Georgia State University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate professional experience in education. Teaching credentials or educational work experience is typically required or strongly preferred.

About This Program

Georgia State's College of Education & Human Development produces star-quality teachers with 95% remaining in Metro Atlanta and 85%+ employed in urban high-need schools. Received $19M+ in 2024 research funding. Ed.D. in Educational Leadership adaptable to most situations with concentrations in Advanced Leadership, Higher Education, and Tier II for Georgia educators. Includes unique dissertation: literature review and research paper for professional journal publication. Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction in most K-12 subjects includes school residency, professional engagement, study abroad, and Service Level 7 certificate option.

Career Outcomes

Georgia State graduates lead schools, districts, and educational organizations in Atlanta and Georgia as administrators, curriculum leaders, and district executives.

• 1. Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
• 2. Director of Curriculum and Instruction
• 3. Chief Academic Officer or Principal
• 4. Director of Special Education or Higher Education Administrator

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement evidence-based instructional strategies and curriculum improvements
• Conduct and evaluate educational research to inform school and district leadership decisions
• Analyze data and identify effective practices for improving student outcomes
• Lead organizational change, foster innovation, and solve complex educational problems

Curriculum Highlights

Leadership: Core Leadership Courses, Research Methods, Organizational Theory, District Leadership, Dissertation for Publication; Curriculum & Instruction: Subject Specialization, School-Based Residency (required), Professional Engagement, Study Abroad, Curriculum Certificate

Top Employers

Common employers include school districts, charter school networks, state departments of education, universities, and educational policy organizations such as state education agencies and nonprofit education foundations.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate professional experience in education. Teaching credentials or educational work experience is typically required or strongly preferred.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Official Transcripts: Required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree (minimum)
• GRE/GMAT: Optional or waived for applicants with strong academic records
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)