The purpose of graduate programs in educational leadership is to prepare individuals to assume leadership responsibilities in education, training, and other human service organizations. Educational leadership offers the EdS degrees for candidates seeking PK-12 administration and supervision licensure. Candidates eligible for this EdS degree program must already possess a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education as per one of VDOE's requirements for administration and supervision licensure. Individuals seeking the Virginia administration and supervision endorsement must have three years of successful teaching experience in a licensed instructional position.
The program prepares leaders who are visionary, who have depth of knowledge, and who can be effective and responsive organizational leaders. The program develops graduates who can apply research-based knowledge, skills, and dispositions that translate into effective practice through innovative program instruction and authentic field-based experiences. The concentration area in educational administration and supervision is approved by the state of Virginia and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Students who have a master’s degree in another area and do not have a license in administration supervision PreK-12 may be accepted into the EdS with Licensure Program. These students would complete 30 semester hours of coursework to lead to licensure as an administrator. The EdS with a Concentration in Administration and Supervision with Licensure Program is offered online only.
Admission
To gain admission, applicants must:
- meet all University admissions requirements;
- have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.80 overall and 3.00 in the major;
- provide two letters of recommendation, including one from a school administrator; and,
- write a one page essay that explains the applicant's professional experiences and personal goals, specific ways the applicant hopes to improve public education as an educational leader, and how this degree will help the applicant address her/his professional goals.
- write a one page, single-spaced statement about a contemporary and critical issue facing educational leaders. Address the following:
- What is the contemporary issue and why is it critical?
- Why is this issue relevant to school and/or division leaders?
- What role should school and/or division leaders play in addressing this issue and how?
In addition, all students who wish to enter the administration and supervision program with Commonwealth of Virginia accreditation must satisfactorily complete an administrative skills portfolio assessment process. ELS 800
must be the first course in which students enroll.
Curriculum Requirements
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| ELS 800 | Strategic Leadership and Management for School Improvement (Curriculum) | 3 |
| ELS 787 | Pupil Personnel Services for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| ELS 801 | Accountability and Organizational Improvement | 3 |
| ELS 802 | Educational Politics and Policymaking | 3 |
| ELS 810 | Strategic Communication and External Relations | 3 |
| ELS 827 | Learning Theories and Professional Development | 3 |
| ELS 828 | Instructional Leadership and Supervision | 3 |
| ELS 857 | Educational Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ELS 668 | Internship in Educational Leadership (Clinical Experience) * | 3 |
| ELS 669 | Instructional Internship (Clinical Experience) * | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 |
Students must successfully complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA).
Additional Requirements
Continuance
Students must meet all department, college, and university policy requirements for continuation in their academic program. See department policy below.
Continuance Policy and Procedures for the Educational Leadership Program
The following policy has been established for continuance in Educational Leadership Program.
At the end of each semester – fall, spring, and summer – the graduate program directors (GPD) will review student records. As per university policy, students who do not maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in their ELS program will be placed on probation. Students placed on probation have one semester to bring their overall GPA back to a minimum of 3.0. A student may be placed on probation only one time in their EFL program and will not be eligible for a second probationary period. Should a student’s GPA fall below 3.0 twice, he/she will be dismissed from the program.
Students who receive a grade of F in any ELS required or elective program course or who receive a final grade of lower than B- in more than one class in their program will be dismissed from their program by the Graduate Program Director and Department Chair. A failing grade in dissertation credits for one semester places the student in warning status and does not automatically dismiss the student from the program. However, two failing grades in dissertation credits will result in dismissal from the program. Students may follow the Grade Appeal Procedure in the ODU Graduate Catalog. In the event a grade is appealed such that the student comes into compliance with the EFL Continuance Policy, he/she will be reinstated. In accord with University policy, ODU email is considered official communication.
Exit
Students must successfully complete:
- the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA);
- the required course of study;
- three self assessments, one at the start of the program, one after the first internship, and one upon completion of all coursework;
- Two internships of 320 hours and 5 placements per VDOE administrative licensure regulations; and,
- have a minimum 3.00 grade point average in order to graduate.
