Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

Program Description

The Ed.S. with major in Educational Leadership addresses the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards using personalized and authentic learning experiences in the school setting.  The program may be successfully completed in one academic year of three semesters, each having 12 graduate credit hours, beginning the fall semester of each year.  The primary candidate is a certified educator who wishes to begin or advance a career in educational administration.  All course work is available online to support the school-based learning experiences. School mentors and university professors support and facilitate the candidate's work.  A residency requirement of 300 clock hours helps the candidate address experiences across all standards.  Successful completion of the program enables the candidate to apply for school-level or district-level certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

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
3. 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

1. University Graduate Admissions Application Form including application fee, if applicable.
2. Two professional recommendations (pdf) using the College of Education format.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (except GC)
4. A passing score (or documentation of an attempt to pass0 for the Educator Ethics for Leadership GACE Test code 380
5. Verification of immunization

Ed. S. Advisement

The Ed.S. with major in Educational Leadership begins in fall semester of each year and ends with the following summer semester.  Each candidate admitted to the cohort has a program of study listing the timeline for all courses.  There are no substitutes or electives and all courses are taken at the same time during the program with other members of the cohort.  Candidates are assigned to the cohort professor for advisement and are encouraged to initiate communication on a regular basis with the professor who will also serve as facilitator and performance coach.

Ed. S. Program of Study

The Specialist in Education with major in Educational Leadership requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work. Only those courses listed on the Program of Graduate Study fulfill degree requirements. 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 and submit formal application for graduation. Students should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.

Ed. S. Transient Credit

No transient hours are accepted in the Educational Leadership Program.  Candidates must enroll in all courses in the program of study at Georgia College.

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.  For any course in the program of study with earned grade of "C", the candidate may file a formal petition to continue in 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.

Certification

Successful completion of the Ed.S. program and passing the GACE Ethics and GACE content exams enable the graduate to be recommended for certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Total Credit Hours: 36

Further Information

Prospective students desiring further information on graduate programs may contact Shanda Brand, Graduate Admissions Advisor, at Georgia College, Campus Box 70, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Email: Shanda.Brand@gcsu.edu

Phone: 478-445-1383.  (Toll free in Georgia at 1-800-342-0471, extension 1383.)