doctorate in education programs in georgia

Higher Education Leadership & Practice (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice (HELP) at UNG is tailored to the needs and interests of higher education administrators and professionals seeking to expand their professional knowledge and career opportunities. The cross-disciplinary structure of the HELP program is committed to educational equity, a deep integration of theory and policy with practice, and the cultivation of a scholarly community that supports constructive conflict, encourages novelty and creativity, and questions prevailing norms in higher education. The Ed.D. program has been approved by the Board of Regents and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.  

HELP Quick Facts

• No GRE Required
• All applications reviewed after March 1 deadline
• Cohorts begin fall semester
• Fully Online Program
• Asynchronous online classes
• Program length 60 credit hours
• May be completed within three years

Request Information Apply Attend a Virtual Information Session

Learn More About the Program

The vision of the Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Practice (HELP) at the University of North Georgia is comprised of three tenets: 1) a commitment to educational equity; 2) a deep integration of theory and policy with practice; and 3) the cultivation of a scholarly community that supports creative conflict, encourages novelty, and questions prevailing norms in higher education.

The HELP program links research and higher education leadership as the core. It also utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach to bridge faculty and staff from a multitude of departments across campus -such as the College of Education, Research and Engagement, Institutional Effectiveness and Research Administration, Student Engagement and Success, and the Office of the General Counsel - to support curriculum development and dissertation research. 

The Ed.D. program is delivered completely online through asynchronous courses, including 45 semester hours of higher education leadership, practice, and research coursework, and 15 dissertation hours. Individual meetings with faculty for advising, research, and mentoring occur face-to-face, synchronously online, and through regular asynchronous online interactions. 

The Ed.D. curriculum in Higher Education Leadership and Practice (HELP) is scaffolded to match specific dissertation milestones. Coursework in the first year fosters the development of a dissertation topic, as well as the supporting theoretical framework and methodology. During the second year, students utilize classroom readings and assignments to complete their dissertation prospectus and receive institutional approval for their research. The third year focuses on data collection and analysis related to the dissertation, as well as the successful completion of the written dissertation and subsequent oral defense. Therefore, through the inherent synergy between coursework and dissertation research, students work closely with faculty to complete the Ed.D. program within a three-year time frame.

• Program Information HELP students have the latitude to select from a large array of research topics within the realm of higher education. The coursework at the beginning of the program is designed to initiate and raise awareness to the various foundations and issues within higher education today. Many students begin to conceptualize their research topics during these first few months of the program. Students conduct their dissertation research utilizing quantitative or qualitative methodologies, and are supported through research coursework and a methodologist on their dissertation advisory committee. Some examples of prior dissertation research include: Chief Diversity Officers’ paths to higher education presidency, leadership behaviors and cadet performance at the United States Military Academy, changes in alumni identity during higher education mergers, the lived experience of women presidents, stake-holder mindset in higher education, and the impact of an appreciative education approach on burnout levels in academic advisors.
• Professional Development Opportunities for Students HELP students have participated in a number of opportunities outside of the program of instruction to bolster their development. In coordination with the HELP faculty, students have had the opportunity to guest lecturer, present projects at professional conferences, attend conferences as a UNG HELP group, publish op-ed articles and publish worthy course assignments (book reviews, final papers, group presentations, etc.), and encouraged to participate in professional organizations. In addition to the group/individual efforts, the HELP program facilitates an annual grant writing workshop and monthly virtual professional development workshops throughout the year. These workshops are not mandatory, but great opportunities to hear from some of the foremost experts within the higher education community.
• Scholarship Opportunities Research assistantships are available dependent upon faculty grants. These positions are only open to non-TAP (Georgia Tuition Assistance Program) students.
• Program Diversity The HELP program is proud of the diversity of students in the program. We have students from all over the country who participate 100% from a distance, and from a great range of higher education fields. Students who come to the program are typically looking for an opportunity to advance their careers in higher education, gain advanced knowledge of research design and methodology, have a passion for learning, or want to fulfill a lifelong goal. Each year’s applicants are grouped into a cohort model that begins in the fall semester, where cohorts quickly form an identity and culture of their own through various methods of communication. The cohort model offers each individual the support and community needed to sustain a high impact learning environment throughout the three-year program.
• Department of Social Foundations & Leadership Education
• Plan of Study (PDF)
• Review the HELP Timeline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meet Our Faculty
• Student Research
• HELP Newsletter

For questions about the application process, contact: Graduate Admissions [email protected]   706-864-1543

Program Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. Completing your application earlier is better.

Fall Deadline

How to apply to the doctor of education program, requirements.

• Master's degree from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Admissions procedures .
• Resume/vita highlighting the personal and professional achievements of the applicant, including experience working and/or teaching in higher education
• A five to ten page writing sample that demonstrates scholarly writing
• Why is pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education important to you? Share personal and professional goals you hope to achieve through participation in UNG’s Higher Education doctoral program.
• Earning a degree online requires self-discipline and motivation. Give an example from your life that illustrates your commitment to continued intellectual and professional development. 
• Share an experience you possess conducting research and your potential to contribute to the field of Higher Education. 
• Discuss a tentative higher education topic you would like to research in this doctoral program. Keep in mind that you are not committed to studying this topic exactly, but demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have a clear direction in mind. 
• Participation in a doctoral program is a significant commitment in time and cognitive energy. Address how will you prepare for and address the challenges to obtain a School-Work-Life balance.

Applying to UNG

• Step 1 Application and Application Fee
• Step 2 Official Transcripts
• Step 3 Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.
• Step 4 Persons Aged 62 or Over

Application and Application Fee

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from [email protected]  after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

• Non-refundable application fee of $40.
• Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.
• Include a check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.
• Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to [email protected] .

Official Transcripts

Submit one set of official transcripts from each institution attended for all course work, undergraduate and graduate level.

• Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.
• Transcripts that have been opened, scanned or forwarded by email are not official and will not be accepted.
• Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.
• Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to [email protected] . Depending on the transcript service you are using, [email protected] may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.
• International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. ( NACES ) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( AICE ). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of  NACES  or  AICE  members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the  Graduate Catalog ) with a minimum grade point average of 2.75. 
• Graduate Admissions will retrieve transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG. You do not need to order official transcripts from UNG.

Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

Persons Aged 62 or Over

• Must be a resident of Georgia and 62 years of age or older at the time of registration.
• May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.
• may register for a maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit.
• will be reviewed to determine eligibility for regular admission following completion of six hours.
• are not eligible for federal financial aid while enrolled in courses as a provisional student.
• will not be allowed to continue in the program if a grade of C or lower is earned in any graduate course.
• may apply for readmission after three semesters from the date removed from the program because of a deficient grade by submitting a new application to Graduate Admissions with a letter addressed to the program coordinator requesting readmission.
• Non-Degree The EdD program does not permit non-degree students.
• Transient The EdD program does not permit transient students.

International applicants who must be issued an F-1 visa by UNG to enter the United States to attend school may not apply for completely part-time (less than nine hours) or online programs. This program is only offered as an online program and therefore does not permit F-1 visa student admission.

If you are interested in enrolling in this program fully online from your home country and are not seeking a visa, you can apply as an Online Foreign National graduate student .

UNG defines online foreign national graduate students as those who are not currently citizens, permanent residents, or refugees in the U.S. and are enrolled in a fully online UNG graduate program. Online foreign national graduate students are not offered visas and they are not required to have U.S. residency to enroll in a fully online graduate program.

• Step 1 Application and Fee
• Step 3 Review Requirements and Submit Documents
• Step 4 Proof of English Proficiency
• Step 5 Foreign National Supplemental Form

Application and Fee

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing . You will receive an email from [email protected] after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents.

Note: Do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

• Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) when completing the online application.
• Required supplemental documents may be uploaded with your application or emailed to  [email protected] .

Review Requirements and Submit Documents

Individual graduate programs require different supplemental documents. Review the required supplemental documents listed under the requirements header.

Proof of English Proficiency

English proficiency is required.

Students who are non-native speakers of English, who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the U.S. where English was not the language of instruction, are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score from one of the approved providers.

Proficiency can be proven as follows:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores if applicant's native language is not English.
• Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted.
• TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date.
• UNG accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.
• TOEFL internet based - 79
• IELTS - 6.5
• An official evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) member indicating proof of a degree at the secondary or collegiate level either outside or inside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction. If the NACES evaluation does not indicate English as the official language of academic instruction, request an official letter from the institution to be sent directly to UNG with this information, or direct this office to where it is stated on the institution's website.
• Proof of completion of the equivalent of English 1101 and/or 1102 with a grade of C or better in one or both courses, at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. 

Foreign National Supplemental Form

All applicants must complete the Foreign National Supplemental Form to be considered for admission. This form will help to determine your eligibility for specific programing at the University of North Georgia.

No applicant who is a citizen of an OFAC-sanctioned nation is eligible for enrollment as an online foreign national graduate student.

To maintain compliance with OFAC regulations, the University of North Georgia requires this additional information from foreign national applicants prior to acceptance into our online programs where no visa is issued that would serve as license. On the form you will indicate your citizenship as well as the location where you will be a resident for the duration of your studies at the University of North Georgia.

A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

• Students whose appeals are granted will be admitted as provisional students.
• Students are not eligible for financial aid while taking courses under a provisional admission status.
• Students may not appeal for regular admission.

Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to [email protected] .

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PHD, Learning, Leadership & Organization Development

The PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (LLOD) is a leading-edge program, recognized for its leadership in the disciplines of adult learning, leadership, and organization development.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_LLOD

Degree Program Summary:

The mission of the Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (LLOD) PhD program mirrors the three-fold mission of The University of Georgia – to teach, to research, and to serve. What makes the program’s mission unique is the central idea– “We develop leaders and scholars with deep knowledge of learning and change so they can transform their worlds.”

Offered through the College of Education, the University of Georgia’s Department of Lifelong Education, Administration and Policy (LEAP) offers qualified students the ability to earn a PhD degree in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. The PhD in LLOD program is designed to prepare students for leadership and research careers related to the learning, leadership, and organization development. All phases of the program, from advisement to dissertation, encourage and support the development of advanced knowledge and skills for conducting research and analyzing and reporting findings. The program provides coursework as well as experiential opportunities for students to deeply develop their capacities for critical thinking, reflexivity, inquiry and research, and as related to a specific area of specialization (topic focus).

Deadline to apply: January 15th (every year)

Program Highlights:

• Develop scholars of adult learning, leadership & organization development
• Grow research capabilities across methodological philosophies and research methods
• Scaffold dissertation research through faculty mentoring and specialized courses that develop scholar capacity
• Learn with and from world renowned scholars in the disciplines, of adult learning (including transformative learning, informal and incidental learning, generative learning), adult development, leadership, feminist pedagogy, coaching, human resource development, organizational development, organizational learning, knowledge management, and engagement scholarship.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

Mary Frances Early College of Education

110 Carlton Street Athens, GA 30602

706-542-6446

Department:

Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Diann Jones

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Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Georgia state university.

• Hear Ed.D. Doctoral Students Discuss Value of the Program
• Hear How  Social Justice and Urban Education Drive Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction

Program Description

The Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D. in C&I) prepares master teachers to become instructional leaders and curriculum specialists at the school and/or school system levels and who wish to develop expertise in the following areas:

• Advocacy for equity in teaching and learning
• Curriculum theory and development
• Pedagogical leadership

The Ed.D. in C&I is a rigorous, collaborative, interdisciplinary degree that includes the Department of Middle and Secondary Education, College of Education and Human Development, Department of Art Education, Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design, and the School of Music, College of the Arts.  This degree offers an interdisciplinary approach across Secondary levels in multiple content areas, Art, Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Middle Level, World Languages, Music, Science, and Social Studies Education.

The degree is designed for curriculum leaders who hold roles in schools such as assistant principals, classroom teachers, coaches, curriculum developers, department chairs, principals, subject/content area coordinators at the school or county level, and clinical faculty. Graduates from this degree program will be employed by public and private schools, school systems, and other educational entities in the Atlanta metro area, the state of Georgia, and in national and international schools and education organizations.

The program is a three-year, flexible cohort model, which is characteristic of nationally recognized exemplary professional doctorate programs (see Carnegie Foundation ).  The program consists of 45 hours of course work and 9 hours of dissertation work for a total of 54 hours.  The majority of the program will be offered through evening classes at the downtown campus throughout the year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Degree requirements include coursework, school-based residency requirement embedded in cohort courses (to include engagement in the professional community such as conference presentations, professional development delivery and/or publications), a qualifying paper, a prospectus presentation, and a dissertation using the approved dissertation format in the Georgia State University College of Education and Human Development.  The dissertation will consist of a research study contextualized in the PK-12 school or family setting.  A committee consisting of three faculty members, including a minimum of two College of Education graduate faculty members will support the student including review of the qualifying paper, comprehensive exams, and dissertation prospectus and defense.

The Ed.D. in C&I is designed in light of the Curriculum and Instruction certification rules and graduates of this program will be eligible to obtain the Curriculum and Instruction service certificate at the S7 level and potential salary increase (which is determined by individual school systems).  Students holding a valid Clear Renewable, Level 4 or higher Georgia Teaching (T), Service (S), Technical Specialist (TS), or Leadership (L or PL) certificate at time of admission in their field of study would be eligible to add the Curriculum and Instruction certificate upon completion of the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program and completion of the Georgia state approved content assessment.

Program Philosophy                                                 

The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) promotes an understanding of the complex dynamics among theory, research, and practice.  We, the faculty, believe in preparing empowered scholar-educators who advocate for social justice and educational equity at the classroom, school, district, and state levels.  Grounded in rigorous and relevant research, our interdisciplinary courses offer students the opportunity to conceptualize, theorize, dialogue, problem-pose, problem-solve, create, and evaluate a wide range of educational theories, practices, and policies as related to Curriculum and Instruction.

Principles of social justice are embedded within the Ed.D. in C&I which emphasize innovation, diversity, and advocacy in PK-12 settings.  Committed to our metropolitan community while simultaneously extending our influence nationally and globally, we focus on excelling in three areas, 1) conducting leading research on culture, learning, and human development;  2) preparing high quality education and human development professionals in critical need areas; and 3) serving the community.

Learning Objectives for the Ed.D. in C&I

• Knowledge of Urban Education . Graduates will demonstrate advanced knowledge of urban education to promote social justice and educational equity at the classroom, school, district, and state levels.
• Knowledge of Curriculum . Graduates will demonstrate advanced ability to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum that promotes student learning.
• Knowledge of Instruction . Graduates will demonstrate advanced ability to plan, implement, and evaluate instruction to facilitate student learning.
• Knowledge of Content . Graduates will demonstrate advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in their academic discipline and pedagogy.
• Knowledge of Students . Graduates will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the student as influenced by cognitive, physical, emotional, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors.
• Knowledge of Research . Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use research to promote student learning and to contribute to the teaching profession.
• Knowledge of Assessment . Graduates will demonstrate advanced knowledge of assessment and the ability to use multiple sources of assessment for maximizing student learning.
• Professional Practices. Graduates will demonstrate high standards for professional practice including ability to work productively with colleagues and other adults, demonstrate teacher supervisory and coaching skills.

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Georgia

Last updated on April 9th, 2024 at 09:01 am

Our guide to Georgia doctoral programs in education is built for busy people! Here you'll find a comprehensive program directory , a breakdown of online options, links to specific Ed.D. fellowships & scholarships, info on GaPSC certification requirements, and more. Check out the career section, which contains data on GA jobs & salaries and ideas for useful leadership training!

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Georgia

What kind of georgia ed.d. programs are available.

When it comes to Georgia doctorates in education, public is the name of the game. Our listings are dominated by USG universities, with Brenau, CAU, and Piedmont providing some intriguing private alternatives. Better yet, these schools have developed online Ed.D. programs, Tier I or Tier II Educational Leadership certification programs, and degrees being shaped by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) . No matter what you’re after, Georgia has a quality doctorate to suit your goals!

