Educational Leadership (MEd) - Teacher and Educational Leadership track
Program Overview
100% Online | Flexible Start Dates | Cohort-Based Program
The dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership, Tier I is a fully online, cohort-based program designed for educators ready to grow into leadership roles. This program blends theory and practice to develop effective leaders who achieve instructional improvement and school-wide success.
Upon completion of the program and all required state certification exams, graduates will earn Teacher Leadership (T5 and S5) and Tier I Educational Leadership (L5) certifications, credentials that qualify educators for leadership roles, along with all the promotion and pay opportunities that come with them in your district.
Career Paths Include:
- Academic Coach, Instructional Coach, or Department Chair
- Assistant Principal or district-level positions that do not supervise principals
The program emphasizes leadership through collaboration and student-centered decision-making. Candidates will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to drive positive change and improve student outcomes.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDTL 6000 | Teacher Leadership Program Orientation | 0 |
| EDTL 6156 | Developing Teacher Leaders | 3 |
| EDTL 6157 | Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| EDTL 6160 | Adult Learning Theories and Strategies | 3 |
| EDUL 6128 | Instructional Strategies for Student Success | 3 |
| EDUL 6129 | Supervision of the Learning Environment | 3 |
| EDUL 6138 | Continuous Improvement in Schools | 3 |
| EDUL 6165 | The Principalship | 3 |
| EDUL 6185 | School Law and Ethics | 3 |
| EDUL 6227 | Obtaining and Using Resources Wisely | 3 |
| EDTL 6601 | Teacher Leadership Internship | 1 |
| EDUL 6692 | Internship for School Leaders | 1 |
| EDUL 6693 | Internship for School Leaders | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Admission Requirements
Institutional Program Requirements
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution
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Official transcript(s)
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Immunization Record
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A form of lawful presence
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Some programs may require standardized test scores
Admission Program Requirements
Candidates must:
- Complete an application for admission to the Graduate School at Columbus State University (CSU).
- Be accepted into the CSU Graduate School.
- Provide official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from each school previously attended and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on all graduate course work in fulfillment of the requirements for the latest graduate degree. Candidates with a GPA of less than 3.0 may apply to be accepted in the program on a provisional or probationary basis.
- Provide two letters of reference. The letters specifically address the candidate’s ability to address the demands of high-level graduate coursework and make a recommendation for admission to the program.
- Have proof of clear renewable teaching licensure.
- Provide a resume or professional vitae documenting at least one year’s teaching experience in an organization providing educational services.
- Submit a clear background check. CSU recognizes a combination of a current copy of your current state teaching certification and verification of current employment by employing superintendent or designee as adequate proof for a background check.
- Provide a copy of your GACE Leadership Ethic Assessment Completion certificate or documentation.
- Provide a copy of your GACE Leadership Ethic Assessment Completion certificate or documentation
- Complete the online CSU Tier I - Teaching Experience Verification & Mentor Form (See CSU Admissions Webpage for access to this form.)
- Be employed as teachers or administrators in an accredited traditional public school district, a charter school district, a charter school, or an independent school. By PSC regulations, candidates must be referred for admission by their respective schools/districts and Columbus State University.
Additional Program Requirements
These requirements must be met for the completion of the M.Ed. of Teacher and Educational Leadership degree:
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Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted.
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Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses without an appeal to the College of Education and Health Professions Graduate Council.
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Each candidate must accumulate a total of 250 internship hours earned while in residency.
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Students will need to take and pass corresponding GaPSC state assessments in Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership to be eligible for certification in one or both of those areas.
A maximum of six (6) semester graduate level hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a specialist degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below are not accepted. These transfer courses must be approved by the major advisor and department chair; the courses must meet the seven-year recency of study requirement.