College of Graduate Studies

Curriculum and Instruction Specialist in Education Overview

The program of study leading to the Specialist in Education degree (Ed.S.) will be designed for each student so as to achieve proper balance between the experiences required for training as a specialist and those required for development as a professional working with others. The 30 credit hour program will be tailored to serve the needs and objectives of the individual student.

Although a thesis is not required in the specialist program, the student is expected to become well acquainted with research in the field of specialization and to demonstrate competence in research methodology. In order to satisfy these expectations, the student must earn at least three (3) semester hours in courses of a laboratory and/or field experience nature and three (3) semester hours in an independent study project.

Specialist in Education Degree Admission Requirements

These requirements apply to licensure, non-licensure, and post-baccalaureate programs.

Requirements for Admission in Full Standing:

1. An overall quality point average of 3.0 earned in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
2. Provide contact information for three references (name and email)
3. International applicants must also meet the English Language Requirement as required by the College of Graduate Studies.

Additional Admission Requirements for Provisional Standing:

1. Provisional standing may be requested by departmental evaluation when the graduate GPA is lower than 3.0.  Teacher licensure standards may require a separate minimum GPA for licensure.
2. To advance from provisional to full admission, a student must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA on the first nine (9) hours of graduate study.

Additional Admissions Requirements for International Students:

International applicants must meet or exceed the minimum English Language Requirements as set by the College of Graduate Studies.

Curriculum and Instruction Catalog

Counseling and Psychology Specialist in Education Overview

Students pursuing graduate study in the Department of Counseling and Psychology can select from among several concentrations that are designed to lead to licensure in the State of Tennessee or that lead to nonlicensure degrees.  The Specialist degree is a 30 credit hour program customized to meet the needs of the working professional. 

Specialist in Education Degree Admission Requirements

An earned master's degree from an accredited institution is required for admission to the Ed.S. program. The student seeking admission should have had previous experience appropriate to the proposed areas of specialization.

Admission Requirements:

1. A Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Satisfactory graduate grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Enough graduate training in psychology to do advanced graduate work in the chosen concentration.
4. Three acceptable letters of recommendation for graduate study from faculty members or other persons who have adequate knowledge of the applicant’s professional qualities or potential for success as a graduate student.
5. Successful interview with the faculty review committee with a focus on dispositional congruence, personal intent, and professional aspirations.
6. While not required, an applicant may submit GRE General Test (GRE) scores for consideration to address their aptitude for graduate level academic work.
   
   

Satisfying minimal standards, however, does not guarantee your admission. Admission decisions are based on departmental review, using a combination of holistic factors, including an interview, letters of recommendation, academic history, and related work experience.

Students may be admitted with provisional status if they do not meet all of the criteria above but do meet the minimum requirements of the graduate school and are approved for provisional status by the departmental admissions committee. Provisional status will limit students to a maximum of nine hours before the departmental admissions committee makes a recommendation for full admission. To advance from provisional to full admission a student must earn a 3.0 GPA on the nine semester hours of graduate study in the concentration and be approved by the departmental admissions committee.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit evidence of proficiency in English equivalent to level 9 in FLS.

Counseling and Psychology Catalog

Specialist in Instructional Leadership Overview

The Instructional Leadership (INSL) hybrid/online degree program prepares graduate candidates seeking licensure for positions as school administrators in Tennessee.  The program is a customized 30 credit hour degree program. 

Admission Process for the Initial License INSL Program

1. A valid TN teaching license and two (2) years teaching experience required
2. Successfully complete admission process for Tennessee Tech Graduate School
3. Receive notification from Tennessee Tech Graduate School indicating full admission status and assignment of a T#
4. Complete Declaration of Intent for INSL Program
5. Complete Request for Disposition Assessments for INSL Program (INSL candidates do not need to submit three (3) letters of recommendation to the Graduate School)
6. Receive notification from Tennessee Tech INSL Program unit indicating status of Intent
7. Schedule INSL Program Interview and prepare INSL Program Portfolio to bring to Interview

Portfolio Contents

• Copy of TN State Department of Education Educators License Information page located at the following address: https://tdoe.tncompass.org/Public/Search
• Copy of most recent LEA Performance Appraisal Record
• Copy of current Professional Development Plan (PD Plan/Future Growth Plan)
• Copy of Experience Verification Form (signed by the appropriate LEA personnel)
• Evidence of your ability to improve student achievement and of leadership demonstrated in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement (assessment scores, performance appraisals, etc.)
• Letter (on system letterhead) from Director of LEA, or their designee, indicating support for the completion of all field experiences, internship, and culminating action research project required for the completion of the INSL program.

ED.S. (ESIL) Admission Requirements

• Official transcripts from your bachelor's and master's institutions and any other institutions attended
• Grade Point Average on Master's degree of at least 3.5
• Four (4) satisfactory disposition assessments submitted to the INSL database

Graduation Requirements

• The candidate must pass the praxis exam, School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
• Each candidate will be instructed to register for the SLLA at the appropriate time during their program of study by an INSL advisor.

Instructional Leadership Catalog