Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track)

This program is designed for working education professionals who bring at least three years of relevant or transferable work experience. Online learning is combined with clinical experiences conducted under the guidance of a mentor, who must hold current Education Leadership Certification in Georgia school districts. 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. These standards are closely aligned with both the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the Georgia Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES) Standards.

Similar to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track), this program is designed for working education professionals with at least three years of experience and 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’ prior academic work. Again, this program leads to the initial leadership certification. This program can be completed in 3 semesters or less.

Admission Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track)

Prospective candidates must, at a minimum:

• Hold a Master’s degree or higher (Ed.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D.) in an education-related field from an accredited college or university.
• Hold at least a clear renewable Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification at Level 4.
• Have a preferred cumulative grade point average for all previous undergraduate and graduate courses as being 3.25 or above on a 4-point scale.
• Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals (one from a current school administrator) who know you professionally or as a scholar.
• Have a preferred minimum of 3 years experience in an educational setting.
• Provide a brief statement of purpose consistent with the intended focus of the program. This statement must include the following: (1) academic and/or career goals, and (2) why you want a Tier I leadership certificate. This statement should not exceed one page.
• If admitted, participate in the required On-Campus Institute (The UGA Experience).
• Have access to a computer with high-speed internet access, and an email account.
• Although minimum and preferred requirements are outlined, applications are reviewed holistically.
• No standardized test scores (GRE or MAT) are required.

Online Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track) Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
2. Select Campus – Online
3. Select Degree Level – Endorsement/Certificate
4. Select Intended Program – CERG, Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track) (Lifelong Ed, Admin, and Policy) [CERT_2ELT_ON]
5. Select Intended Term – Fall, Spring, or Summer
6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one to two-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit two letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier 1 School Leadership Track) program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state. University of Georgia's Professional License Disclosure

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges