Educational Leadership - Tier 2 Programs

At UWG, candidates may earn an Educational Specialist degree along with their certification, or they may add certification-only to an existing specialist or doctoral degree. Educational Leadership Tier 2 is an advanced leadership program reserved for candidates in leadership positions as defined by the Ga PSC.

Tier 2: Certification Only 

The current Georgia Leadership Rule reserves the Tier 2 programs (Tier 2 Certification Only and Tier 2 Educational Specialist) as advanced level preparation for leaders in leadership positions as defined by the Ga PSC. The Georgia Leadership Rule requires candidates have the time and opportunity to lead authentic and genuine school improvement initiatives in a residency experience.

Admission requirements include the following:

  • Must have "Tier 1", "L", or "PL" Clearly Renewable Certification
  • A Specialist degree or higher from a nationally or regionally accredited institution    
  • Be employed in a leadership position in a local education agency (LEA) as defined by the Georgia PSC*
  • Be recommended by the Superintendent or designee based on local district requirements (System Approval Form)
  • 3.0 or better cumulative GPA on graduate work
  • Georgia PSC Ethics for Educational Leaders Test #380
  • Written partnership with school district

*Candidates must maintain a leadership position throughout this program

Application requirements:

  • Completed application for admission
  • Non-refundable $40.00 application fee 
  • Official transcripts from degree-granting institutions for undergraduate and graduate work
  • Completed System Approval Form [PDF 155k] signed both by your immediate supervisor (must be the principal for applicants working at a school) AND the superintendent or his/her designee
  • Copy of valid Georgia leadership certificate
  • Georgia PSC Ethics Test #380 certificate

Apply for Tier 2 Certification

 

Tier 2: Education Specialist

The current Georgia Leadership Rule defines the Tier 2 programs (Tier 2 Certification Only and Tier 2 Education Specialist) as advanced level preparation reserved for leaders in leadership positions as defined by the Ga PSC. The Georgia Leadership Rule requires candidates have the time and opportunity to lead authentic and genuine school improvement initiatives in a residency experience.

Admission requirements include the following:

  • Must have "Tier 1", "L", or "PL" Clearly Renewable Certification
  • A Master’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution
  • Be employed in a leadership position in a local education agency (LEA) as defined by the Georgia PSC*
  • Be recommended by the Superintendent or designee based on local district requirements (System Approval Form)
  • 3.0 or better cumulative GPA on graduate work
  • Georgia PSC Ethics for Educational Leaders Test #380
  • Written partnership with school district

*Candidates must maintain a leadership position throughout this program

Application requirements:

  • Completed application for admission
  • Non-refundable $40.00 application fee 
  • Official transcripts from degree-granting institutions for undergraduate and graduate work
  • Completed System Approval Form signed both by your immediate supervisor (must be the principal for applicants working at a school) AND the superintendent or his/her designee
  • Copy of valid Georgia leadership certificate
  • Georgia PSC Ethics Test #380 certificate

Apply for Tier 2 Ed.S. Degree

   

Tier 2 FAQs Educational Leadership

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Educational Leadership Tier 2 is an advanced leadership program reserved for candidates in leadership positions as defined by the Ga PSC. Candidates may earn an Educational Specialist degree along with their certification, or they may add certification-only to an existing specialist or doctoral degree.

At UWG, the Tier 2 programs are 100% online. Courses are taught by both full-time faculty in the Educational Leadership department and current leaders (superintendents, principals, and district office leaders) in Georgia.

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Requirements include a master’s degree or higher for the Specialist degree program and a specialist degree or higher for the Certification-only program, with at least a 3.0 graduate GPA. Also, candidates must be in a leadership position, hold an Educational Leadership – Tier 1 certificate or Educational Leadership Tier 2 Standard Professional certificate, a signed System Approval form, a written partnership between the school system and UWG, and a completed application for admission.

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A written partnership between the candidate’s employing school district and the University of West Georgia is required. The list of school districts with whom UWG has a partnership are included on our Educational Leadership main page.

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Please check with the UWG Office of Student Accounts and Billing Services for more information.

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Please visit the UWG Financial Aid website for more information.

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There are four scholarships for students in the Educational Leadership program from the COE. Students can be considered for these scholarships and more by applying via the UWG Scholarship Portal. 

Applications are typically due in late January, and recipients will be notified before the closing of the spring semester. Scholarships awarded are for the following fall semester. 

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The Tier 2 certification-only program is seven courses and is typically completed in three to four
semesters. The Tier 2 with Specialist degree program is nine courses and is typically completed in four to
five semesters.

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May 15 – Summer admission, July 15 – Fall admission, and December 1 – Spring admission

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Please email us at edleadership@westga.edu, call us at 678-839-2463!

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Please check UWG Registrar’s website for guides on how to register. The registration and semester schedule are available on The Scoop.

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Since the entire program is delivered online, candidate can visit the UWG Online Student Guide for online help and support. 

For login issues, please contact Techwest Student ITS Support or call them at 678-839-6587.

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