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Educational Leadership

A Specialist in Educational Leadership degree prepares you for Tier II Educational Leadership certification, and Augusta University’s College of Education has tracks for wherever you are in your educational leadership journey.

There are two pathways for earning the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership degree and Tier II Educational Leadership certification:

  1. Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Designed for educators who already hold Tier I certification and a master’s degree.
  2. Extended Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Integrates Tier I and Tier II for educators who hold a master’s degree in non-leadership fields.

The Educational Leadership programs at Augusta University are partnership-intensive and sustained over time, ensuring authentic and practical leadership preparation. Tier II certification prepares graduates for advanced leadership positions, including principals and superintendents.

Educational Leadership is for you if you consider yourself

Analytical and Strategic
Helpful and Nurturing

 

Learning

like no

other.

Want to learn more about the Educational Leadership program at Augusta University?

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What You'll Study

Coursework

Students in Augusta University’s Specialist in Education with a major in Educational Leadership program will complete 30 credit hours of coursework in the Tier II Track or 48 credit hours of coursework for the integrated Tier I and II Track.

Both tracks include residency work.

Curriculum | Admissions Criteria | Tuition and Fees | Application Deadlines

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EXPLORE. EXCEL. EXPAND.

Graduate School Advantage

Augusta University's graduate programs are among the best in the nation – and the world – and our graduate students are our most valuable assets. To ensure that our students earn more than a degree, the Graduate School offers a range of opportunities so they can develop the leadership, communication and personal skills needed for a rewarding life and academic, research or professional career.

See what the Graduate School has to offer »

About the Graduate School

Experience-based Education

Outside the Classroom

Required residency hours provide valuable field experience with on-site mentors overseen by supervising instructors.

The Tier II Educational Leadership programs include comprehensive clinical practice field-hours:

  • For the Tier I Georgia certification in Educational Leadership, candidates complete a minimum of 350 field hours, consisting of a required 250 hours of clinical experience and 100 hours of field-based performance activities in coursework.
  • For the Ed.S./Tier II in Educational Leadership, candidates complete a minimum of 750 hours of clinical and field-based course performance activities (approximately 3 hours per day) leading to Tier II Georgia certification in Educational Leadership, in accordance with GaPSC Rule 505-3-.77.

These are immersive, field-based experiences.

Online Delivery

Coursework is delivered fully online, allowing working educators to pursue academic advancement while currently employed.

Performance Based

The program offers extensive opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world educational leadership settings.

Dedicated Faculty

The supportive faculty are committed to high-impact practices that stimulate positive learning and innovative research.

Financial Assistance

Along with university-wide scholarships and financial assistance, the College of Education provides several scholarship opportunities for qualifying students.

Your Future

Career Options

Graduates of Augusta University’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership program are well-positioned for advanced leadership roles in K-12 education, including positions as assistant principals, principals, district-level administrators, and superintendents. The program’s strong emphasis on clinical practice and performance-based coursework ensures that candidates are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to lead schools and districts effectively.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an elementary, middle or high school principal is$98,420per year, with higher earning potential for district-level leaders. The job outlook for school leadership positions is projected to grow at an average ratedriven by increasing demands for instructional leadership, accountability, and school improvement.

Admissions Criteria at a Glance

GPA: Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the Master’s level calculated on all graduate work attempted.

Degree Requirement: Minimum of a Master's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. 

Standardized Test Requirements: None are required for this program.

Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation from a Building or District Administrator verifying leadership certification must be submitted through the application portal.

30 Hour (Tier II) Requirements: A valid level 5 or higher Standard Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, or service field certificate AND a valid Tier I Educational Leadership Certificate or its equivalent.

48 Hour (Tiers I & II) Requirements: A valid level 5 or higher Standard Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, or service field certificate, a minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience, AND a LUA Tier-II Clinical Practice Permission Form.

Tuition & Fees Estimate

$2,821*

Estimated total
Full-time / In-State / Per Semester

$236

Tuition Per Hour

$675

Mandatory Fees

View Detailed Program Tuition  

*Tuition & Fees listed here are for in-state students enrolling in the university for Fall 2024 semester.

Detailed Program Tuition Information

Please visit the Graduate School for detailed admission criteria and important application process information.

Application Deadlines

Spring '25 Application Deadline

  • November 2, 2025

Summer '25 Application Deadline

  • March 2, 2025

Fall '25 Application Deadline

  • June 2, 2025

Early submission of all application materials is strongly advised.

All required application materials and supporting documents must be received in order for an application to be considered complete and before an admission decision can be made. The program does not accept applications after the application deadline; however, the program will continue to accept application materials up to 3 weeks after the application deadline.


The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 for F-1 student status or Form DS-2019 for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status cannot be issued by Augusta University for enrollment in this online program per U.S. immigration regulations. Questions? Please email International & Postdoctoral Services Office at ipso@augusta.edu.

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Why Augusta?

With multiple ways to get to your goal, Augusta University’s Specialist in Educational Leadership program is a great fit for educators at any point of their leadership journey.

With classes delivered online, you’re able to work toward your goals while remaining at your current job.

The College of Education and Human Development has solid and longstanding relationships with local schools, maximizing the field experiences that are so important to your learning and growth.

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Learning Like No Other

The Augusta University College of Education and Human Development is committed to being a relevant, responsive, and respected institution with a keen focus toward high impact work in the community. Our faculty, students, and alumni are committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities through the comprehensive study and effective practice of education.