Graduate Programs in Educational Administration and Policy

Graduate Programs in Educational Administration and Policy

Mary Frances Early College of Education - University of Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education offers multiple graduate degree programs and graduate certificates in Educational Administration and Policy. Whether you prefer to study on campus in Athens, at the Atlanta–Gwinnett Campus, or fully online, you can choose the format that best fits your goals and your schedule.

Through our programs, you will examine critical issues in educational administration and policy, explore current reform movements, and learn strategies to improve student learning and accountability at local, state, and national levels.

Across all programs, students work closely with faculty—many of whom are nationally recognized in educational leadership, policy, and school law—on grant-funded projects, journal articles, and policy-focused initiatives.

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M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy (Tier I School Leadership Track) 
Online

Application Deadlines: 
• Summer: April 1
• Fall: July 1

The Mary Frances Early College of Education recognizes the pressing need for courageous, transformative leaders in today’s schools. Our online M.Ed. with Tier I Certification is designed to meet this need through rigorous, relevant, and innovative curriculum.

Students engage in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework, online class sessions, and meaningful clinical practice experiences. Faculty use the latest technologies and instructional strategies to ensure a dynamic, high-quality learning experience.

M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy (Research Track)
On-Campus

Application Deadline: January 15

Today’s educational landscape requires leaders who bring organizational insight, change-management skills, and a bold vision for improving school systems. The M.Ed. Research Track equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead across a wide range of roles—including PreK–12 schools, district offices, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Policy
Atlanta-Gwinnett Campus 

Fall Application Deadline: July 1

Prepare for leadership roles through a four-semester Ed.S. program featuring hands-on residency experiences and instruction from a nationally respected faculty.

The program includes embedded school-based work and real-world leadership projects. Applicants must hold a Tier I Educational Leadership Certification and be employed in a school or district leadership role.

PhD in Educational Administration and Policy
On-Campus and Atlanta-Gwinnett Campus

The Ph.D. program offers two curricular pathways: Law & Policy and Administration & Supervision. Both tracks prepare scholars to examine pressing issues in education, analyze reform efforts, and develop approaches to improve learning and accountability.

Students benefit from diverse perspectives on educational policymaking and hands-on research experiences. Coursework combines lectures with student-led discussions, and students regularly collaborate with faculty on funded research projects, journal articles, and policy-driven initiatives.

UGA's Ph.D in Educational Administration and Policy prepares leaders of school districts and other educational organizations to cultivate organizational learning and drive organizational improvement. 

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
On-Campus 

Fall Application Deadline: May 15

UGA’s performance-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is delivered in partnership with Georgia school districts to develop highly effective scholar-practitioners. The program prepares graduates to lead schools and districts through evidence-based decision-making, talent management, organizational improvement, and strategic leadership.

Coursework integrates faculty-guided research with real-world challenges facing today’s school systems.

Graduate Certificate in Education Law and Policy
On-Campus, Online

Fall Application Deadline: May 15

This certificate provides education professionals with a working knowledge of legal requirements, policy development, and policy implementation. Participants strengthen their ability to interpret, apply, and communicate about education law and policy issues across school and district contexts.

Graduate Certificate in Education Administration and Policy  (Tier1 School Leadership Track)
Online

Application Deadlines:
• Summer: May 1
• Fall: July 1

Designed for both degree-seeking and non-degree graduate students, this certificate supports working professionals who want to earn Tier I administration certification in Georgia. Applicants must bring at least three years of relevant professional experience.

The program combines online coursework with clinical experiences guided by certified mentors in Georgia school districts. Coursework emphasizes instructional leadership practices aligned with:

• Georgia Educational Leadership Standards

• Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL)

• Georgia Leader Keys Effectiveness System (LKES)

For students who already hold a master’s degree and seek certification only, an individualized program of study may be created based on prior academic work.