How Do I Choose a Georgia Ed.D. Program?

Case study #1: aspiring georgia educational leader on a tight budget.

Georgia is one of the cheapest states in the country for Ed.D. students. Tuition prices for in-state residents at Valdosta, UNG, and UWG are nothing short of miraculous. And big schools like Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and KSU offer plenty of graduate-level scholarships & fellowships , including awards for doctoral students in specific fields. We provided tuition links in our listings so you can compare prices.

Bear in mind that some of these Georgia schools may offer tuition discounts to educational partners—make a time to talk to your employer about your plans. You can save even more money by choosing an online or hybrid doctorate in education in Georgia—we profile all your distance learning options below. You’ll be able to customize a leadership degree to suit your goals and cut down on commuting costs.

Case Study #2: Georgia K-12 Administrator Seeking Tier II Certification

Let’s say you’re ready to earn the Tier II Performance-Based Professional Educational Leadership Certificate. You’ve examined the list of GaPSC-approved Educational Leadership – Tier II Performance-Based certification programs , but you’re unsure whether to opt for a certification-only program, an Ed.S. degree, or a doctorate in education.

• Ask your employer if they have existing certification relationships with universities. For example, at Georgia State, applicants for the Ed.S. or Ed.D. with Tier II certification must be employed in an approved position in a partnering school system.
• Check the admissions requirements. Tier II certification-only/add-on programs are usually reserved for candidates who already have an Ed.S. Other options will be open to applicants with a master’s degree.
• Talk to current administrators who have recently earned Tier II certification and ask them about their choice of program. We’ve provided links to Georgia educational leadership associations and conferences to help you begin networking.
• Weigh your current responsibilities against long-term career goals. Do you have the time & energy to invest in an Ed.D. program with a dissertation or capstone project? Are you excited about a problem of practice that you wish to address? Or would you prefer to earn an Ed.S. and bank your credits for a possible doctorate in the future?

Case Study #3: Georgia Higher Education Leader Climbing the Ladder

Are you a higher education administrator who’s stuck in a career rut? Considering a Georgia doctorate in education, but wondering if the pay-off will be worth the price?

• Skim through our Career section to learn more about the employment landscape. We highlight data on high-paying hotspots in Georgia for higher education professionals, fact books on individual colleges & universities, and links to job boards.
• Use our listings to get a sense of your options. Georgia schools offer an extensive range of Ed.D. programs in higher education. You can study online, select it as a concentration within a major like Curriculum & Instruction, or choose to focus on high-level administrative issues. UGA has even developed an Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management .
• Reach out to organizations like the the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education (GAWHE) . In addition to offering the Louise McBee Scholarship for graduate studies, GAWHE also runs a leadership program with mentoring & coaching for Georgia women in higher education.
• If you are currently employed in an USG System institution, talk to your employer about applying for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) .

Online Doctor of Education Programs in Georgia

Online ed.d. providers in georgia.

• Brenau University

Columbus State University

Georgia southern university, kennesaw state university, university of north georgia, university of west georgia, valdosta state university, what to know about georgia online ed.d. programs.

Your choices for distance learning Ed.D. programs in Georgia will primarily come down to Brenau University and public universities within the USG System. That’s a good thing!

• Quality: Many of these schools hold CAEP accreditation, some of them are CPED members , and a few have a strong national reputation for quality (e.g. UGA). You won’t be pinged for choosing a distance learning degree.
• Price: Costs for Georgia graduate students at USG schools are very reasonable. If you commit to 100% online study, eTuition rates are usually the same for in-state and out-of-state residents.

But they’re not your only options. Most of the so-called “campus” Ed.D. programs in Georgia are actually hybrid (e.g. Augusta, UGA, etc.). That means you may only have to commit to evening classes and/or weekend commutes. Plus you may find blended programs that have scholarships & fellowships attached to them. So it’s worth doing a little bit of comparison shopping before making a decision.

Online Ed.D. Programs in Educational Leadership at USG Schools

If you’re determined to earn a traditional distance doctorate in educational leadership, start by investigating programs such as:

• Georgia Southern’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in P-12 or Higher Education. It’s 100% online, with a blend of asynchronous and synchronous/real-time coursework. If you have Tier II certification, you’ll be able to reduce the number of credits needed to graduate. Candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.25 GPA.
• UNG’s 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Practice . This is a three-year, 100% online program with no campus visits required. It’s also cohort-based, with each cohort beginning in the fall semester. Candidates are expected to have a 3.5 GPA on their master’s degree, but UNG will consider other applicants on a provisional basis.

We’d also recommend a look at UWG and VSU’s affordable offerings in school improvement and leadership (see below).

Online Ed.D. Programs with Multiple Concentrations at USG Schools

Searching for ways to customize your degree with unique concentrations? A couple of Georgia’s public schools have decided to cover the waterfront. For instance, UWG has developed super affordable online doctorate of education programs in:

• School Improvement (multiple concentrations for PK-12 leaders)
• Higher Education Administration
• Professional Counseling & Supervision (with an Accelerate track for Ed.S. in Counseling graduates)
• Nursing Education

All of these cohort-based options are delivered by UWG Online . The Ed.D. in School Improvement is 100% online; Higher Education Administration and Professional Counseling require one on-campus visit for orientation; and Nursing Education involves a couple of trips. Provided you don’t add any face-to-face courses, the tuition rate is the same for residents and non-residents.

Or you could consider VSU, which usually offers the cheapest Ed.D. tuition rates in the country! Your choices will include:

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership (multiple cognates)
• Hybrid Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: P-12 Disciplinary Concentration (various pathways)
• Hybrid Ed.D. in Adult & Career Education

Programs are short & fairly flexible and post-master’s credit transfers are available.

Specialist Online Ed.D. Programs at USG Schools

Plus there are Georgia public universities that have gone down the specialist route. For instance:

• Higher Education: The Higher Education Administration concentration within Columbus State’s Ed.D. in Curriculum & Leadership is 100% online, with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework (other concentrations are hybrid).
• Teacher Leadership: KSU offers a 48-credit Online Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership for current Georgia educators.
• Instructional Technology: KSU has also developed a 66-credit Online Ed.D. in Instructional Technology in two tracks. The Advanced Track is designed for educators who are focused on technology leadership positions at the school, district, or state level. You can improve your existing IT certificate level from an S-6 to an S-7. The Certification Track is aligned to GaPSC standards for Instructional Technology and ISTE standards for Technology Coaches.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Private Georgia Universities

Prefer to go private? Consider Brenau University’s Online Ed.D. with six concentrations for PreK-20 educators (including an All But Dissertation track). It’s not 100% online—you will be expected to visit the campus for two residencies—but it’s customizable and it can be finished within 3 years. Candidates must have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience and a minimum 3.25 GPA in order to apply.

No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs in Georgia

Are you looking for an innovative final project in lieu of a traditional 5-chapter dissertation? Augusta is part of the CPED initiative, which means it’s committed to examining (and re-examining) the goals of a doctorate in education. That’s why its Ed.D. in Educational Innovation contains a capstone/Dissertation in Practice (DiP).

At Augusta, Ed.D. students have the chance to address a real-world problem of practice, provide a service to a client, and engage themselves in a research team.

Doctoral Education Funding in Georgia

Augusta university.

The College of Education has a useful section on Scholarships & Graduate Assistantships and the Financial Aid Office can help with more general advice. Once you’re accepted, you can look into travel funding from the Graduate School.

The College of Education and Health Professions maintains a list of COEHP Scholarships . The Graduate School also has more info on Graduate Assistantships and Institutional Scholarships ; CSU offers a modest CSU Alumni Scholarship . In addition, CSU supplies Out-of-State Tuition Waivers to full-time public school & TCSG employees and bordering state residents.

