Total Credit Hours: 30          Degree Format: Online

The Ed.S. Performance-Based Leadership curriculum incorporates advanced and specialized coursework designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills in their specific leadership role and further their career goals. Completion of the program results in an Ed.S. degree and recommendation for L-6 certification in the state of Georgia. The program is available to professionals serving in positions recognized as 'leadership roles' by their school system. Examples include but are not limited to: team leaders, grade chairs, department chairs, SACS team chairs, academic coaches, school improvement team leaders, athletic directors, assistant principals, principals, curriculum coordinators, and special education directors.

 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bochenko, email: mjbochenko@valdosta.edu,  phone: 229-333-5633

Leadership, Technology, & Workforce Development Website

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: July 1
  • Spring Semester: November 1
  • Summer Semester: April 1

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Online Graduate Application

  • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online
NOTE:  Out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to confirm Valdosta State University's Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership complies with the requirements of their respective state licensing agency prior to submitting an application.  It is the applicant's responsibility to determine if additional testing for licensing purposes is required by the respective agency.

 

 

Official transcript from your master's degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.

  • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a minimum of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must hold a Tier I Educational Leadership Certificate or a grandfathered L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). (NOTE: This is not required for out-of-state candidates seeking the Ed.S. degree.)
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale for a graduate degree, calculated on all attempted coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
  • Applicants having a cumulative grade point average between 2.75 and 2.99 on a 4.0 scale for a graduate degree must submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.  Recommended scores for admission are:
    • GRE: 145 Verbal and 139 Quantitative

Superintendent Letter of Assurance

  • Must be completed by the applicant’s local school system superintendent.
  • Must hold a leadership position at either a P-12 school, system level, or in a related agency.
  • Must be submitted by mail, fax, or scanned and emailed to the Graduate School.
  • The employing system/agency must have an active partnership with Valdosta State to supervise a residency experience for the candidate. 
  • Applicants not serving in a leadership position, as described, may be enrolled if ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app and the 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 applicant to participate in, and successfully complete, residency performances. 

Career Goal Statement

  • No more than 250 words, to be submitted to the Graduate School with the rest of the application materials. 
  • The statement must demonstrate:
    • the ability to organize and articulate thoughts
    • writing skills, including grammar and punctuation
    • the ability to set goals consistent with one's desired career path.
  • The statement must address your career goals, how the degree contributes to reaching these career goals, and why ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app was selected for this graduate work. 
  • The Career Goal statement accounts for no more than 30% of the admissions decision process. 

Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment

  • Test 380
  • Evidence of completion must be submitted to the Graduate School. 
  • Applicants having completed this entry requirement for Tier I certification need not complete the assessment. (NOTE: The Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment is not required for Out-of-state applicants seeking the Ed.S. degree. 
 NOTE: Out-of State applicants seeking certification in their own state are responsible for checking with their respective state agencies to ensure they can fulfill their state's requirements.

·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app Medical Form

  • The must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence 

(For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Check out a complete list of accepted documents and residency information here.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

Applicants must be serving in a leadership role as defined by their school system.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  The Ed.S. program requires applicants to be employed in a leadership role in a school system and to hold leadership certification. Meeting the requirements outlined below without certification and employment in an appropriate leadership role will not meet the criteria for admission.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.
  •  or  – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
  • Certificate of Finances - The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

  • Students will only be admitted as ‘Regular’ status students.
  • Probationary status is not available for Ed.S. programs at Valdosta State University.
  • Requests for Irregular admission will not be considered for Ed.S. programs at Valdosta State University.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100
For additional program details contact Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bochenko, email: mjbochenko@valdosta.edu,  phone: 229-333-5633.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
  2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students will successfully complete and Advanced Inventory of Leadership Experiences
  4. Attempt the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL)

NOTE: The PASL is not required for out-of-state Ed.S. candidates unless they currently hold or wish to acquire a Georgia Professional Educator Certificate.


 

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
  3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
  4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.

Total Credit Hours: 30          Degree Format: Online

The Ed.S. Performance-Based Leadership curriculum incorporates advanced and specialized coursework designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills in their specific leadership role and further their career goals. Completion of the program results in an Ed.S. degree and recommendation for L-6 certification in the state of Georgia. The program is available to professionals serving in positions recognized as 'leadership roles' by their school system. Examples include but are not limited to: team leaders, grade chairs, department chairs, SACS team chairs, academic coaches, school improvement team leaders, athletic directors, assistant principals, principals, curriculum coordinators, and special education directors.

 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bochenko, email: mjbochenko@valdosta.edu,  phone: 229-333-5633

Leadership, Technology, & Workforce Development Website

ADMISSION DEADLINES

  • Fall Semester: July 1
  • Spring Semester: November 1
  • Summer Semester: April 1

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Online Graduate Application

  • Application Fee (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online
NOTE:  Out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to confirm Valdosta State University's Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership complies with the requirements of their respective state licensing agency prior to submitting an application.  It is the applicant's responsibility to determine if additional testing for licensing purposes is required by the respective agency.

