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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Education Leadership Program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Gain the knowledge of a real-world, applicable approach to leadership development in the Educational Leadership Program through immersive authentic learning experiences and learn from practitioners in the field. The Educational Leadership Program is aligned to the Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS), the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), and includes an explicit focus on character development, business acumen, and conflict management. Our rigorous program challenges and equips you to lead with character and virtue ethics as you make decisions through practical wisdom and build effectiveness and to manage change that results in the highest educational achievements. 

Candidates in the Educational Leadership Program will take courses taught by current practitioners at the school, district or state level with a first-hand perspective on school leadership. Each candidate is paired with a school-based mentor and engages in formative leadership conversations and participates in practical job-shadowing sessions. The program includes a rigorous research study that prepares candidates for leadership roles in which they will implement and monitor strategies for change at the school or district level. 

Candidates will graduate with a degree in Educational Leadership and earn the Tennessee Instructional Leader License (ILL) upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements and passing the School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA).

Educators in the state of Kentucky are eligible to earn their principal certification through our online program.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

This program requires three completed years of educational experience prior to acceptance. Certificate applicants must have an advanced degree to apply.

  • Completed Online Application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
  • Personal statement:
    Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
  • Application Essays (2)
  • Three Recommendations
    • Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
      If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
    • Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
    • Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
  • Resume
  • Verification of Educational Experience (3 years, minimum)
  • Summative Observation Report
  • Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.  

Courses

Courses

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • $715 per credit hour with the 25% in-service discount
  • $572 per credit hour for Kentucky educators

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. If you're pursuing career as a teacher, you have scholarship opportunities as well! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Types of Aid

12:1

Student to faculty ratio

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer myriad ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These connections will serve and support you throughout your career.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

50

Field experience hours

Our Faculty

  • Lance Forman headshot

    Lance Forman

    Assistant Dean, Education Specialties

    Lance Forman served for 13 years in the Metro Nashville School District as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and executive principal prior to joining the College of Education in 2017....

    Meet Lance Forman
  • Vanessa Garcia headshot

    Vanessa Garcia

    Assistant Dean, Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

    Dr. Vanessa Garcia is an experienced educator who has held various leadership positions in her 20-year career. That career has seen her serve as a middle and high school teacher,...

    Meet Vanessa Garcia
  • Kesha Walrond headshot

    Kesha Walrond

    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Kesha L. Walrond is an assistant professor in the college of education at Lipscomb University. Prior to coming to Lipscomb, she spent 20 years in Metro Nashville Public Schools...

    Meet Kesha Walrond
  • Robin Cayce headshot

    Robin Cayce

    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Cayce is an Assistant Professor with Lipscomb University in the Learning Organizations & Strategic Change Doctoral Program within the College of Education. Additionally, she leads coursework in the Educational...

    Meet Robin Cayce
  • Lonnie Cochran headshot

    Lonnie Cochran

    Assistant Professor

    Dr. Lonnie Cochran is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and teaches research courses in the M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs. In addition, she serves as an advisor for...

    Meet Lonnie Cochran

Career Paths

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage all school operations, including daily school activities. They coordinate curriculums, oversee teachers and other school staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.

Postsecondary Education Administrators

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life, or the registrar’s office.

Instructional Coordinators

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.