The Ed.D. in educational leadership targets the professional needs of educational leaders whose long-term career goals include leading schools, school districts and other education agencies in a complex, highly competitive global environment.
Program Total: Minimum of 54-57 semester hours
Designed for senior-level administrators seeking advanced leadership skills for complex educational environments. Emphasizes research-based decision making and organizational leadership.
Are practicing educational leaders seeking to advance their leadership capabilities and pursue senior administrative roles in schools or districts.
Superintendents, assistant superintendents, central office leadership, senior school administration, educational consultants.
Candidates who hold the performance-based Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) or performance-based add-on certificate may transfer up to six courses (18 hours) into the Ed.D. program.
Specialized preparation for college and university administration. Covers higher education finance, student affairs, institutional history, and administrative leadership in postsecondary settings.
Aspire to administrative roles in higher education institutions and seek comprehensive understanding of college and university operations.
Academic affairs administrators, student affairs professionals, college deans, university vice presidents, institutional research directors.
Flexible Course Selection: Choose 9 hours from approved electives to customize your preparation for specific higher education roles.
Combines advanced coursework with extensive clinical experience for practicing educators in leadership roles. Includes 750 clinical hours under university and site-based supervision.
Are full-time, practicing educators employed in leadership roles in partnering school systems and seeking advanced certification.
Important: Tier II certification is not a self-select program in Georgia. Applicants must receive written permission from their employers to participate in this concentration.
Residency Requirement: 750 clinical hours completed over three semesters under dual supervision (university supervisor and site-based mentor).
Senior district leadership, superintendency, advanced educational leadership roles requiring Tier II certification.
Note: These courses provide the foundational research skills and leadership competencies essential across all three concentrations.
Ask yourself:
1. Am I seeking leadership roles in higher education? → If yes, choose Higher Education Administration.
2. Do I need Tier II certification and have employer support? → Choose Tier II Concentration.
3. Am I focused on K-12 senior leadership without specific certification needs? → Choose Advanced Leadership.
🔗Visit the official catalog for detailed course descriptions and comprehensive program requirements.
Transfer Credit Note: A transcript review is required for candidates seeking to transfer courses from institutions other than Georgia State University.