MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track)

Today’s school systems require leadership abilities, change-management skills, and deep organizational experience – whether you seek to transform the education sector to promote inclusivity or to launch an innovative education venture. Through our Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Program, you will attain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to lead boldly with impact in diverse roles, including PreK-12 schools, districts, the nonprofit sector, and government.

The Mary Frances Early College of Education recognizes the need for more courageous and transformative leadership. To meet this need, we have extended our outreach and launched an online Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy and Tier I Certification-Only programs. The curricula for these programs match the innovative, relevant, and rigorous curriculum of the face-to-face (hybrid) cohort model. Students admitted into these programs will enjoy both asynchronous and synchronous assignments and online class sessions. Faculty employs the latest technologies and instructional practices to ensure students have an engaging, innovative, and in-depth learning experience.

School Leadership

Tier I leadership certification courses in Educational Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia prepare students for initial leadership certification and place a strong emphasis on knowledge of effective instructional leadership practices that directly impact teaching and learning. The knowledge, skills, and dispositions that serve as the framework for the Tier I Program are based on the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards. The Georgia Educational Leadership Standards are closely aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the Georgia Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES) Standards. The Georgia Educational Leadership Standards can be found in the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) document, Guidelines for EPPs: Georgia Performance-Based Educational Leadership Programs.

Tier I Certification-Only

Our Tier I Certification-Only program is designed for individuals who possess a master’s degree but seek Tier I certification only. While there is an established set of courses students are expected to complete, an individualized program of studies can be offered based on students’ transcripts. Again, this program leads toward an initial leadership certification.

Online or On Campus

This program is offered both fully online and on the UGA Athens campus .

Learn more about our online program

M.Ed. Profile

Individuals who complete our program receive an education from one of the nation’s top educational leadership graduate programs and one of the largest colleges of education. Our students are afforded the opportunity to work side-by-side with communities of scholars whose work is nationally and internationally recognized. Leveraging the expertise of our faculty, graduates of the program are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to lead for change.

#ChangingMindstoChangeLives

Curriculum

The M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy includes studies in:

• Law, policy, and administration
• Ethics
• Finance
• Data management and use
• Leadership in a diverse society

Our two-year, part-time program culminates in the presentation of a problem of practice related to educational administration and policy that holds specific interest for a student. This project gives an individual the opportunity to explore their unique interests, to integrate all of their coursework into a plan for their career, and to create a professional portfolio.

In sum, the M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy allows an individual to tailor their studies to academic and professional areas of focus. Within the 36-semester hour program, individuals will complete:

• 12 hours of major concentration and core courses
• 3 hours of research courses
• 3 hours in an applied project
• 18 hours of electives

Courses are designed to examine topics such as:

• Research in educational administration and policy
• Applied projects in educational administration and policy
• Educational policy analysis
• Organizational theory and leadership
• Human resource administration
• School business and resource management
• School law

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy

Applications are accepted each semester.

Also while completing the Graduate School application, be sure to attach the following documents:

• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose
  • Please indicate in your Statement of Purpose whether you wish to pursue the Tier 1 Leadership Certification or the Research Track for the MED_EDAP.
• Official transcripts

Deadline to Apply

• July 1 (Fall)
• November 15 (Spring)
• April 1 (Summer)

Login to existing application

Student Outcome Data

Useful Links

• Student Handbooks

School Leadership

• M.Ed. in EDAP School Leadership (PDF)
• Tier I Program of Study Advisement Form (PDF)

Tier I Certification-Only

• Tier I Certification-Only Information (PDF)
• Tier I FAQs (PDF)