Educational Leadership

Overview

The Department of Educational Leadership and Analysis prepares leaders with the skills and knowledge needed for success in an ever-changing world. Students can broaden their expertise and critical thinking skills as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders in society and the world.

• Ed.D. Administrative Endorsement Concentration (Mostly Online)

  Overview

  The Administrative Endorsement program is designed to prepare educators for beginning administrative positions at the k-12 campus or district level. It leads to Tennessee licensure as a Beginning Administrator. Programs leading to licensure are also approved by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Student programs at East Tennessee State University are individually designed to develop educational leaders through the study and practical application of educational foundations, theory, research, and field work.

  Program

  The central idea of the doctoral program is the development of competence in the areas of greatest significance to educational leaders. Because of this, course requirements are described as blocks or components in the total program of the student. Each student’s total program will be determined upon the basis of four (4) factors:

  • training and coursework completed prior to admission to advanced study;
  • intended area of work as a professional;
  • success in coursework and other experiences in the early parts of the program; and
  • competence in the various areas of study as assessed and evaluated by the graduate committee in written and/or oral examinations.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 60 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    This program specifically prepares candidates to serve as school principals. Instructors teaching the licensure part of the program have experience as school principals, giving extended depth to the quality of the coursework. The department also has a strong internship program with a dedicated internship supervisor.
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    Students come from all over the state of Tennessee and the surrounding areas to partake in this program. The diversity of school systems represented adds richness to the learning. 
  • What accreditations apply to this program?

    ETSU is authorized by the Tennessee State Department of Education to prepare candidates for the Instructional Leader License. We are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • What are the job prospects with this degree?

    There are many roles one can serve in school leadership—school principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, director of special education, superintendent of schools, etc.
  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

    In addition to the ETSU Graduate School general admission requirements, applicants must have a master’s degree, teaching license, and a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience. 
  • Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

    Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
  • Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?

    A dissertation is required for the Ed.D.
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Since the program is mostly online, it is ideal for working professionals and those with familial obligations. 

  • What is the time to completion for full-time students?

    The licensure part of the program is 6 credit courses, and the courses must be taken in sequence. It is only offered part-time. If you are not employed as a teacher or administrator during the program you could complete coursework in two years, but will have a minimum of two additional semesters for dissertation. If dissertation is completed in two semesters, time from beginning to end would be 2.75 years. 

     

  • What is the time to completion for part-time students?

    The licensure part of the program is 6 credit courses, and the courses must be taken in sequence.  It is only offered part-time. If you are not employed as a teacher or administrator during the program you could complete coursework in two years, but will have a minimum of two additional semesters for dissertation. If dissertation is completed in two semesters, time from beginning to end would be 2.75 years.

  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?

    16
    
    
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships? 

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.
• Ed.D. Higher Education Leadership Concentration (100% Online)

  Overview

  This online doctoral program prepares individuals who have a strong desire to enhance their knowledge of leadership principles and to become more effective leaders in their organizations. Student programs at East Tennessee State University are individually designed to develop educational leaders through the study and practical application of educational foundations, theory, research, and field work.

  Program

  The central idea of the doctoral program is the development of competence in the areas of greatest significance to educational leaders. Because of this, course requirements are described as blocks or components in the total program of the student. Each student’s total program will be determined upon the basis of four (4) factors:

  • training and coursework completed prior to admission to advanced study;
  • intended area of work as a professional;
  • success in coursework and other experiences in the early parts of the program; and
  • competence in the various areas of study as assessed and evaluated by the graduate committee in written and/or oral examinations.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 66-78 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is ETSU’s oldest doctorate, dating back to the 1970s. The program has an outstanding track record of training educational leaders at all levels in K-12 and in colleges and universities throughout the world!
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    We are proud to prepare leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in an every-changing world!

  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. ETSU may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of ETSU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
    
    

    
    
    
  • What are the job prospects with this degree?

    Graduates include faculty members and administrators, such as deans, vice presidents, and presidents.
  • Does a student's bachelor’s and/or master’s degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

    Admission to the program requires a master’s degree in any recognized field.
  • Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

    
    
    Admission to the program does not require the GRE or GMAT.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    The program is fully online! While courses are asynchronous, there is opportunity for real time virtual or in-person interaction.
  • Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis? 

    The program requires an internship of at least 150 clock hours as well as a dissertation.
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Most of our students are employed full time. The program includes 48 credits of coursework and 12-24 credits of dissertation. For those 48 credits, students take 6 credits per term, including summers. A minimum of two (2) terms is required for the dissertation. Most students take approximately three (3) terms to complete the dissertation. Therefore, students typically complete the entire program in less than 4 years.
  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule I can review for the full-time and part-time options?