 

 

Official transcript from your master's degree-granting school and from any graduate coursework.

  • Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a minimum of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must hold a Tier I Educational Leadership Certificate or a grandfathered L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). (NOTE: This is not required for out-of-state candidates seeking the Ed.S. degree.)
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale for a graduate degree, calculated on all attempted coursework in which a letter grade was awarded.
  • Applicants having a cumulative grade point average between 2.75 and 2.99 on a 4.0 scale for a graduate degree must submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.  Recommended scores for admission are:
    • GRE: 145 Verbal and 139 Quantitative

Superintendent Letter of Assurance

  • Must be completed by the applicant’s local school system superintendent.
  • Must hold a leadership position at either a P-12 school, system level, or in a related agency.
  • Must be submitted by mail, fax, or scanned and emailed to the Graduate School.
  • The employing system/agency must have an active partnership with Valdosta State to supervise a residency experience for the candidate. 
  • Applicants not serving in a leadership position, as described, may be enrolled if ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app and the 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 applicant to participate in, and successfully complete, residency performances. 

Career Goal Statement

  • No more than 250 words, to be submitted to the Graduate School with the rest of the application materials. 
  • The statement must demonstrate:
    • the ability to organize and articulate thoughts
    • writing skills, including grammar and punctuation
    • the ability to set goals consistent with one's desired career path.
  • The statement must address your career goals, how the degree contributes to reaching these career goals, and why ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app was selected for this graduate work. 
  • The Career Goal statement accounts for no more than 30% of the admissions decision process. 

Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment

  • Test 380
  • Evidence of completion must be submitted to the Graduate School. 
  • Applicants having completed this entry requirement for Tier I certification need not complete the assessment. (NOTE: The Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment is not required for Out-of-state applicants seeking the Ed.S. degree. 
 NOTE: Out-of State applicants seeking certification in their own state are responsible for checking with their respective state agencies to ensure they can fulfill their state's requirements.

·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app Medical Form

  • The must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended ·¬ÇÑÖ±²¥app in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence 

(For applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Check out a complete list of accepted documents and residency information here.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

Applicants must be serving in a leadership role as defined by their school system.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

International applicants must meet all admission criteria and documentation requirements as defined by the program, however, additional documentation may be required.  The Ed.S. program requires applicants to be employed in a leadership role in a school system and to hold leadership certification. Meeting the requirements outlined below without certification and employment in an appropriate leadership role will not meet the criteria for admission.  Please review the information below for specific information and guidelines.
  •  or  – Applicants whose first language is not English (based on country of citizenship) must submit official scores on the TOEFL exam or IELTS exam. International applicants whose first language is not English but who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution may be exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
  • Certificate of Finances - The Certificate of Finance is required of any applicant requiring a student visa to enter the United States to complete his or her studies. This document is considered a part of the application for admission and applications will not be reviewed without this document.  Applicants who do not require an I-20 student visa to complete their studies are exempt from this requirement.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.  The transcript evaluation does not replace the transcript requirement. Official transcripts are still required.

ADMISSION CLASSIFICATIONS

  • Students will only be admitted as ‘Regular’ status students.
  • Probationary status is not available for Ed.S. programs at Valdosta State University.
  • Requests for Irregular admission will not be considered for Ed.S. programs at Valdosta State University.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 
  • Email Us: gradschool@valdosta.edu
  • Visit Us: Converse Hall (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100
For additional program details contact Program Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bochenko, email: mjbochenko@valdosta.edu,  phone: 229-333-5633.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date;
  2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a “C” will be credited toward the degree.
  3. Students will successfully complete and Advanced Inventory of Leadership Experiences
  4. Attempt the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL)

NOTE: The PASL is not required for out-of-state Ed.S. candidates unless they currently hold or wish to acquire a Georgia Professional Educator Certificate.


 

RETENTION, DISMISSAL, & READMISSION POLICIES

  1. No more than 6 semester hours of post-master’s academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education graduate program.  Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department.  To be eligible, credit must be no more than seven years old at the time of admission unless otherwise approved by the program.
  2. After admission, courses taken more than seven years prior to the semester of degree completion cannot be used to meet graduate degree requirements or admission to doctoral candidacy requirements unless otherwise indicated by individual program requirements. 
  3. Earning grades below “B” in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students admitted Fall 2011 and thereafter will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of “C” (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of “D,” “WF” or “F,” or “U” (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. Candidates admitted BEFORE Fall 2011 and receiving two grades below “C” (“D”, “F”, “WF”,“U”) will be dismissed from the program. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
  4. If dismissed from the program a student will not be considered for readmission.