The College of Education has a useful section on Graduate Student Scholarships . In particular, prospective Curriculum Studies majors should check out the Bryan Deever Memorial Scholarship Fund and prospective Educational Leadership students should look at EDLD Scholarships .

The College of Graduate Studies has further info on Graduate Assistantships (Ed.D. students are eligible to apply). All Ed.D. students at GSU are also eligible to apply for Research and Travel Funds from the Graduate Student Organization . And the Office of Career and Professional Development has good advice for Financing Graduate School .

Georgia State University

The College of Education & Human Development has an extensive section on Awards, Scholarships, and Fellowships . There are both graduate awards and doctoral fellowships (e.g. Dean’s Research Doctoral Fellowship). The Scholarship Resource Center also has a tool to Search for Graduate Scholarships .

Over at the Office of Graduate Programs, you’ll find a comprehensive section on Graduate Fellowship Opportunities . The office can help with applying for external funds and dissertation travel awards . And the Office of Student Financial Services has details on financial aid packages and payment plans .

The Bagwell College of Education (BCOE) maintains a list of BCOE Scholarships . This includes awards for graduates (e.g. Hubert W. Tino Endowed Scholarship in Education). Better yet, the Graduate College has an entire section devoted to Financial Information , with a rundown of tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships . Once you have applied, you can use the Scholarship Search to find relevant awards.

Piedmont College

Piedmont has a number of Endowed Scholarships that are open to graduate students, including folks who are studying education (e.g. Mary C. Lane Graduate Scholarship).

University of Georgia

Start with the College of Education (COE) and its well-organized section on Financial Assistance . There are a large number of scholarships open to COE graduate students, although some are reserved for teacher education programs. The COE also has info on departmental Graduate Assistantships .

The other site to visit is the Graduate School’s section on Financial Information , which has details on fellowships, travel funding, tuition waivers, and more. Keep in mind that nominations for Graduate School Fellowships must come from your graduate program.

The section on Financial Information in Graduate Admissions is a good place to start for info on funding for the online doctorate in education (e.g. payment plans). According to UNG, research assistantships are occasionally available and open to non-TAP (Georgia Tuition Assistance Program) students.

The College of Education (COE) maintains a list of COE Scholarships , with a separate section for graduate students. In particular, check out the Leona Ingram Scholarship and the Thomas S. Upchurch Educational Leadership Scholarship. You can also use UWG’s Scholarship Search to find relevant awards.

University System of Georgia

Full-time employees of the University System of Georgia (USG) who have successfully completed at least 6 months of employment in a benefits-eligible position may be eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) . TAP pays for a maximum of 9 credit hours per semester based upon the graduate rate of your University System of Georgia (USG) institution. View the full list of USG institutions.

The College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) has instructions on applying for COEHS Scholarships . The Graduate School also has a section on Financial Aid for Graduate Students , with a list of general graduate scholarships and info on Graduate Assistantships .

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of graduate funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

Educational Leadership Certification Requirements in Georgia

Educational leadership certification.

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) handles certification for educational leaders who wish to work in P-12 administrative positions in a Georgia Local Unit of Administration (LUA). GaPSC issues two tiers of Educational Leadership certificates:

• Educational Leadership – Tier I: An entry-level qualification. Tier I certificate-holders can work in school-level leadership positions below the principal and/or district-level leadership positions that do not supervise principals.
• Educational Leadership – Tier II: An advanced-level qualification. Tier II certificate-holders may work in any leadership position, including school-level principal, superintendent, or another type of position that supervises principals.

GaPSC maintains a current directory of GaPSC-approved Educational Leadership certification programs that can help you achieve these two goals. We’ve included a summary of Tier I & Tier II requirements below, but we recommend you look at the section on Leadership Field Rules under GaPSC’s Certification Rules . This section also contains:

• Instructions for adding a field, upgrading the level, and renewing certificates
• Details on the Superintendent Certificate
• Rules for other qualifications such as Teacher Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology, and more

Note: Tier I and Tier II certificates can be issued to out-of-state educators who meet reciprocity requirements. See GaPSC’s section for Out of State Educators .

Educational Leadership – Tier I (Standard)

The Standard Professional Educational Leadership Certificate – Tier I is a three-year credential. To earn it, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted accredited institution.
• Complete a GaPSC-approved Tier I Educational Leadership certification program (certification-only or master’s degree); if a certification-only program is completed, you must hold a Level 5 or higher certificate prior to enrollment.
• A passing score on the Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment prior to enrollment in the certification program.
• A passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership Content Assessment Exam .
• Completion of the Special Education requirement (i.e. coursework or professional learning units in special education).
• Be employed by a Georgia LUA; the rules have details on exceptions (e.g. receiving a Certificate of Eligibility while you look for a job).

See the Leadership Field Rules under GaPSC’s Certification Rules for further stipulations.

Note: Performance-Based Professional certificates are not issued in the Tier I stage.

Educational Leadership – Tier II (Performance-Based)

Tier II certifications come in two forms (“titles”): Performance-Based or Standard.

• Performance-Based Professional Educational Leadership Certificate – Tier II: This certificate requires the completion of an education program and the PASL (see below) or the conversion of an older Performance-Based credential.
• Standard Professional Educational Leadership Certificate – Tier II: This certificate is issued to an educator who meets reciprocity requirements or has converted their older Professional credential.

Overall, a Performance-Based Tier II certificate is the usual goal. It’s a three-year credential. To earn it, you must:

• Hold an Educational Leadership Certificate – Tier I or a Standard Professional Educational Leadership Certificate – Tier II.
• Complete a GaPSC-approved Educational Leadership – Tier II Performance-Based certification program (certification-only, specialist or doctoral degree); if a certification-only program is completed, you must hold a minimum of an Ed.S. prior to enrollment.
• A passing score on the Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment (if not previously met).
• A passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership Content Assessment Exam (if not previously met).
• A passing score on the Performance-Based Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) .
• Be employed by a Georgia LUA in a position requiring Tier II certification; the rules have details on exceptions (e.g. receiving a Certificate of Eligibility while you look for a job).

Note: A number of Ed.D. in Educational Leadership programs in our listings will prepare you for Tier II certification—you’ll see the same names appearing in the directory of GaPSC-approved Educational Leadership certification programs .

Educational Leadership Jobs in Georgia

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps a close eye on employment & salary data for kindergarten through secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators in every state. Georgia is often an overachiever, with high employment levels for K-12 administrators (especially in the South Georgia area).

• K-12 Administrators: If you want to dive deeper, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) provides some fascinating insights into the makeup of each school in its annual Certified Personnel report. Here you can learn about administrative employment numbers, the degree earned, male/female ratios, and more. You can also match your choice of school against Georgia School Grades Reports .
• Higher Education Administrators: Considering a public opportunity in higher education? The University of System of Georgia (USG) posts statistics on Semester Enrollment , Faculty Data (including the number of full-time administrators), Student Retention Rates , and more. The Georgia Independent College Association (GICA) publishes its own annual Fact Book on private universities.

Educational Leadership Salaries

K-12 Administrators: Mean wages for kindergarten through secondary administrators in Georgia are solid, and often better than surrounding states. In recent BLS reports, K-12 administrators who lived in the Atlanta area were doing particularly well. Or you can go to state sources. In the realm of K-12, GOSA tracks annual average salaries for each school in its annual Certified Personnel report (search for the school name and then find the Average Annual Salary and Administrators columns). School districts also post salary schedules (e.g. Atlanta Public Schools ).

Higher Education Administrators: Mean wages for postsecondary administrators in Georgia are superb. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC—home to Augusta University—is frequently one of the top-paying metropolitan areas in the country. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area is another lucrative spot. No surprise when you consider that the Atlanta area has the largest concentration of colleges and universities in the Southern United States.

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Conventional job sites will contain listings for Georgia education administrators (e.g. TopSchoolJobs, LinkedIn, HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, etc.). But we also wanted to direct you to some state-specific boards:

• TeachGeorgia’s Job Search allows you to filter public school job openings by title (e.g. principal, director, superintendent, etc.), subject and/or school system.
• The Georgia Charter Schools Association lists Charter School Jobs .
• The Georgia Independent School Association posts Job Openings in administration.
• The University System of Georgia has USG Institution Job Links to all its member institutions.