    Yes, students go through the program as part of a cohort. Course listings and schedules are available from the Graduate Program Coordinator.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    A limited number of Graduate Fellowships are available. Fellows work 20 hours per week for the department and take 3  courses per term. Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.
• Ed.D. School Leadership Concentration (100% Online)

  Overview

  This online doctoral program is designed for individuals with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree who are seeking advanced knowledge and skills in educational leadership and research in preparation for leadership positions in K-12 schools at the local, district, or state levels. For students with a valid master’s degree, the program of study requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. Students with a valid educational specialist degree have a program of study requiring a minimum of 42 credit hours. Students will also identify a dissertation topic, conduct research, and write the dissertation with the guidance of a dissertation committee. 

  Program

  The central idea of the doctoral program is the development of competence in the areas of greatest significance to educational leaders. Because of this, course requirements are described as blocks or components in the total program of the student. Each student’s total program will be determined upon the basis of four (4) factors:

  • training and coursework completed prior to admission to advanced study;
  • intended area of work as a professional;
  • success in coursework and other experiences in the early parts of the program; and
  • competence in the various areas of study as assessed and evaluated by the graduate committee in written and/or oral examinations.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 66 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

• Ed. S. Counselor Leadership Concentration (100% Online)

  This concentration is being phased out and is no longer accepting new students. Current or returning students should contact Dr. Jon Borland (borland@etsu.edu)with questions or for additional information. 

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements for the 2022-2023 academic year can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

•  Ed.S. Administration Endorsement Concentration (Mostly Online)

  Overview

  The Administration Endorsement program at East Tennessee State University is designed to prepare educators for beginning administrative positions at the k-12 campus or district level. It leads to Tennessee licensure as a Beginning Administrator. Student programs are individually designed to develop educational leaders through the study and practical application of educational foundations, theory, research, and field work.

  Program

  The central idea of the doctoral program is the development of competence in the areas of greatest significance to educational leaders. Because of this, course requirements are described as blocks or components in the total program of the student. Each student’s total program will be determined upon the basis of four (4) factors:

  • training and coursework completed prior to admission to advanced study;
  • intended area of work as a professional;
  • success in coursework and other experiences in the early parts of the program;
  • competence in the various areas of study as assessed and evaluated by the graduate committee in written and/or oral examinations.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 31 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    This program prepares candidates to serve as school principals, and instructors teaching the licensure part of the program have experience as a school principal. The program also has a strong internship program with a dedicated internship supervisor.
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    Students come from all over the state of Tennessee and the surrounding area for this program. The diversity of school systems represented adds richness to our learning. 
  • What accreditations apply to this program?

    The program is authorized by the Tennessee State Department of Education to prepare candidates for the Instructional Leader License. It are also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • What are the job prospects with this degree?

    There are many roles one can serve in school leadership—school principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, director of special education, superintendent of schools, etc.
  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

    In addition to the ETSU Graduate School general admission requirements, applicants must have a master’s degree, teaching license, and a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience. 
  • Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

    Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    There are synchronous Saturday classes, no more than four each semester.

  • What are the traditional meeting times for the synchronous courses, and how often are they held?

    The synchronous classes meet approximately 16 times over the duration of the program on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-3:30p.m.
    
    
    
    

  • Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?

    An internship is required and is woven across the six semesters of the licensure part of the degree.

  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    The licensure part of the program is six credit courses and the courses must be taken in sequence. It is only offered part-time. There are another seven credits of coursework to obtain the Ed.S. Those courses can be added to summer load or taken before or after licensure is completed. The time to completion is 6 or 7 semesters, 2 or 2.5 years.

  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule I can review?

    Programs of study are individualized based on department schedule.

  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?

    The department aims to cap each cohort at 16 students.

  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

• Ed.S. School System Leadership Concentration (100% Online)

  Overview

  This online program is designed for individuals with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree who desire more advanced preparation for educational leadership positions in K-12 schools. The program of study consists of 30 credits. Students will also complete an appropriate, supervised internship and develop a professional portfolio.

  Program

  Education Specialist, Educational Leadership (School System Leadership Concentration).

  The central idea of the specialist program is the development of competence in the areas of greatest significance to educational leaders. Because of this, course requirements are described as blocks or components in the total program of the student. Each student’s total program will be determined upon the basis of four (4) factors:

  • training and coursework completed prior to admission to advanced study;
  • intended area of work as a professional;
  • success in coursework and other experiences in the early parts of the program; and
  • competence in the various areas of study as assessed and evaluated by the graduate committee in written and/or oral examinations.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 31 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

   

• M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership Concentration (100% Online)

  Overview

  The purpose of the Higher Education Leadership concentration is to respond to the ever-increasing need for providing new leaders and improving skills of existing leadership in entry to mid-level staff in two- and four-year institutions of higher education. Students will increase their knowledge of leadership principles and how they apply to the various areas of the institution and to working with students and other members of the university community.

