Educational Leadership, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Dr. Mark Tavernier, Director of Doctoral Studies
Program of Study
The Doctor of Education (EdD) Program in Educational Leadership provides the candidate with the knowledge, skills, and research foundation to serve in leadership roles in P-12 educational systems. It is the belief of the College of Education faculty that school leaders must have a strong background and commitment to quality teaching and learning. Georgia educators must hold Tier I Educational Leadership certification, as well as certification in Curriculum and Instruction.
EDD Program Outcomes:
1. Synthesize how multiple factors influence student learning.
2. Evaluate, through various philosophical lenses, how current curriculum practices, resources and technologies support student needs.
3. Analyze problems of practice and their impact on curriculum, instruction, institutional practices, and technologies.
4. Apply the principles of assessment for the purposes of measuring and interpreting student learning outcomes, instructional practices, and program outcomes.
5. Function as an independent researcher to address content or content pedagogical issues related to candidates’ certificate fields.
Admissions Criteria
Candidates for certification in educational leadership are successful educators who have demonstrated an understanding of student learning as evidenced by the completion of previous degrees and course work in their respective areas of education, as well as documented successful teaching and/or administrative experience.
Admissions Criteria for Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program in School Leadership:
Eligibility for application requires a master's degree with a 3.5 cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited college or university and five (5) or more years of verified successful teaching experience at a public or a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission Inc. (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level. Applicants must also have the Georgia Tier I Educational Leadership Certification (having passed the GACE Leadership assessments and GACE Leadership ethics assessments).*
Applicants must also submit:
a. Graduate Admissions Application
b. Official, final transcript from the college or university awarding the Education Specialist degree. (Transcripts are on file for candidates who received the EdS degree from Piedmont University.)
c. Three professional references
- Supervising administrator
- Former professor or instructor
- Professional colleague
d. Applicants who are not currently serving in a leadership position must also provide a letter from the building or district administrator indicating agreement that the applicant will be released from other responsibilities for two full days per week or the equivalent to allow the candidate sufficient time to participate in and successfully complete the required clinical work.
e. Current (within last 5 years) GRE score report
f. Copy of current educator certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Candidates from independent schools should submit a letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. (Note: candidates not currently certified in Georgia who are seeking certification must contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.)
g. Letter of Intent
h. Professional Activities Resume
i. Verification of Professional Experience (minimum of five years)
j. Copies of five most recent professional evaluations
k. Personal Affirmation Form
l. Current (within the last 5 years) GRE score report