leadership Certificate
5. All post-secondary transcripts
6. 3.0 GPA
7. Statement of Intent
8. Three letters of reference
9. A personal or group interview

Program Objectives are aligned to the 2018 Georgia Educational Leadership Standards:

Standard 1: Education leaders build a collective vision of student success and well-being. 
Standard 2: Education leaders act ethically to promote each student's success and well-being.
Standard 3: Education leaders strive for equity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student's success and well-being. 
Standard 4: Education leaders develop and support rigorous, coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student's academic success and well-being. 
Standard 5: Education leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
Standard 6: Education leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student's academic success and wellbeing. 
Standard 7:  Education leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 8: Education leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 9: Education leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 10: Education leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student's academic success and well-being.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students pursuing the Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership will:

1. Apply appropriate theoretical knowledge and practices to solve issues and make decisions as educational leader, especially in diverse schools and communities.
2. Develop and utilize model of professional and ethical behaviors in their roles as educational leaders in P-12 schools and communities that serve diverse students.
3. Serve as authentic advocates for educational access, equity, and excellence in P-12 schools that serve students in diverse communities.
4. Practice effective leadership strategies at the building level and at the district level of P-12 schools and communities.
5. Conduct research related to emerging issues in contemporary schools and school districts utilizing appropriate research tools.
6. Successfully pass the Comprehensive Examination with a grade of 80 or above.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership must meet the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog and in the Georgia Professional Commission requirements for certifications. The Specialist in Education degree program requires thirty-three (33) graduate credits of coursework at the 600 level beyond the Master’s degree including two semesters of extended supervised field experience.

Educational Leadership Certification Requirements for Specialist in Education Degree

Please visit www.gapsc.com for the most recent information regarding these requirements.

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All SOE field experiences require that all SOE students are required to complete a background check prior to field placement in schools, human services/community agencies, and any government setting.

Educational Leadership, Ed.S.