Educational Leadership: Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Program Description

Our Masters in Educational Leadership degree is completely online and utilizes many different technology tools with candidates located around the world. Students admitted as candidates for the program must satisfactorily complete a planned program of study and a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. At least 18 of these hours must be in courses numbered 6000 or above. A graduate student's program, planned cooperatively with an advisor from the College of Education and Health Professions, will emphasize development both in the teaching field and in professional studies. Specific questions concerning Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for teacher certification should be directed to the Office of COEHP Student Advising and Field Experiences, or to the department that offers the student's area of study.

Graduates will be able to promote the success of all students by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner, by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Integrating new and emerging technologies into the instructional and other programs through innovative use of technology.

Admission Requirements

• The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution, or the equivalent from an international institution.
• The applicant must be in academic good standing at the institution last attended.
• The applicant must file an official application and related documents with the Columbus State University (CSU) Admission Office.
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on all undergraduate work (2.5 for provisional admission) at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
• GPA of at least 3.0 on all graduate course work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a graduate degree;
• The applicant must submit a copy of his/her clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores) (does not apply to MS in Community Counseling)OR satisfactory scores on the general portion (quantitative and verbal) of the Revised Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with "writing assessment" component , OR passing scores on the GACE content examinations.
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher, counseling or leadership certifications.
• The applicant must be recommended for admission by the graduate faculty in the applicant's area of study. Departments often require program specific admission criteria in addition to general university admission requirements when considering candidates for acceptance to specified programs. Applicants must contact the departments to which they seek admission for information concerning program specific requirements that may include prerequisite coursework.

In addition to general admission requirements, applicants for Educational Leadership programs must submit program specific requirements including: a current resume; a statement of professional goals; two(2) letters of reference; and a copy of clear renewable teaching license or documentation of eligibility for certification (approved program completion and applicable licensure exam scores) or satisfactory scores on the revised version of the Graduate Record Examination with a "writing assessment" component for initial admission screening.

Online Options

This program is fully online.

Career Opportunities

After obtaining an educational leadership degree there are many job options available ranging from managing entire school districts to overseeing just one school.  Examples of these careers are assistant school principals, school principals, school district superintendents, and college presidents.  The assistant principal and principal positions are on the rise and are expected to grow 25% before the end of the decade. 

Faculty

Requirements for Graduation

Approval of an application for the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, or Master of Science degree is contingent upon the successful completion of an approved program and recommendation for the degree by the College of Education and Health Professions. Applications for degree conferral must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to completion of degree requirements. The following requirements must be met for the completion of the MAT, MEd, or MS degree:

• Students must earn a 3.0 GPA calculated on all graduate work attempted. "Academic Forgiveness" policy does not apply to graduate studies.
• Students cannot graduate with a grade of "C" or below in more than two (2) graduate courses (may be appealed to the College of Education and Health Professions Graduate Council).
• A minimum of 27 hours of the hours required for the degree must be earned in residence (75%). Asynchronous (online) and distance learning courses administered through Columbus State University constitute courses taken in residence.
• A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of transfer credit or courses taken at CSU prior to full admission to a masters degree program may be applied toward the degree. Courses with earned grades of "C" or below cannot be transferred. The student's advisor and the coordinator of the program in which the student is enrolled must approve any courses transferred.
• All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years of first enrollment.
• Students in some MAT, MEd, or MS programs must pass written comprehensive examinations, complete research projects, and/or complete related exit requirements.
• Students must complete or meet additional program/department requirements as specified.

To be recommended for certification upon completion of the MAT program, students must:

• Successfully complete an approved program of study at CSU,
• Earn a minimum 2.5 grade point average on all work attempted, including any undergraduate coursework,
• Successfully complete the Georgia certification examinations appropriate for the field in which certification is sought.

Students should see the appropriate program coordinator or chair of the department that offers the desired certification program for advisement and registration.

Program Requirements

The MEd degree requirements are located in the academic catalog.

Accreditation

Additional Information

For additional information about the program and admission at CSU, contact Dr. Elizabeth Hipps at (706) 568-5092 or email hipps_elizabeth@columbusstate.edu. You can read about additional information and policies such as graduate student classifications, transferring credit, readmission requirements and international students.

Graduate Academic Regulations
Registration Graduate Assistantships Study Loads Class Attendance and Withdrawal Grades and Grade Point Averages	Course Eligibility Repetition of Courses Academic Misconduct Academic Standing Residence and Time Limits Graduation
Graduate Admission
General Requirements Classification of Students Transfer Credit	Readmission Requirements International Students Residency Requirements