Admission

ELPA Graduate Program

Found your perfect program? Click below for more information and to apply online through the School of Graduate Studies!

Apply Now

The deadline for applications each semester is published on the School of Graduate Studies website. However, we will interview applicants beyond the deadline if space is available in the next cohort. Contact the ELPA Graduate Program Coordinator for the concentration of interest for more information about deadlines. 

Note: The GRE requirement is no longer required for all ELPA Ed.D. concentrations.

Wondering about cost?

Click here  (you must price Non-resident then select eRate then select Graduate, then select 6 hours, for accuracy, because we are an online program) to calculate the estimated cost for your degree using the Tuition Estimator or click here for Financial Aid information.

Need to know about deadlines or start dates?

Click here to view the academic calendar for important dates.

Who to Contact





Higher Education Leadership

Dr. Don Good
506 Warf Pickel Hall
423-439-7621

School Leadership Concentration

Dr. Pamela Scott
501 B Warf Pickel Hall
423-439-7618

Higher Education Concentration

(formally Student Personnel)

Dr. Susan Epps
512 Warf Pickel Hall
423-439-7609

Administrative Endorsement Concentration

Dr. Virginia Foley
502 Warf Pickel Hall
423-439-7615

Master of Education

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis offers two concentrations at the Master's level: Administrative Endorsement (P-12) and Higher Education.

Administrative Endorsement 

This concentration 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 bachelors degree, teaching certificate, and three years of successful teaching experience (P-12). The culminating experience is a professional portfolio review. Students seeking a masters degree are applying for admission into the Administrative Endorsement concentration.

Masters degree program applicants must have a bachelors degree with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on 4.0 scale. 

Materials to be submitted:

  • Completed application form
  • One official transcript from each college or university attended
  • Personal essay
  • Current Resume
  • Copy of Teaching license
  • Four recommendations (one from applicant's superintendent or other comparable supervisor)

Higher Education 

This concentration is designed for those interested in pursuing entry- or mid-level staff positions in higher education and student personnel areas. Students will increase their knowledge of leadership principles and how they apply to the various areas of the institution and to workign with students and other members of the univeristy community.

Individuals applying to the Higher Education concentration must meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, transfer or credit, and time limitations specified in the graduate catalog.

In addition to the admission requirments for the Graduate School applicaton, applicants must submit:

  • a current resume 
  • the names and contact information of three academic or professional references

Applicants will participate in a personal interview. 

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.

Students seeking an education specialist degree are applying for admission into one of these concentrations:

Education Specialist applicants must hold a bachelors degree and a masters degree. 

Materials to be submitted:

  • Completed application form
  • One official transcript from each college or university attended
  • Personal essay
  • Resume
  • Contact information for four references

 

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.

Students seeking a doctoral degree are applying for admission into one of these concentrations:

Materials to be submitted:

  • Completed application form
  • One official transcript from each college or university attended
  • Personal essay
  • Resume
  • Four references
  • Note: The GRE requirement is no longer required for all ELPA Ed.D. concentrations. 

Share