Program Overview

100% Online | 6 Courses | 18 Credit Hours

The Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership – Tier I provides candidates with the content knowledge and experiences necessary to meet GaPSC requirements for Tier I Educational Leadership certification. Tier I Leadership Certification is the entry level leadership certification in Georgia, preparing candidates for P-12 building-level or district-level leadership positions that do not supervise other leaders.  

The Tier I Certification program is an eighteen (18) hour, six (6) course program and is 100% online. Applications are accepted every semester, and all courses are offered every semester. The online delivery and flexibility of program of study is beneficial for program candidates who are all currently employed in an organization providing professional educational services (e.g., school, regional educational service agency, department of education). 

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Program Course Requirements

Instructional Leadership Core (12 Credit Hours)

  • EDL 7101: Critical Analysis of Policy, Theory and Praxis for Educational Leaders
  • EDL 7615: Communication and Community Relations, for School Leaders
  • EDL 7215: Data-Informed Curriculum and Assessment for Educational Leaders
  • EDL 7401: Instructional Leadership for Learning & Change

Operational Management Core (6 Credit Hours)

  • EDL 7415: Human Resources, Law, and Ethics for School Leaders
    EDL 7601: School Operations and Organizational Management

Required Courses (18 Credit Hours)

Program of Study Options 

Typical Path - 2 courses per semester 

Program completed in 3 semesters

  • Semester 1: EDL 7101 and EDL 7615 
  • Semester 2: EDL 7215 and EDL 7401
  • Semester 3: EDL 7415 and EDL 7601

Accelerated Path - 3 courses per semester 

Program completed in 2 semesters 

  • Semester 1: EDL 7101, EDL 7615 and EDL 7215
  • Semester 2: EDL 7401, EDL 7415 and EDL 7601 

Variable Path 

Students take 1, 2 or 3 courses per semester 

  • All Tier I courses are offered each semester. Students can work with their advisor to develop a plan of study to meet their needs. Students must take 2 courses in any semester in which they plan to use financial aid. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Completion of the Tier I program will not lead to additional pay until employed by a Local Unit of Administration (LUA) in a leadership position that requires Tier I certification. Admission to and completion of a Tier I program does not ensure employment in a leadership position. 
  • Yes, the Tier I classes are eligible for financial aid. Financial aid details about applications, eligibility, limits, etc. should be discussed with the student’s Financial Aid Counselor.  
  • Candidates must complete the Ethics for Leaders (352) modules as part of their application to the Tier I program.  

    Candidates must pass the Educational Leadership – Tier I (334) assessment as a requirement for Tier I program completion. Access to this assessment is typically granted during the final semester of coursework.  
  • No, Tier I is the entry level certification, so it is the starting place for all aspiring leaders. It is not uncommon for Tier I completers at KSU to continue their leadership journey through our Tier II/EdS program.  
  • It is possible to apply for transfer credit for one course in the Tier I program. However, approval is highly unlikely unless those courses are from another Tier I program in Georgia within the past 5 years. For specific questions, reach out to the Tier I program coordinator.  
  • Yes! There is an add-on request process to add Tier I as a secondary program without going through the external application. For specific questions about this process, reach out to the Tier I program coordinator. 

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:

  • Master’s degree in an educational field
  • Employment role in an organization providing educational services*  
  • 2.75 GPA in bachelor’s degree coursework or most recent graduate degree  
  • Evidence of at least two years of teaching experience
  • Admissions Portfolio
    • Professional Resume
    • Recommendation Form from school system administrator or designee
    • EDL Mentor Form demonstrating that the mentor is actively employed in a leadership position in a P-12 school or LUA and holds a clear, renewable PSC Leadership Tier I (FLD700) or Leadership Tier II (FLD710) Certificate Field.
    • GACE Leadership Ethic Assessment Completion Certificate
    • Clear Renewable Georgia Educator Certificate** 

 * Candidates are required to be employed as teachers or administrators in a traditional public school district, a charter school district, a charter school, or an independent school. By PSC regulation, candidates must be referred for admissions by their respective schools/districts, and Kennesaw State University must hold a Performance-Based partnership with the referring district. 

 ** Individuals from out of state who are not seeking Georgia certification are strongly advised to contact their respective state licensing agency to determine if this program curriculum meets the requirements in their state. 

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Students classified as non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. This program will not provide graduate level course work for certification renewal purposes. 

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.