This program is in accordance with the new leadership standards and outcomes required for licensure in Georgia by the Professional Standards Commission. Tier I is a preparation program that may be completed through a masters degree or a certification only program. Admission to Tier I is open to any individual who meets the admission requirements of the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP). Admission requirements will comply with limits set by the university and for public EPPs within the limits set by the Board of Regents. 
Admission to and completion of Tier I does not ensure employment in a leadership position. Under state law, completion of an approved 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.
EPPs may limit admission based upon program capacity; in other words, admission may be limited if a provider caps enrollment based on various resources including the ability to place candidates with trained mentors.

The Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership provides candidates with the content knowledge necessary meet PSC requirements for Tier I Educational Leadership certification. It is is a thirty-six (36) hour program that offers three elective options: (1) Coaching for Performance Option (PSC approved endorsement); (2) Leading in Urban Schools Option; or 
(3) Leading Independent and Charter Schools Option.

The program is highly professionally oriented, and candidates for the program are expected to currently be employed in an organization providing professional educational services (e.g., school, regional educational service agency, department of education). Field activities incorporate practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today’s educational leader. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree for certification only)
• Employment role in an organization providing educational services
• 2.75 GPA in bachelor’s degree coursework or most recent graduate degree
• Agreement of professionally-qualified supervisor to serve as a mentor during the program.
• GRE or MAT required
• Transcripts from each college attended
• 2 Years of Teaching Experience
• Professional Resume
• Reference Form (online)
• Mentor Form (online)

Transfer Credit

Graduate courses taken at other accredited institutions must be evaluated and approved by the program coordinator or department chair. A maximum of nine semester hours of transfer credit (with grades of “B” or better) may be applied toward a degree program. No courses will be accepted for transfer credit if they are more than five years old at the time of evaluation or have been used in completing another degree.  Transfer credit includes all course work accepted into the M.Ed. program prior to admission in full standing (maximum nine semester hours), whether earned at another institution or at Kennesaw State University.

Grades in Graduate Courses

Expectations for satisfactory graduate level student performance are detailed in Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Non-Degree Candidates

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.

Petition to Graduate

Each M.Ed. candidate must petition to graduate at least one semester prior to completion of program requirements. The candidate should contact their program to request a petition. The Petition to Graduate form can be found online at www.kennesaw.edu/education/grad/.