Educational Leadership Organizations in Georgia

Educational leadership associations.

• Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors (GACIS) : GACIS is a Georgia professional organization for persons working in the field of curriculum development and instructional supervision. It offers a small Flanders Scholarship to help with expenses in pursuing a higher degree in Educational Leadership.
• Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) : One to bookmark. GAEL is a statewide “umbrella” organization composed of seven professional affiliate associations: GACIS, GAESP, GAMSP, GASPA, GASSP, G-CASE, and GSSA. Members include assistant and associate superintendents, assistant principals, college and university administrators, state Department of Education administrators, and school leadership personnel. It offers a small John Yates Scholarship to members who are currently enrolled in a college or university leadership preparation/development degree program.
• Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP) : GAESP provides Georgia elementary school principals with opportunities for networking, professional learning, and legislative advocacy.
• Georgia Association of Middle School Principals (GAMSP) : GAMSP membership is open to state certified administrators (e.g. principals, assistant principals, administrative assistants, central office administration, curriculum directors, etc.) who are actively engaged in the administration of middle schools.
• Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators (GASPA) : GASPA is a professional organization for Georgia individuals working in the field of human resources.
• Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP) : GASSP supports Georgia’s secondary education administrative leaders through a combination of professional development, networking, awards, and more.
• Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education (GAWHE) : GAWHE is a statewide association dedicated to providing professional support to women educators through programs, services, advocacy, and publications. It offers a Louise McBee Scholarship for graduate studies.
• Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (G-CASE) : G-CASE supports educators who are involved in the administration of special education programs at a regional, system, or building level, as well as college faculty involved in the preparation of administrators.
• Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) : GSSA represents Georgia’s superintendents and serves as a chief advocate for the state’s public school children.

Note: State and national educator organizations often have funds and scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Georgia

Educational leadership conferences.

• GACIS Conferences : GACIS often hosts a Winter Conference in December and a two-day Fall Conference in September.
• GAEL Conferences : GAEL brings together individuals in its member associations in two major events: a Winter Conference in late January and a Summer Conference in July.
• GAESP/GAMSP Annual Fall Conference : Elementary and middle school leaders find common ground in this annual three-day conference in November.
• GASSP Fall Conference : Like the GAESP/GAMSP joint conference, this three-day event for secondary school leaders usually takes place in November.
• GAWHE Annual Conference : Held in conjunction with the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network, this annual event for women educational leaders takes place in late February/early March.
• G-CASE Conferences : G-CASE hosts a Fall Conference and a Spring Legal Forum. One-day, single topic, Drive-In Conferences also pop up throughout the year.
• GSSA Bootstrap Conferences : GSSA organizes these two-day events for school leaders and superintendents in April and October.

Educational Leadership Training

• GADOE Professional Learning Events & Conferences : Georgia’s Department of Education hosts a variety of institutes, academies, and conferences throughout the year (e.g. McREL’s District Balanced Leadership Institute, Instructional Leadership Workshops, etc.).
• GAEL Aspiring Principals Academy : GAEL’s program trains public school leaders to handle their complex roles as building managers, HR administrators, change agents, student disciplinarians, cheerleaders, instructional leaders, school improvement specialists, and surrogate parents.
• GAWHE Fellows Leadership Program : GAWHE’s program provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for women in higher education positions. Applicants must be in full-time employment with an institution of higher education in the state of Georgia.
• Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI) : GLISI is a private non-profit that provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to leaders who wish achieve excellence in the classroom, school building, and central office. It was founded by a bipartisan team of Georgia business and education leaders and the state Governor.
• GSSA Professional Development : GSSA has developed multiple professional development programs for P-12 educational leaders, including the Superintendent Executive Leadership Program , New Superintendent Orientation , Planning, Funding & Budget Institute , and much more.
• The Principals Center : Run by GSU, the center provides practicing and aspiring school leaders with learning and networking opportunities designed to develop their capacity to create schools that work for all children (e.g. Expert Leaders Series, Toolbox Series, etc.).

School Listings

11 Schools Found

College of Education

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Curriculum and Instruction

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Education Leadership

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Department of Educational Leadership

Atlanta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Ed.d. in higher education leadership.

Offered Online

Department of Counseling, Foundations, and Leadership

Columbus, Georgia

EdD in Curriculum and Leadership

Edd in curriculum and leadership - curriculum, edd in curriculum and leadership - educational leadership, edd in curriculum and leadership - higher education.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies - Cultural Curriculum Studies

Doctor of education in curriculum studies - learning, development, and curriculum, doctor of education in curriculum studies - multicultural and social justice education, doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, doctor of education in educational leadership - p-12 administration.

Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

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Bagwell College of Education

Kennesaw, Georgia

Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Doctorate in educational leadership - higher education administration, edd in middle grades education, edd in teacher leadership, online edd in instructional technology - advanced track, online edd in instructional technology - certification track.

School of Education

Demorest, Georgia

Ed.D.in Educational Leadership

Edd in curriculum and instruction.

College of Education/Hugh Hodgson School of Music

Athens, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Music Education

Edd in educational leadership, edd in in workforce education, edd in learning, leadership, and organization development, edd in science education, edd in student affairs leadership, executive edd in higher education management.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice

Carrollton, Georgia

Online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

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College of Education and Human Services

Valdosta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Adult and Career Education

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• College of Education
• Department of Professional Learning and Innovation

Curriculum and Instruction Ed.D.

EdD Cohort 5

Introduction.

The Ed.D. is offered to advance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of candidates committed to scholarly study of and contribution to the field of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I). Doctoral candidates acquire expertise in leading P12 curriculum design, development, and evaluation in their respective fields of content specialization and model best practices in the domains of teaching, learning, and assessment.

Candidates are admitted as a cohort, and they complete courses in the program of study during a two-year period. Following the completion of courses and a comprehensive examination, candidates initiate dissertation studies. 

There are two tracks in the Ed.D. Program:

• If students enter the program  with  a Level 5 or Level 6 C&I certificate (meaning that they have already completed an initial C&I program), they will be entered into the non-certification/degree-only Ed.D. program track. Upon completion of the dissertation, students will be eligible for the Level 7 upgrade to their C&I certificate.
• If students enter the program  without  a Level 5 or 6 certificate in C&I, or if they enter the program with a Level 5 or 6 certification in something other than C&I, they will be entered into the (initial) certification-only track of the Ed.D. program. Once students complete the initial certification track (ABD status), they may apply for the Alternate Level 6 upgrade to their C&I certificate. Upon completion of the dissertation, students will be eligible for the Level 7 upgrade to their C&I certificate.

Degree Requirements

Admission Criteria

Primary admission criteria.

• GPA of 3.5 or above in all graduate degree coursework (Masters and/or Specialist).
• Masters or Specialist degree completed from a regionally accredited institution.
• Two professional recommendations from colleagues in current or previous professional settings.
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. (Alumni from Georgia College & State University will have the GCSU transcript on file and need not send that one separately.)
• A curriculum vitae or resume describing professional experiences and accomplishments in detail.
• A Graduate Application, including application fee. See the  LINK TO GRADUATE ADMISSIONS  for details
• a synopsis of pivotal experiences in your career as an educator.
• your rationale for applying to the GCSU Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program.
• articulation of your professional and personal goals as an educator.
• discussion of how participating in this program will support you in achieving your professional and personal goals.
• a description of how you envision your role as a P12 curriculum leader in a content field.
• Official score report for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General or the Miller’s Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the past five years.
• Applicants who wish to seek certification in Curriculum and Instruction through the GAPSC must provide evidence of a valid, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate. The Five-Year Induction Certificate holder is also eligible. 

Secondary Admission Information

• A faculty panel will evaluate all applications and make a prioritized decision on admission to each cohort. Selected applicants will be invited to campus for interviews with a faculty panel. Acceptance decisions are finalized after all interviews have been completed.
• *NOTE: A qualified application DOES NOT guarantee admission. Cohort admission is highly competitive.
• Cohorts begin only in Maymester.

