Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Policy

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.

Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Leading to Tier I Certification

This program is designed for working education professionals who bring at least three years of relevant or transferrable work experience. Online learning is combined with clinical experiences conducted under the guidance of a mentor, who must possess Tier I certification, in 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. This is a two-year program.

Tier I Certification-Only

Similarly, to the M.Ed., 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 student’s prior academic work. Again, this program leads to the initial leadership certification. This program can be completed in 3 semesters or less.

M.Ed. in Education in Educational Administration and Policy Admission Requirements

Prospective candidates must, at a minimum:

• Hold a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university,

• Hold 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), and

  • Have access to a computer with high-speed internet access, and 

  • an email account

Tier I Certification-Only Admission Requirements

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.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Policy 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.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges