Educational Leadership Department

The Department of Educational Leadership offers graduate programs of study for the M.A., Ed.S. and Ed.D. degrees and certification in the area of administration and supervision for K-12 education programs. Students develop a theoretical, empirical, and practical comprehension of educational leadership, planning, policy, finance, supervision, research, and other contemporary issues related to the creative management of schools. The Department recognizes the pivotal role of school administrators as catalysts for influencing every aspect of a school. Students explore, study and test the interrelatedness of school, community, familial, and societal forces and their impact on the education of the K-12 learner. Each of the degree programs requires the successful completion of a prescribed series of courses, an internship, and a comprehensive examination.

Academic Degrees

The Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership is designed for individuals with limited or no administrative experience seeking state certification and/or preparation for positions in general school administration or K-12 administration. The M.A. degree is a 30-semester-hour program which includes the core course requirements for the NL-5 certificate in Administration and Supervision in Georgia. The M.A. program provides students with basic understanding of the administrative process and its application to mid-level administrative or supervisory positions.

The Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership is intended for practicing administrators who wish to increase their competencies or seek positions with new or increased responsibilities. The Ed.S. degree is a 30- semester-hour program beyond the Master's degree or beyond courses for the NL-5 certification. The Ed.S. degree is designed to meet requirements for the Level-6 certificate and is not an intermediate step toward the doctorate.


The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership is a comprehensive program of advanced studies in Administration and Supervision which prepares students for positions as practitioners and/or professors in the field. The doctoral program equips students with knowledge and skills for a variety of leadership positions. Students become familiar with forces and influences impinging on the process of education, the interrelationship between educational institutions and the communities they serve, and the need to sensitize the educational environment to the assessed needs of the learner. Upon completion of the first twelve semester hours, students are required to pass a preliminary examination. The doctoral program requires the student to conduct a major research project and report it through a supervised dissertation related to educational administration and supervision.

Admission Requirements

Applicants at all levels must meet the general requirements of the University and the School of Education, and have at least 3 (three) years of appropriate employment experience.