Master in Educational Specialist

Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, Tier II*

The Educational Specialist Program in Educational Administration and Supervision leads to a Specialist degree in Education (Ed.S.) and a Tier II performance-based certification in the state of Georgia. Tier II, or advanced level certification, in the field of educational leadership, prepares candidates for advanced leadership positions that include P-12 school-level principals or the equivalent, superintendents, or other LUA staff who supervise principals. The program includes a personalized set of field and clinical experiences designed to assist students in developing a high level of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as school principals, curriculum directors, subject area supervisors, central school district administrators, and supervisory staff members.

The program is designed for persons who have a master’s degree, certification in Leadership and holds a leadership position in a P-12 school. A minimum of 27 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the Master’s degree is required to complete the program. Only those courses taken after admission to the Ed.S. program may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Ed. S. degree, which includes applicable transfer credits. Credits usable in the planned program must not be more than six years old at the time the degree is completed. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours of transfer credit from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved institution offering the performance-based Tier II, Ed.S. degree may be approved for inclusion in the planned Ed. S. Program.

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum grade point average of 3.0

2. Masters in leadership with Georgia Professional Standards Leadership certification

3. Minimum of three years of educational experience (teaching and/or leading)

4. Three recommendations with one from immediate supervisor

5. Superintendent’s Assurance Form

6. Evidence of successful completion of GACE Program Admission (Applicant's not meeting this requirement will be admitted provisionally and required to satisfy the requirement during their first semester of enrollment.)

7. Evidence of Ethics Entry Examination (370) (Applicants not meeting this requirement will be admitted provisionally and required to complete it during their first semester of enrollment.)

8. Evidence of meeting special education requirement (Applicants not meeting this requirement will be admitted provisionally and required to satisfy the requirement during their first semester of enrollment.)

9. Writing sample (to be completed on site)

10. Currently holding a leadership position.

Advisement

After the student has been admitted to the Ed.S. program the Departmental Chairperson will appoint an advisor. The advisor will assist the student in developing an individualized program that meets degree and certification requirements.

Program Completion

Students are responsible for making an application after completing 15 semester hours of course work. To be eligible for the Ed.S. Degree and recommendation for leadership certification by Albany State University, the student must meet all of the following requirements:

1. The only course taken after admission to the Ed.S. Program may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Ed.S. Degree. This includes transfer credits.

2. Credits useable in the planned program must not be older than six calendar years at the time that the degree is completed.

3. A maximum of 6 semester hours of transfer credits from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved institution offering a performance-based Ed. S. degree may be approved for inclusion in the planned Ed.S. Program. Such credits must be approved by the chair of the department.

4. Only credits with grades of “B” or better are accepted in the Ed.S. Program.

5. The student’s Ed.S program must include a minimum of 27 hours of coursework with at least 50% of the coursework being performance, including a minimum of 750 clock hours of clinical experiences.

6. Except for a maximum of 6 semester hours of transfer work, all credits used in the Ed.S program must be earned in residence at Albany State University

7. Successful completion of EDUC 6199: Orientation to Educational Specialist Program

8. Successfully complete the GACE Ethics Entry Exam

9. Successfully complete the GACE Ethics Exit Exam

10. Successfully complete the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL)

Program of Study

EDAS 6000 Professionalism and Ethics

EDAS 6015 Supervision, Curriculum, & Instruction

EDAS 6020 Assessment, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

EDAS 6025 Residency I

EDAS 6030 Seminar I

EDAS 6035 Residency II

EDAS 6040 Seminar II

EDUC 6000 Research I

EDUC 6005 Research II

EDUC 6199 Orientation to Educational Specialist Program

Albany State University will be a world-class comprehensive university and a powerful catalyst for the economic growth and development of Southwest Georgia. ASU will be recognized for its innovative and creative delivery of excellent educational programs, broad-based community engagement and public service, and creative scholarship and applied research, all of which enrich the lives of the diverse constituencies served by the University.

Albany State University, a proud member institution of the University System of Georgia, elevates its community and region by offering a broad array of graduate, baccalaureate, associate, and certificate programs at its main campuses in Albany as well as at strategically-placed branch sites and online. Committed to excellence in teaching and learning, the University prepares students to be effective contributors to a globally diverse society, where knowledge and technology create opportunities for personal and professional success. ASU respects and builds on the historical roots of its institutional predecessors with its commitment to access and a strong liberal arts heritage that respects diversity in all its forms and gives all students the foundation they need to succeed. Through creative scholarship, research, and public service, the University’s faculty, staff, students, and administrators form strategic alliances internally and externally to promote community and economic development, resulting in an improved quality of life for the citizens of southwest Georgia and beyond.