Program Overview

100% Online | 6 Courses | 18 Credit Hours

The Educational Leadership Performance-Based Certification Only program is offered by the Department of Educational Leadership in the Bagwell College of Education and the Professional Teacher Education Unit.  Georgia’s distributed leadership concept calls for the collaboration of teacher leaders in the classroom with executive leaders in administration to improve their schools and student learning at the K-12 level. The program’s courses, experiences, and assessments are tightly aligned with eight key performance outcomes that are consistent with Georgia’s initiatives to improve schools and increase student learning through data-driven reforms and sustained change.  

Program Course Requirements

Instructional Leadership Core (18 Credit Hours)

  • EDL 8820: Managing the Physical Environment
  • EDL 8835: Curriculum and Instruction
  • EDL 8840: Professional Learning
  • EDL 8850: Managing Human Resources
  • EDL 8805: Culturally Responsive Leadership
  • EDL 8810: Vision and Governance

Required Courses (18 Credit Hours)

Admission Requirements

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

  • Candidates must hold Tier I entry level certification or hold a valid, GaPSC-issued Standard Professional L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership;
  • Serve in a leadership position at either the P-12 school or LUA level (or agency or organization equivalent to LUA level) that will enable the candidate to fully meet the program’s residency requirements. A partnership agreement shall be established with the employing LUA, agency, or organization of each enrolled candidate for the purpose of ensuring candidates will be able to meet Tier II level residency requirements.
  • Candidates who do not serve in a leadership position as described above may be enrolled if the EPP and employer establish a formal, written agreement specifying the candidate will be released from other responsibilities for a portion of the school week sufficient in length to allow the candidate to participate in and successfully complete residency performances. Employees of state education or human service agencies, RESAs, universities or technical colleges, and employees of education or human service non-profit organizations may also pursue Tier II leadership certification as long as the employer has established a partnership with a GaPSC approved EPP and in the partnership agreement agrees to meet all requirements and guidelines accompanying this rule.
  • The LUA or agency or organization equivalent to LUA level will provide mentor who will work as a member of the candidate’s support team.

Applicants to the program must submit the following: 

  1. Official transcripts of all college coursework, undergraduate and graduate.  
  2. Evidence of completion of Master degree or its equivalent in a related field.
  3. All relevant professional teaching and/or administrative certificates.
  4. Professional Profile detailing related professional qualifications.
  5. Reflections on Leadership for Learning.
  6. Official request for consideration of transfer courses. A maximum of 25% of transfer credit may be awarded at the discretion of the program director.

Graduation Requirements 

Each candidate must petition to graduate at least one semester prior to completion of program requirements. For more information, please view the corresponding section of Academic Policies: 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION. 

Transfer Credits 

Tier I Certification Only may rarely accept 3 hours of approved credit with a “B” or better and no more than 5 years old.

Deadlines 

  • Enrollment for Spring - Deadline November 15 
  • Enrollment for Summer - Deadline May 1
  • Enrollment for Fall - Deadline July 1

Contact Us

For additional questions, please email the Program Coordinator, Dr. Cathey Goodgame, at cgoodgam@kennesaw.edu or call (470) 578-6888 or email edldepartment@kennesaw.edu for additional information.