Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

Program Description

The Performance-Based Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program offered in the Department of Special Education and Educational Leadership provides advanced study for qualified educators. The program of study builds upon work completed at the Master of Education level; it strengthens and extends professional, pedagogical, and content knowledge additionally this program prepares advanced practitioners to be Architects of Change and leaders in the professional community. The Performance-Based Specialist in Education program in Educational Leadership is cohort organized. Each cohort is supervised by one faculty member who assures that Candidates meet all program standards at the advanced level prior to graduation. Coursework is organized around thematic blocks that address school improvement issues. It is a blended curricular model in which 75% of the coursework is online and 25% is conducted through selected Saturday seminars.

Ed.S. Prerequisites

1. Meet minimal Grade Point Average of 3.25
2. Be eligible for a clear renewable, level five (5) State of Georgia Certification (except Library Media)
3. Verify two years teaching experience while holding a clear and renewable certificate (except Educational Leadership)
4. For Educational Leadership only: if the applicant does not have a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership, two courses must be completed for full admission: 1) Leadership in School, Society and 2) School Law and Ethical Practices.) 

Ed.S. Admission

For the admissions process applicants should complete and submit the following:

1. University Admissions Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the School of Education format.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (except GC)
4. Pass an on-site writing assessment
5. Any additional specific program requirements.
6. Verification of immunization (pdf)

Ed.S. Advisement

Each candidate for the Specialist in Education degree is assigned a graduate advisor who serves as a mentor to the Specialist Candidate and assists in proposing, scheduling and completing the Specialist in Education Program of Graduate Study.

Ed. S. Program of Study

The Specialist in Education program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work beyond the Master of Education degree or the Master of Arts in Teaching degree (with the exception of Educational Leadership in which 36 semester hours are required). Specialist programs must be completed, with the degree awarded, within four years of the initial coursework listed on the program of study. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor prior to course enrollment, and a Change of Graduate Program of Study form submitted to the office of the Department Chairperson. Grades below a B do not fulfill degree requirements.

Ed. S. Graduate Assistantships

Limited Graduate Assistantships are available. Details and an application can be found at http://www.gcsu.edu/education/assistantships.html

Ed. S. Exit Requirements

All students must pass a comprehensive departmental exit requirement and fulfill degree requirements to graduate including an electronic portfolio presentation. Students should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.

Ed. S. Transient Credit

No transient hours are accepted in the Educational Leadership Program.

Dismissal Policy

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA during the program.  Students must earn a grade of B or higher in each class for it to count toward graduation requirements.  If a student's GPA falls below a 3.0, he/she may petition to stay in the program for one semester.  If at the end of the semester on probation the student's GPA is still below a 3.0, he/she will be dismissed from the program.  Any student who plagiarizes work will fail that course (receive an F) and be referred to the Judicial Council for a violation of Georgia College's Honor Code.

Total Credit Hours: 36

Further Information:

Prospective students desiring further information on the various Special Education and Educational Leadership programs may contact the Department Chair, Craig Smith, Georgia College, Campus Box 072, Milledgeville, GA 31061. The office telephone number is (478) 445-4577. The Department Chair’s e-mail address is Craig.Smith@gcsu.edu.