The Department of Curriculum, Leadership & Technology offers the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Performance-Based Leadership.

Ed.D. in Leadership

The Leadership Program (Ed.D.) seeks to develop doctoral candidates who are effective, ethical, and diverse leaders seeking to maximize achievement in schools and other organizations. Skill applications serve as the connection between knowledge and inquiry skills developed in the core curriculum and research courses and the increasingly complex world of restructured practice and school or organizational improvement. Students work with their advisors to select a cognate area that fits with their professional and academic goals. Cognate areas include: Executive Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Curriculum Leadership, Technology Leadership, and Higher Education Leadership. Students working in the P-12 setting who wish to add-on a professional Leadership certificate may do so in consultation with their advisor.

Ed.S. in Performance-Based Leadership

The Ed.S. Performance-Based Leadership curriculum incorporates advanced and specialized coursework designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills in their specific leadership role and further their career goals. Completion of the program results in an Ed.S. degree and recommendation for L-6 certification in the state of Georgia. The program is available to professionals serving in positions recognized as 'leadership roles' by their school system. Examples include but are not limited to: team leaders, grade chairs, department chairs, SACS team chairs, academic coaches, school improvement team leaders, athletic directors, assistant principals, principals, curriculum coordinators, and special education directors.

To be eligible for the Ed.S. program, candidates must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, work in a leadership role, and hold a non-renewable education leadership certificate (NL-5). Candidates must pass the GACE Leadership Examination to qualify for an NL certificate. Detailed admission requirements are included in the Admission Information link below.

Non-degree Performance-Based Leadership (Certification only)

The non-degree certification only program is open to individuals who already hold an Ed.S. or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a Level 6 or 7 educators certificate from the GAPSC. Candidates must also be employed in a leadership role as defined by your local school system. Completion of the program results in PL6 or PL7 certification at the building or system level, depending on your current certification level and your leadership role.

M.Ed. in P-12 School Leadership (Tier 1)

The M.Ed. in P-12 School Leadership is open to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved college or university. Candidates must also show evidence of completion of the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment prior to enrollment.

Non-Degree P-12 School Leadership (Certification Only Tier 1)

The Non-Degree P-12 School Leadership is open to individuals who hold a master's degree from an accredited or approved college or university. Candidates must also show evidence of completion of the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment prior to enrollment.