Important Dates

• The next Cohort for the Curriculum and Instruction Doctoral Program will begin in Maymester 2025
• Application Available: Early January 2025
• Application Deadline: TBD
• Acceptance Decision Date: TBD
• Registration Deadline: TBD
• Ed.D. Orientation: TBD

Additional Information

The degree requires 2-3 on-campus meetings per course each semester in addition to online course studies delivered using GeorgiaVIEW. Transfer of up to 9 credit hours into the program is at the discretion of the program advisor, coordinator, and department chair.

Candidates are advised to contact their school system Human Resources department to determine changes in pay following degree completion.

Please see the current Ed.D. Handbook for other program details.

Dr. Nancy B. Mizelle

EdD, University of Georgia; MEd, Clemson University; BA, Meredith College

Middle Level Education and Teacher Education, Content Area Literacy and Student Motivation, Young Adolescents' Transition from Middle to High School

Reviewer for RMLE Online , Middle Grades Research Journal and Middle School Journal, as well as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation/Association for Middle Level Education Specialized Professional Association (AMLE/CAEP SPA) and the Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch. Active with the National CMLA Advisory Board and the Association for Middle Level Education Foundation Board.

Graduate Programs

“which degree is right for me”, want to be a teacher.

If you are already certified, look primarily at an MEd , MA , EdS , EdD , or PhD in the subject of your choice to upgrade an existing teaching certificate. If your undergraduate degree did not lead to teaching certification, peruse our MAT degree options to earn your master’s and become certified to teach in Georgia at the same time.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet, you’ll want to start with a BSEd or dual degree program.

Don’t want to teach?

We have many non-teacher programs — counseling, exercise science, communications sciences, quantitative methodology, educational policy, just to name a few — that lead to different practitioner or research-oriented career paths. Try one of our MA , MS , EdS , EdD , or PhD programs related to your specialized field.

Find a program below that interests you to learn more about how it stacks up against your career goals.

Master of Education (MEd)

Take your career to the next level with our highly regarded master of education degree programs. With flexible formats and online learning options, full-time teachers and full-time learners alike will find programs to suit their needs. Our theoretically grounded, experientially rich programs are consistently ranked among the top in the nation and will prepare you to excel in your field.

Read FAQs on the Master of Education Programs

• MEd in College Student Affairs Administration
• MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Research Track)
• MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track)
• MEd in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track) (Online)
• MEd in Educational Psychology - Quantitative Methodology (Online)
• MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
• MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development) (Online)
• MEd in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
• MEd in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education) (Online)
• MEd in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)
• MEd in Elementary Education
• MEd in English Education
• MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Technology)
• MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Online)
• MEd in Learning, Design, and Technology (Research-oriented MEd)
• MEd in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
• MEd in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development (Online)
• MEd in Mathematics Education (Grades 6-12)
• MEd in Mathematics Education (PreK-8, Griffin Campus)
• MEd in Middle Grades Education
• MEd in Middle Grades Education (Online)
• MEd in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling)
• MEd in Reading Education (Children's Literature and Language Arts, P-5)
• MEd in Reading Education (New and Digital Literacies, Online)
• MEd in Reading Education (P-5 or 6-12 Certification Upgrade)
• MEd in Science Education (Online)
• MEd in Social Studies Education
• MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
• MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
• MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
• MEd in TESOL and World Language Education
• MEd in Workforce Education

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The master of arts in teaching (MAT) focuses on advancing your teaching career and improving your classroom skills. The College of Education offers MAT degrees in a variety of subjects to give you the opportunity to dive deeply into your area of interest. Each option provides both field experience in the classroom and an exploration of pedagogical theory and implementation.

Read FAQs on the Master of Arts in Teaching Programs

• MAT in Elementary Education
• MAT in English Education
• MAT in Mathematics Education
• MAT in Middle Grades Education (Grades 4-8)
• MAT in Science Education
• MAT in Social Studies Education
• MAT in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
• MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
• MAT in Special Education (General Curriculum, Online)
• MAT in TESOL and World Language Education
• MAT in Workforce Education (Business Education)
• MAT in Workforce Education (Engineering and Technology Education)
• MAT in Workforce Education (Family and Consumer Sciences)
• MAT in Workforce Education (Healthcare Science Education)
• MAT in Workforce Education (Marketing Education)
• MAT in Workforce Education (Trade and Industrial Education)

Master of Arts (MA)

Forge a future beyond classroom teaching in our highly regarded, research-based master’s programs. You will research and complete your master’s thesis while furthering studies in your chosen discipline. These programs prepare you for doctoral studies, and many are offered in flexible formats including online and part-time options.

Read FAQs on the Master of Arts Programs

• MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• MA in Education (Literacies and Children's Literature)
• MA in Education (Mathematics Education)
• MA in Education (Science Education)
• MA in Education (Social Studies Education)
• MA in Education (Special Education)
• MA in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
• MA in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
• MA in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)

Master of Science (MS)

Our master of science (MS) degree offers two different career tracks. The thesis programs engage you in research and advanced scholarly study with the goal of pursuing a PhD or a career in research. The non-thesis programs provide advanced training in a specialized area with a focus on real-world application.

Read FAQs on the Master of Science Programs

• MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
• MS in Kinesiology (Adapted Physical Education)
• MS in Kinesiology (Biomechanics)
• MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
• MS in Kinesiology (Exercise Psychology)
• MS in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning)
• MS in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
• MS in Kinesiology (Sport Pedagogy)
• MS in Kinesiology (Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness)

Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT)

The athletic training program at UGA is a two-year, six-semester program that will prepare students to become highly skilled and confident healthcare practitioners in the profession of athletic training capable to practice in a variety of clinical settings.

• MS in Athletic Training (MSAT)

Educational Specialist (EdS)

Further your advanced studies with our esteemed educational specialist programs. Designed for those who already earned a master’s degree but don’t necessarily want a doctoral degree (though some graduates decide to pursue a doctoral degree after completing a specialist program), these in-depth programs prepare you for leadership positions, university teaching, curriculum planning, consulting, and beyond. Many of our programs also result in certificate upgrades or endorsements.

• Eds in Education (Art Education)
• EdS in Education (Communication Sciences and Disorders)
• EdS in Education (Elementary Education)
• EdS in Education (English Education)
• EdS in Education (Learning Leadership and Organization Development)
• EdS in Education (Literacy Specialist, Online)
• EdS in Education (Middle Grades Education Grades 4-8)
• EdS in Education (Reading Education, Children's Literature, and Language Arts P-5 or 6-12)
• EdS in Education (Social Studies Education)
• EdS in Education (Special Education)
• EdS in Education (TESOL or World Language Education)
• EdS in Education (Workforce Education)
• EdS in Educational Administration and Policy (Gwinnett Campus)
• EdS in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
• EdS in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
• EdS in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education) (Online)
• EdS in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Technology)
• EdS in Learning, Design, and Technology (Instructional Technology) (Online)
• EdS in Mathematics Education (Grades 6-12)
• EdS in Mathematics Education (PreK-8, Griffin Campus)
• EdS in Professional School Counseling (Gwinnett Campus)
• EdS in Science Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Achieve the highest academic degree in your field through our highly ranked doctoral programs. Work closely with our accomplished faculty on producing original research and gaining the experience to become a leader in your profession. Many of our programs are individually crafted, allowing you to pursue your unique scholarly interests.

