ELPA Programs

ELPA degree programs are listed here with a brief description.

For further information, on a particular program, please click on the appropriate degree title.

Master of Education

This program is designed to prepare educators for beginning administrative positions at the campus or district level. It leads to Tennessee licensure as a Beginning Administrator. Entrance requirements include a bachelor's degree, teaching certificate, and a several years of teaching experience. The culminating experience is a professional portfolio review.

Educational Specialist

This program is designed for educators already holding a Master's degree, but desiring more advanced preparation in educational leadership. The various concentration areas serve teachers who seek to improve their classroom leadership skills, teachers seeking initial administrative licensure, and teachers or administrators who already hold administrative licensure and seek further knowledge and skills related to school administration. For some students, the Ed. S. may be the terminal degree; for others, it may be an intermediary degree between the Master's and Doctorate. The program's culminating experience is an action research project conducted throughout the program of studies.

Doctor of Education

This terminal degree program is designed for students already holding a Master's or Specialist degree and seeking advanced knowledge and skills in educational leadership and research. It culminates with a research project reported in the form of a doctoral dissertation. Various concentration areas serve teachers who seek greater knowledge related to educational leadership, teachers seeking initial administrative licensure, teachers or administrators seeking further knowledge and skills related to school administration, and professionals seeking knowledge and skills related to leadership positions in higher education, public agencies, or private sector areas related to education.