The mission of the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) at Georgia State University is to prepare graduates to be effective instructional leaders who positively impact student achievement. The master's degree program of study includes EPEL 7000 - Educational Leadership and Organizational Culture (3) and EPEL 7330 - School Law (3). These two courses serve as prerequisites for the Performance-Based Specialist (Ed.S.) and Performance-Based Add-on in Educational Leadership.
FAQs about the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
Program Coordinator:
Jami Berry
Program Faculty:
Jami Berry
Kristen Buras
Randy Dobbs
Hayward Richardson
Werner Rogers
Program Degree Requirements:
A. Professional Studies (9)
Select one (3):
EPSF 7100 Critical Pedagogy (3)
EPSF 7110 Multicultural Education (3)
EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (3)
Select one (3):
EPRS 7900 Methods of Research in Education (3)
EPRS 7910 Action Research (3)
EPRS 7920 Classroom Testing, Grading, and Assessment (3)
Select one (3):
EPY 7080 The Psychology of Learning and Learners (3)
EPY 7090 The Psychology of Learning and Learners: The Young Child (3)
B. Major (24). The students take the following courses in sequence during three consecutive academic terms.
Required (18):
EPEL 7000 Educational Leadership and Organizational Culture (3)
EPEL 7020 Leadership for a Diverse Society (3)
EPEL 7330 Law, Policy, and Governance (3)
EPEL 7410 Instructional Leadership (3)
EPEL 7500 Management and School Operations (3)
EPSF 7450 Curriculum Foundations for the Educational Leader (3)
Required (6):
EPEL 7680a Practicum Seminar: Data Analysis and School Improvement Processes for School Leaders (3)
EPEL 7680b Practicum Seminar: Action Research for School Leaders (3)
C. Elective (3) With advisor approval, the students select one additional 7000 or 8000 level course.
Program total: minimum of 36 semester hours
FAQs about the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
Q: What are the admissions requirements for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)?
Application requirements for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) can be found at http://education.gsu.edu/oaa/MED_materials.htm
The requirements are also listed below.
Entrance Test - GRE Score five-years-old or younger
Undergraduate GPA – 2.50
Official Transcripts – Two official copies of transcripts from every institution attended
Recommendation Letters – 2 recs (1 must be from immediate supervisor)
Supplemental Materials - Goals statement, resume, T4 certificate in any subject area
Q: Who should apply to the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)?
The program is developed around a set of academic experiences that provide basic knowledge and skills for educational leadership positions. The master’s degree program of study includes EPEL 7000 and EPEL 7330. These courses serve as prerequisites for the Performance-Based Specialist in Educational Leadership. Candidates seeking a stronger understanding of the knowledge base underpinning the field of education in general and the field of educational leadership specifically should apply to the program.
Q: How long is the program of study for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.), and how is the program structured?
A sample program of study can be found below.
Year 1
Spring – Ed.S. Prerequisites: EPEL 7000 Leadership in Organizational Culture (3)
EPEL 7330 School Law (3)
Summer - Select ONE from each area of Professional Studies:
EPSF 7110 OR EPSF 7120 (3)
EPY 7080 OR EPY 7090 (3)
EPRS 7900 OR EPRS 7900 OR EPRS 7910 OR EPRS 7920 (3)
Fall – EPEL 7680A – Data Analysis for School Leaders (3)
EPSF 7450 – Curriculum Foundations for Educational Leaders (3)
Year 2
Spring - EPEL 7500 – Human Resource Management and School Operations (3)
EPEL 7410 – Instructional Leadership (3)
Summer - Elective – Select ANY 7000 level course or higher with advisor approval
EPEL 7680B Practicum Seminar: Action Research for School Leaders (3)
EPEL 7020 Leadership for a Diverse Society (3)
Q: Can I transfer hours the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)?
Transfer hours for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) are reviewed on an individual basis. Candidates seeking transfer credit should contact Dr. Jami Berry at jberry2@gsu.edu and be prepared with a course description, syllabus, and official transcript. Courses will only be considered for transfer credit if they are five years old or younger.
Q: Is the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) a certification program?
No. The Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) does NOT fulfill the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s (www.gapsc.com) requirements for initial leadership certification, nor does the degree program qualify graduates for a bump from T4 to T5 certification.
For more information, please contact
Dr. Jami Berry at jberry2@gsu.edu.