Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy
Known for pioneering work regionally, nationally, and internationally, the Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy includes three program areas:
- Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
- Qualitative Research Program
- Educational Administration and Policy
Our faculty challenge and engage students in graduate programs focused on intellectual inquiry, research, and practice. Our programs prepare leaders who create and share knowledge and strategies to improve the quality of life of individuals and organizations.
Department faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for contributions in research and policy development. Our faculty members’ research includes action research, multicultural perspectives in adult education, education law, gender inequity, administration, school improvement, education policy, human resource and organizational development, the superintendency, and qualitative research methods.
Our faculty are also regular contributors to the Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, have an active role in the development of the State of Education in Georgia annual conference, provide leadership in supporting the lifelong learning institute on campus, and provide training to adult literacy instructors throughout the state.
Concentrations
- Educational Administration and Policy
This program develops the careers of students who become leaders in educational administration, policy, and school systems.
- Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
Prepare for a career in organizations related to the education of adults.
- Qualitative Research Program
Do you have an interest in the methodological, theoretical, and ethical procedures and challenges inherent to social science research and evaluation? Join us in contributing to the methodological and theoretical development of qualitative research and program evaluation.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- AB in Political Science / MEd in Educational Administration and Policy
Hone your interest and expand your analytical and theoretical skills in preparation for law- and policy-oriented careers in a broad range of education organizations. The MEd curriculum builds on foundations of theory, method, and practice and addresses a range of contemporary education policy issues from an interdisciplinary lens.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track) (Online)
- MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Research Track)
- MEd in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
Become a leader in adult education in this two-year master’s degree program geared toward working professionals. Offered online and at our Gwinnett campus.
- MEd in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (Online)
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (Learning Leadership and Organization Development)
This educational specialist program prepares you for a career in an organization that educates adults.
- EdS in Education (Literacy Specialist, Online)
Further your language and literacy expertise in this flexible program that allows you to develop your skills as an instructional leader and coach.
- EdS in Educational Administration and Policy (Gwinnett Campus)
Prepare for educational leadership through this four-semester Ed.S. program at the Gwinnett campus with hands-on experiences and a renowned faculty.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methodologies
If you have a deep interest in the methodological, theoretical, and ethical procedures and challenges inherent to social science research and evaluation, this is a graduate program for you.
- PhD in Educational Administration and Policy
Become qualified for educational policy analysis in educational research, government, or academia with the PhD in Educational Administration and Policy.
- PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
Immerse yourself in advanced scholarly inquiry into the nature of organizational change, as well as the knowledge and skills to develop and lead professionals and adult learning in a complex system.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
- EdD in Educational Leadership
Gain knowledge and skills in improving school systems with the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia.
- EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
Learn how to shape the future of your organization by becoming both a leader and a scholar with deep knowledge of adult learning and change in this practitioner-based program.
Non-Degree Programs
Certificate Programs
- Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies (Athens Campus)
If you are a current UGA student and have an interest in expanding your knowledge of qualitative research methodologies, the IQS Certificate program is for you.
- Certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies (Online)
If you are not a current UGA student and have an interest in expanding your knowledge of qualitative research methodologies, the Online IQS Certificate program is for you.
- Graduate Certificate in Complexity Leadership
This certificate program is open to both degree and non-degree seeking graduate students and aims to integrate cutting-edge research on adult development along with adaptive and complexity leadership.
- Graduate Certificate in Organization Coaching
Open to all graduate students, this certificate program is designed for students pursuing a graduate degree in adult learning, leadership, and organization development, as well as those in other fields who want to be a certified organization coach. This certificate program is open to both degree and non-degree seeking graduate students in all fields and is designed for those wishing to become a certified organization coach.
Endorsement/Certificate Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track) (Online)
This certificate program is open to both degree and non-degree seeking graduate students who are interested in seeking Tier I administration certification to practice in Georgia.
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Videos
Scholarships, Awards, and Other Funding Opportunities
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education. These include both College-wide scholarships and those specific to individual programs and departments. Visit the College’s Scholarships and Other Funding Sources webpage to learn more and to apply.
In addition, the following LEAP Department awards were made possible through the support of generous donors but do not have an application process:
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramStudent Organizations
Graduate Student Network (GSN)
This organization provides a communication network to students, faculty, and professionals interested in lifelong learning. It also facilitates social/professional interaction among lifelong learners and supports adjunct learning experiences.
Members are graduate students in the Department of Lifelong Learning, Administration, and Policy.
Latest News
- Amazing Student: Eunbi Sim
Eunbi Sim’s (Ph.D. ’25) passion lies in advancing intersectional feminist perspectives in the field of learning, leadership, and organization development.
- UGA’s online degree programs rank highly and retain students
The Mary Frances Early College of Education’s online graduate programs earned high marks in several specialty categories, including instructional media design, special education, and more.
- Collective impact
Rebecca Parshall (Ph.D. ’22) champions collaborative solutions to enhance academic achievement and workforce readiness in young students.