• PhD in Art Education
• PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• PhD in Counseling Psychology
• PhD in Education (College Student Affairs Administration-Athens Campus only)
• PhD in Education (Counselor Education and Supervision-Gwinnett Campus only)
• PhD in Education (Social Studies Education)
• PhD in Educational Administration and Policy
• PhD in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
• PhD in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
• PhD in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Methodology)
• PhD in Educational Psychology (School Psychology)
• PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Critical Studies)
• PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Early Childhood Education)
• PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Elementary Education)
• PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Middle Grades Education)
• PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (Teacher Education)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Athletic Training)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Biomechanics)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Psychology)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Motor Control and Learning)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
• PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Pedagogy)
• PhD in Language and Literacy Education (English Education)
• PhD in Language and Literacy Education (Literacies and Children's Literature P-5 or 6-12)
• PhD in Language and Literacy Education (TESOL and World Language Education)
• PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology
• PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
• PhD in Mathematics Education
• PhD in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methodologies
• PhD in Science Education
• PhD in Special Education
• PhD in Workforce Education

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The Doctor of Education (EdD) prepares students to teach at the college level or take on a professional role in education. Our programs use a practical, entrepreneurial, and technical approach rather than a purely research-based focus. You’ll develop skills that allow you to make wide-ranging changes and an important educational impact at an organizational level, such as in school administration.

• EdD in Educational Leadership
• EdD in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
• EdD in Music Education
• EdD in Science Education
• EdD in Student Affairs Leadership (Griffin Campus)
• EdD in Workforce Education
• EdD in Workforce Education (Traditional)

Other Degree Programs

This program takes place jointly between the College of Education and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

A degree program offered in a joint partnership between the College of Education and the Lamar-Dodd School of Art.

A degree program offered by the Hugh Hodgson School of Music in partnership with the College of Education.

Doctoral Degrees

College of computing, algorithms, combinatorics, and optimization (ph.d.), computational science and engineering (ph.d.), computer science (ph.d.), human-centered computing (ph.d.), machine learning (ph.d.), college of design, architecture (ph.d.), building construction (ph.d.), city and regional planning (ph.d.), music technology (ph.d.), college of engineering, aerospace engineering (ph.d.), biomedical engineering (ph.d.), chemical engineering (ph.d.), civil engineering (ph.d.), electrical and computer engineering (ph.d.), engineering science and mechanics (ph.d.), environmental engineering (ph.d.), industrial engineering (ph.d.), materials science and engineering (ph.d.), mechanical engineering (ph.d.), nuclear engineering – medical physics option (ph.d.), nuclear engineering – nuclear enterprise management option (ph.d.), nuclear engineering (ph.d.), operations research (ph.d.), robotics (ph.d.), college of sciences, applied physiology (ph.d.), bioengineering (ph.d.), bioinformatics (ph.d.), biology (ph.d.), chemistry (ph.d.), earth and atmospheric sciences (ph.d.), mathematics (ph.d.), ocean science and engineering (ph.d.), physics (ph.d.), psychology (ph.d.), quantitative biosciences (ph.d.), ivan allen college of liberal arts, digital media (ph.d.), economics (ph.d.), history and sociology of technology and science (ph.d.), international affairs, science, and technology (ph.d.), public policy (ph.d.), scheller college of business, management (ph.d.).

Doctorate in Education Degrees in Georgia

Earning a doctorate degree in education can help you attain some of the highest positions in the field of education. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate degree in education in Georgia, you’ve come to the right place. At EducationDegree.com, we make it simple for Georgia educators to find, contact and compare multiple schools offering Ed.D. programs without having to visit multiple sites or jump through lots of hoops. To learn more about earning your Ed.D. in Georgia, read on. Or get a head-start by exploring the programs on this page and reaching out to several for more information.

Earning Your Ed.D. in Georgia

When making the decision on whether to work toward a doctorate degree in education, consider several things. K-12 classroom teachers do not need a doctorate; earning a doctorate degree in education is a good step, however, if you are interested in working as a professor or superintendent of schools, or if you want to become an educational researcher. Many Georgia universities offer Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs that can put you on the right path to a higher career in education. Common program specialties include:

• Educational Leadership
• Counseling Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education

A typical doctorate in education takes three years to complete. The first year is generally course work, the second year is research and the last year is to develop the dissertation proposal. Many students complete their studies part-time or online while working.

Career Outlook and Salary for Graduates in Georgia

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2012, the annual mean wage of a postsecondary education administration in Georgia was $96,760—a salary competitive with surrounding states. As compared with other states, Georgia also has a high number of positions in this area of education, employing more than 3,000 administrators.

To locate Ed.D. programs in Georgia, review our featured programs and reach out to several schools for more information. As a general rule, we recommend contacting multiple schools to gather more information, ensuring you find the best fit for your education and career goals.

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Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

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Explore West

Take advantage of what the University of West Georgia has to offer. UWG boasts 87 programs of study.

UWG offers an exciting, diverse curriculum that allows its students to flourish and become community and world leaders.

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

The University of West Georgia's Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology offers master's programs in School Counseling (CACREP accredited), Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited), and College Student Affairs; a specialist degree in Professional Counseling; and, doctoral degrees in Professional Counseling and Supervision and Higher Education Administration. Our Department embraces diversity across dimensions, including race, ethnicity and national origins, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, ability, and religion. We are committed to helping and supporting students in and out of the classroom, who have been and are feeling marginalized. Additionally, the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology denounces institutional and systemic racism. In accordance with our program’s specific professional organizations, we are committed to making actionable steps toward dismantling these systems and working toward equity and inclusion for students and student groups who experience discrimination and marginalization.

The Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is a   fully online program   designed to increase participants’ knowledge of college and university administration, leadership, finance management, and their overall ability to address and solve critical issues affecting higher education.

This program aims to teach students how to appropriately and effectively address critical issues in higher education administration through critical analysis and reflective thought, and teach students to understand, analyze, and utilize literature to influence decisions in higher education. Additionally, our students will be able to conduct and review institutional assessments in order to analyze policy and program effectiveness to make informed decisions. Students who graduate from this program should be able to understand the intricacies and nuances of higher education. Our students will also be able to identify legal issues and changes that affect practice in higher education. Finally, students will be able to identify personal values and ethics as it influences their professional practice.

To find answers to commonly asked questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Learn More about the Higher Ed Admin Program

We were recently named the top institution for doctoral programs by bestvalueschools.org and the 18th most affordable online doctoral program by eddprograms.org .

Important Links and Contact Information

Important links.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Description and Admission Requirements
• Cost (PDF, 17K)
• Course of Study
• How to Apply

Dr. Dena Kniess, Director  Phone:  678-839-6122   Email: [email protected]

Becky Robinson, Departmental Assistant  Phone:  678-839-6567   Email: [email protected]

10 Best Online Doctoral Programs in Georgia

Higher education is gaining ground in growing Georgia, and according to 2015 statistics the unemployment rate for workers without any college was 6.9% compared to 3.1% to those with a degree in higher education. In addition, by 2020, research suggest that 65% of Georgia’s jobs will require some level of postsecondary education. With improvements being made to educational systems across the state there is today an increase in need for leaders with PhDs in Education especially. Additionally students are attending universities in Georgia to obtain their online doctoral degrees in areas such as nursing, law, technology, and business.

Featured Online Programs

1. university of west georgia.

online doctoral programs; three through the College of Education and one Doctor of Nursing Education degree. The fully online education degrees offered are: Higher Education Administration Ed.D., Professional Counseling and Supervision Ed.D., School Improvement Ed.D. All programs are fully accredited and offer flexible access to lectures and coursework plus extensive research opportunities. The cost of attendance for a fully online program is the same for in state and out of state attendees.

2. Emory University

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University is a top-rank private university, globally recognized for its liberal arts colleges and professional schools, and is one of the worlds leading healthcare systems. Students can earn degrees from the baccalaureate to doctoral levels. Four online doctoral programs  can be obtained online at Emory. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered through the acclaimed  Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing  and two tracks are offered, the post BSN or post MSN track. The Health Care or Business Law degrees are hybrid degrees with 10 7-week asynchronous online courses and 3 three-day residencies. The Doctor of Ministry degree is set up to serve experienced ministers with at least three years experience in the field plus their completed MDiv degree. Two tracks are offered: Church Leadership and Community Witness or Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation.