  Most students will matriculate through the program taking six credits each term, although students who have graduate assistantships will usually take nine credits.
  
  

  Program

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found on the Higher Education program website and in the ETSU Graduate Catalog. 

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 36 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

   

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique? 

    This program is offered 100% online so that students who work full-time are able to complete the program from wherever they are. For students who want a graduate assistantship (GA) experience, they can be on-campus for their position but still have the flexibility of online courses.
  • What accreditations apply to this program? 

    East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. ETSU may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of ETSU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
    
    

    
    
    
    

  • What are the job prospects with this degree? 

    Students who come into the program without work experience in higher education are eligible for any number of entry-level positions, many of which will require a master's degree. Students already working in higher education settings will have opportunities for advancement. 
  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites? 

    No, the program accepts students with all sorts of undergraduate degrees! There are no prerequisites, just an interest in working with college students or in a higher education area.
  • Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

    Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    They are online and asynchronous.
  • Are there any on-campus requirements, meetings, orientations, etc.? 

    Some of the classes have optional zoom meetings. The department also hosts an orientation in the first semester. Social opportunities are also being added for students who are local to ETSU, thanks to the work of current students.  

  • Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?

    Students are required to complete an internship (experiential) or capstone (project-based) as a culminating experience.
  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations? 

    Absolutely! Many of the program's students do work full-time and/or have family obligations. The asynchronous online format makes juggling work, family, and school more manageable.

  • What is the time to completion for full-time students?

    Typically, full-time students complete this program in 4 semesters, taking 9 credits each term. We work with students who have GA positions that don’t include summer contracts on an individual basis.

  • What is the time to complete for part-time students?

    Most part-time students take 6 credits each term for 6 semesters. Students who opt to take only one course per term will take at least 4 years to complete the program. 
    
    

  • How many spaces are available for each cohort? 

    There is no limit on the number of students, and the department will take students to begin in either the fall (most common and best for students who want to have a Graduate Assistantship (GA) position) or spring terms. The program does not have a summer start.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    There are a limited number of GA positions in the department, but most of the students enrolled in the program with GA positions work in student affairs or student service areas. 

     

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

    
    
    
• M.Ed. School Administration and Leadership Concentration (Mostly Online

  Overview

  The School Administration and Leadership program is designed to prepare educators for beginning administrative positions at the k-12 campus or district level. It leads to Tennessee licensure as a Beginning Administrator. The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program prepares the individuals who will serve as educational leaders in K-12 schools, community/technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and other organizations/agencies that offer educational programs and services. The program is approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Student programs are individually designed to develop educational leaders through the study and practical application of educational foundations, theory, research, and field work.

  Program

  The purpose of the School Administration and Leadership concentration is the development of principals, assistant principals, and school district office leaders. It leads to Instructional Leadership Licensure - Beginning (ILL-B) from the Tennessee Department of Education. 

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Cost

  Credits to complete this program: 37 credit hours

  TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
  $613 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1454 per credit hour
  -Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. -This amount may not include program-specific fees. Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid, or use the Tuition and Fees estimator to see approximate costs. The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs.

   

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

    This program prepares candidates to serve as school principals, and instructors teaching the licensure part of the program have experience as a school principal. The program also has a strong internship program with a dedicated internship supervisor.
    
  • What is an exciting aspect of this program?

    Students come from all over the state of Tennessee and the surrounding area for this program. The diversity of school systems represented adds richness to the learning. 
    
  • What accreditations apply to this program?

    ETSU is authorized by the Tennessee State Department of Education to prepare candidates for the Instructional Leader License. We are also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • What are the job prospects with this degree? 

    There are many roles one can serve in school leadership—school principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, director of special education, superintendent of schools, etc.
  • Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

    In addition to the ETSU Graduate School general admission requirements, students must have a teaching license and a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience. 
  • Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

    Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

    There are synchronous Saturday classes, no more than four each semester.

  • What are the traditional meeting times for the synchronous courses, and how often are they held?

    There are approximately 16 synchronous meetings over the duration of the program. They take place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m-3:30 p.m.
    
    

  • Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?

    No thesis is required for the M.Ed. An internship is required and is woven across the six semesters of the licensure part of the degree.
  • What is the time to completion for full-time students?

    The program consists of 37 credits (7 courses), and the courses must be taken in sequence. It is only offered part-time. 

     

  • What is the time to completion for part-time students?

    The program consists of 37 credits (7 courses), and the courses must be taken in sequence.

     

  • Is there a plan of study/course schedule available for review?

    Programs of student are individualized and based on department schedule.

     

  • How many spaces are available for each cohort?

    The department aims to cap each cohort at 16 students.
  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    Students are encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.