Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track)

Overview

The Mary Frances Early College of Education recognizes the need for more courageous and transformative leadership. Our onlineMaster’s in Educational Administration and Policy and Tier 1 Certification-Only programs are designed to meet this need. Program curricula are rigorous, relevant, and innovative. Students admitted into these programs will engage in asynchronous and synchronous assignments and online class sessions, and clinical practice experiences. Our faculty employs the latest technologies and instructional practices to ensure students have an engaging, innovative, and in-depth learning experience.

Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Leading to Tier 1 Certification

• Two-year program designed for working educational professionals with at least 3 years of relevant or transferable work experience. 
• Combines online learning and clinical experiences, conducted under the guidance of a school or district mentor (Mentors must hold Tier I certification.) 
• Coursework prepares students for initial leadership certification.
• Strong emphasis on knowledge of effective instructional leadership practices that directly impact teaching and learning.
• Our framework includes knowledge, skills, and dispositions based on the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards (GELS). These standards are closely aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSELs) and the Georgia Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES) Standards.   

Tier 1 Certification-Only

• May be completed in 3 semesters.
• Designed for working education professionals with at least three years of experience and who possess a master’s degree, but seek Tier 1 certification only.
• Includes an established set of courses.
• Individualized programs may be offered based on prior academic work.
• Leads to initial leadership certification. 

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

Total hours required to earn a degree: 36 credit hours

Total hours required to earn the certificate: 9-18 credit hours (customized program of studies)

Maximum hours transferable into the program: 6

Only transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered. If transfer credit is awarded, it will still be necessary to complete the required number of hours to graduate, which will more than likely necessitate additional coursework above and beyond the degree program requirements. In sum, it depends, and it is important to consult the program adviser.

M.Ed. in Education in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track) Admission Requirements

Prospective candidates must, at a minimum:

• Hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  
• Hold a clear, renewable Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification at Level 4.
  
• Have a preferred cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses as being 3.25 or above on a 4-point scale.
  
• Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals (one from a current school administrator) who know you professionally or as a scholar.
  
• Have a preferred minimum of 3 years of experience in an educational setting.
  
• Provide a brief statement of purpose consistent with the intended focus of the program. This statement must include (1) academic and/or career goals, and (2) why you want a Tier 1 leadership certificate. This statement should not exceed one page.
  
• Have access to a computer with high-speed internet access and an email account.

Tier 1 Certification-Only Admission Requirements

Prospective candidates must, at a minimum:

• Hold a Master’s degree or higher (Ed.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D.) in an education-related field from an accredited college or university.
  
• Hold at least a clear, renewable Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification at Level 5.
  
• Have a preferred cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses as being 3.25 or above on a 4-point scale.
  
• Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals (one from a current school administrator) who know you professionally or as a scholar.
  
• Have a preferred minimum of 3 years of experience in an educational setting.
  
• Provide a brief statement of purpose consistent with the intended focus of the program. This statement must include the following: (1) academic and/or career goals, and (2) why you want a Tier 1 leadership certificate. This statement should not exceed one page.
  
• Have access to a computer with high-speed internet access – and an email account.

Although minimum and preferred requirements are outlined, applications are reviewed holistically. No standardized test scores (GRE or MAT) are required.

Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75. 
2. Select Campus – Online 
3. Select Degree Level – Masters
4. Select Intended Program –  MED, Educational Administration and Policy (Lifelong Ed, Admin, and Policy) [MED_EDAP_ONL]
5. Résumé or curriculum vitae – Upload to the Graduate School application.
6. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
7. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
8.  Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably, at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.

Application Deadlines

(Tier 1 School Leadership Track) Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

Fall: July 1

Spring: November 15

Summer: April 1

International Applicants

Fall: April 15

Spring: October 15

Summer: February 15

Cost

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Master of Education

Based on 2024-25 credit hour cost, a person completing the program at the recommended pace would have paid $15,372 in tuition for a Georgia Resident and $42,552 in tuition for an out-of-state student.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Tier 1 Certification

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing the program at the recommended pace would have paid $ 6,405 in tuition for a Georgia Resident and $17,730 in tuition for an out-of-state student.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses.

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Curriculum

Our prescribed curricula are intentionally designed to meet students’ professional needs. Anchored in foundational knowledge and core competencies in educational administration, leadership, and policy, students will explore, examine, and analyze the intricacies of the U.S. education system. A minimum of 36 credit hours is required to graduate with an M.Ed. The Certification-Only program credit hours requirement varies. Each course is 3 credit hours.

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy

Course	Title
EDAP 7020E	Instructional Leadership for School Improvement
EDAP 8115E	Educational Leadership for Student Success
EDAP 7801E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership I
EDAP 7040E	Education Law and Ethical Leadership
EDAP 7050E	Talent Management for Continuous Improvement
EDAP 7802E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership II
EDAP 7030E	Developing, Supporting, and Sustaining a Positive Learning Environment
EDAP 7600E	Data Analysis for Practitioners
EDAP 8405E	Leadership in a Diverse Society
EDAP 7060E	Policies, Systems, and Resources for Educational Enterprises
EDAP 7803E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership III
EDAP 8390E	School, Family, and Community Connections

Tier 1 Certification-Only

Course	Title
EDAP 8115E	Educational Leadership for Student Success
EDAP 7040E	Education Law and Ethical Leadership
EDAP 8405E	Leadership in a Diverse Society
EDAP 7801E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership I
EDAP 7802E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership II
EDAP 7803E	Clinical Practices in Educational Leadership III

Licensure

This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal. 

Faculty

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Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7935.

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