M.Ed. Educational Leadership: Licensure

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Licensure has been approved as an instructional leader preparation program by the TN State Department of Education. It is an excellent program that strives to prepare teachers for future careers as school principals, curriculum leaders or other supervisors.

About the Program
  • The program can be completed in as few as 5 semesters and requires 33 graduate credits.
  • Students typically progress through the program as a cohort, with new cohorts beginning every August. Admission will be considered for spring and summer terms, however, core courses are only offered once a year.
  • Courses are fully aligned with the TN Instructional Leadership Standards.
  • A field experience requirement of approximately 350 hours is required and is completed over the duration of the program.
Admission Requirements

Applicants must present evidence of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Applicants must have successfully completed an educator preparation program and hold a valid educator license.

Applicants must have successfully completed two years of qualifying education experience as defined by the TN Department of Education.

In addition, a portfolio (submitted online) and an interview are required as part of the application process.

The online portfolio is submitted through the application process and includes items outlined below.

  1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (indicated on official transcripts).
  2. A copy of the applicant's most recent two summative performance appraisals (often found in TN Compass).
  3. A Future Growth Plan (FGP) - writing prompt.
  4. An Educator Information Record (EIR) - writing prompt.
  5. A personal statement of career goals and how the program would assist the applicant in reaching the stated goals.
  6. A resumé
  7. Successful completion of an interview that addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
  8. Two completed references/recommendation (one from current supervisor) forms which confirm the following:
    1. Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement;
    2. Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment;
    3. Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationships;
    4. Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.
  9. Verification of a valid license and qualifying experience (provided by school district or school administration / Human Resources)
Required Courses

EDAS 5010: Methods of Educational Research

3cr

EDAS 5630: School Law

3cr

EDAS 5710: Leadership for School Improvement

3cr

EDAS 5730: School Culture and Climate

3cr

EDAS 5740: Curriculum Leadership

3cr

EDAS 5750: Instructional Leadership and Assessment

3cr

EDAS 5760: Development of Human Capital in Schools

3cr

EDAS 5770: Management of the School

3cr

EDAS 5810: Ethics, Advocacy and Advanced Law

3cr

EDAS 5820: Practicum in School Leadership

3cr

EDAS 5900: Capstone

3cr

 A passing score on the State exam (SLLA) is required as a condition of graduation

To request more information about our Educational Leadership programs, please fill out this inquiry form.

School Leadership

Educational Leadership