Return to: 4140 Department of Educational Policy Studies
The Ed.S. program in Educational Leadership fulfills the requirements of the Tier II Performance-Based Educational Leadership certification for the State of Georgia. The purpose of the Performance-Based Specialist (Ed.S. Degree) certification program in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University is to prepare graduates to be effective school and system leaders who positively impact student achievement. Throughout the program, students work on meaningful projects in a focused manner that is designed to help them develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are required to lead school and district improvement efforts. Georgia State University collaborates closely with its partner districts to help assure that students are being properly prepared to successfully address the school and district needs.
Program Admission
Applicants for the Ed.S. degree must be full-time, practicing educators and be employed in a leadership role in a partnering school system. Because Tier II certification is not a self-select program in the state of Georgia, applicants must receive written permission from their employers to participate.
Program Academic Regulations
Program advisors may approve substitute courses as necessary.
To graduate with an Ed.S. major in Educational Leadership, students must earn a “B” or higher in all courses in the Ed.S. degree program. If students earn a grade below a grade of “B” in a required course, the students with the advice and consent of his or her advisor may substitute another course for that requirement.
Following the completion of coursework, persons wishing to obtain the Tier II certification in the State of Georgia must receive a passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership Tests.
Comprehensive Examination
The skill development phase of the Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership culminates with EPEL 8690 , in which the students implement a project of their own design in the field. The project is developed, refined, and approved while the students are enrolled in the program. A final written report of the implemented project is required.