3. Kennesaw State University

online PhD programs offered online. Both are EdDs offered through the school of education. The Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology is for educators who seek to pursue a career in technology in a leadership position at the local, district or state level. The Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership prepares students for administrative careers in leadership positions.

4. Georgia Southern University

Founded in 1906 Georgia Southern University is Georgia’s most comprehensive institution south of Atlanta, offering over 140 degree programs from the bachelor to doctoral levels. Additionally, the school has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral and Research university and serves students from all fifty states both on campus and online. The online school at Georgia Southern University  offer flexible programs in business, healthcare, and education taught by the same respected faculty that teaches on campus. Online programs cater to students who have other commitments keeping them busy such as their advancing careers or family. The online  Doctor in Nursing Practice  trains students in areas such as management of care for individuals and populations, administration of nursing systems, the development and implementation of health policy, or direct care of individual patients. The program takes eight semesters to complete and is fully online minus one week-long on campus intensive that occurs each summer.

5. Georgia College & State University

fully online doctoral program in Nursing Practice with the twenty-one total fully and hybrid online master degree offerings. The unique thirty-seven credit doctorate program prepares students for leadership positions in healthcare where they can influence policy at the highest organizational level. The curriculum builds to an intense capstone that is defined by each students individual interests and practice. The program can be completed in five semesters of full time study, or split over a period of part time attendance.

6. Columbus State University

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership, with a Higher Education Track, is a sixty-three credit program intended for educators, administrators, and district personnel who plan to fulfill careers in leadership roles. The curriculum and institutional practices are supported by strong research and the university has a proven track record of producing leaders in the field of education. The fully accredited program is delivered in a hybrid fashion with some course completed online and some on campus.

7. University of Georgia

Specialist of Education in Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education is based on a research based philosophy that creativity and giftedness are expressed in a multitude of ways among diverse people. For this reason the program is tailored for each student to meet the students’ individual needs. The program requires a minimum of thirty-one credits and a final written comprehensive examination. The online EdS program is one of the top in the nation and students from across the states attend online annually.

8. University of North Georgia

Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education. The program is offered through the University of Georgia as an alternative for students wishing to graduate from the North Georgia campus.

9. Luther Rice College & Seminary

Doctor of Ministry degree.

10. Augusta University

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration! The program prepares students for careers aiding in advanced patient-family centered care in situations where acute and/or chronically ill patients are served. The program can be completed full- or part-time.

Embrace the convenience of online learning and shape your own path to success.

Explore schools offering programs and courses tailored to your interests, and start your learning journey today.

Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

College of Education

• Doctor of Education P-12 and Higher Ed

Format : Online Credit Hours : 36 – 69 Entry Term : Fall

Are you a school leader looking to enhance your leadership skills?

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education Degree program in Educational Leadership, now offered online beginning fall 2023, is designed to enhance the experienced school administrator’s leadership skills through: (1) advanced preparation that strengthens decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential to the management of increasingly complex educational organizations, and (2) engagement in guided field research that develops the inquiry skills necessary for effective leadership and management practice.

The program uses an inquiry approach that employs problem-solving and research skills applicable to multiple problems and issues. The purpose is to generate an inquiry orientation so that participants will learn to solve problems from broad perspectives. Participants identify, diagnose, and define problems, analyze their component parts contextually and systematically, and develop solutions that are immediately applicable and that deal with underlying issues. Experiences over the course of the doctoral program in Educational Leadership become candidate-led, field-based investigations of educational problems and potential solutions.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :, key program features include :.

• Enrollment in cohort groups organized to support learning and professional networking
• Instruction in the program is 100% online, with some synchronous online class sessions in Stage 2.
• Curriculum stresses practical knowledge and skills for preparing scholar-practitioners to become transformational leaders

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership provides two strand options:

P-12 administration  –.

Candidates entering the Ed.D. program must have certification in Education Leadership-Tier II and Level 6 teaching certification. P-12 candidates with this certification are exempt from the first 30 credit hours of Ed.D. coursework (Stage I coursework) and enter the program directly into the Stage 2 coursework phase. Candidates who do not possess this certification are not eligible for admission.

Higher Education Administration –

Persons pursuing the Higher Education Administration strand need not have leadership certification to be eligible for consideration for entry into the Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership.

The Georgia Southern University Office of Graduate Admissions oversees the application process for graduate students. Please review the links below for admission requirements and deadlines.

Ed.D., Educational Leadership Program   Director Elise Cain, Ph.D. [email protected]

Spotlight Story

“I find that my work as a leadership educator is more rooted in research and evidence-based practices since completing my work in the program,…I’m now able to build more meaningful leadership programming through the backwards-course-design approach, and I am able to align leadership learning with evidence-based teaching strategies.” John Egan, Ed.D. ’19

A new playing field: former athlete turned educational leader inspires students to be campus, community leaders. Read a spotlight story for the Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program.

Where can I obtain additional information?

Contact the Graduate Academic Service Center at: Georgia Southern University College of Education, P. O. Box 8013, Statesboro, GA 30460 912-478-1447 [email protected]

Professional Certification Disclosure.

Professional Certification Disclosure The College of Education anticipates that graduates of the Doctoral program in P-12 and Higher Education Leadership, technology, and Human development will seek state licenses or certifications. The program listed above leads to a Georgia Certificate Upgrade only . Visit the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for more information.

For all Online Programs Federal Law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosures include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, the complaint processes, adverse actions, refunds, and program closure. For required disclosures about online programs offered by the University, visit the Georgia Southern State Authorization and Professional Licensure Webpage .

Last updated: 7/26/2024

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Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

College of Education Georgia Southern University P.O. Box 8131 Statesboro, GA 30460

Departmental Office: Education 3125

Mrs. Melissia Deal Phone: 912-478-5091 Fax: 912-478-5382 [email protected]

Interim Department Chair

Dr. Mete Akcaoglu Phone: 912-478-0002 [email protected]

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Graduate Programs Administrator Opening

The McBee Institute of Higher Education is seeking a Graduate Programs Administrator. 

The Graduate Programs Administrator reports to the Administrative and Academic Manager and supports the Director, Graduate Coordinator, faculty and graduate students in the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education. This position is responsible for educating current and prospective graduate students on three graduate degree programs, admission requirements, student academic progress, and opportunities. The Graduate Programs Administrator communicates actively and is the first point of contact for topics related to recruitment, admissions, employment (assistantships), academic progress, and graduation. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining and producing data on the program statistics, as required, and operating within appropriate systems to support the programs.

  Questions about the McBee Institute or the position can be directed to Megan Waters Holloway at [email protected] . 

Please use the following link to learn more about the position and apply: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/393657

Please note that applications will only be accepted when submitted via the link above.

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Missouri State's College of Education prepares to launch first doctoral degree program

The College of Education at Missouri State announced Wednesday that it will offer its first doctoral degree a year from now, in fall 2025.

This year, the university will finalize plans for the program: a Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Education Change.

Overcoming limitations placed by state law, Missouri State has become a doctoral-granting university recognized by the State of Missouri, Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education and Higher Learning Commission.

“This degree is for individuals who want to assume leadership in not just schools, but also in universities and education-related nonprofits,” said Nicole West, associate professor director of the doctoral program, in an Aug. 14 news release. “This degree is less about any particular educational institutional type, as it is about impacting and transforming education.”

West added: “It is in direct alignment with the university’s public affairs mission to create culturally competent, ethical leaders who are community engaged. Developing this program is living out our mission in a tangible way.”

More: This bill would let more Missouri universities offer research, doctoral degrees

Applications for the first cohort of 15 students will open Sept. 5.

The part-time program is seated and cohort-based. It is designed to take three years and include 55 credit hours plus a dissertation-in-practice. Here are the details:

• Core curriculum of 25 credit hours;
• A specialized area of interest involving 18-28 credit hours;
• Dissertation-related coursework of 12 credit hours.

“This curriculum was built with adult learners and working professionals in mind,” West said. “It can be tailored to each student’s specific interests and aspirations.”

In preparation for the launch, Missouri State was invited to join the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, a network of more than 135 institutions working to improve programs and education.