Specialist in Education with a Major in Special Education, Tier 1 Educational Leadership

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Special Education is a fully online, 33-credit hour program designed to meet the needs of educators who have completed a master's degree in education or speech-language pathology. The Tier 1 Leadership track focuses on core advanced special education competencies, as outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children, and prepares candidates to be change agents in the field of special education. Coursework includes relevant, rigorous, and authentic learning experiences while taking a deep dive into policy, law, curriculum, leadership, and program improvement in special education.  

In this program, candidates will be required to read, write, and research the major topics in Special  Education. Students may begin the program any semester. During the initial advising session, a projected sequence of courses is developed for each student. Any changes in the projected sequence need to be determined jointly between the student and advisor for the student to be able to complete the program on time. 

We admit students in the Ed.S. program each fall, spring, and summer semester. We do not require the GRE for admission. Successful completion of this program will result in eligibility for a certificate upgrade of their current clear and renewable Georgia teaching certificate to level 6 (T-6 or S-6) in Special Education.  

In this program, candidates will be required to read, write, and research the major topics in Special Education. Candidates enroll in 15 hours of 7000- and 8000-level special education Content Specialization courses, and 18 hours of Educational Leadership courses. Most of the required courses include a designated artifact that is utilized as part of the assessment plan for each candidate. Students may begin the program any semester.

During the initial advising session, a projected sequence of courses is developed for each student. Any changes in the projected sequence need to be determined jointly between student and advisor in order for the student to be able to complete the program in a timely manner.

• Students are admitted in Summer, Fall, and Spring

• Official transcripts from all schools that have conferred degrees (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

• All applicants must:

  • Complete requirements for a Master's degree from an accredited institution

  • Present a cumulative 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all graduate work

  • Present a clear and renewable T-5 teaching certificate in special education or service certificate in speech-language pathology

  • Submit a professional resume documenting 2 or more years of successful experience as a special education teacher, collaborative teacher working directly with students with disabilities, or speech-language pathologist in the school setting.

  • Submit proof of the GACE Ethics for Leaders-Test 352

•  All out-of-state students must verify with their local certification agency to determine if the sought-after degree will result in a certification upgrade.

The Specialist in Education with a Major in Special Education, Tier 1 Educational Leadership 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. The Professional License Disclosure link opens in a new tab. 's Professional License Disclosure

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges