Program Overview

Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership

Instructional Leadership

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership. This fully online program is for educators with a Master of Science or Specialist in Education degree in Education or a related field. Once you complete the program, you will have the knowledge, skills, and values required to lead in educational practice settings effectively.

Program Overview

Are you passionate about educational leadership and creating a supportive, uplifting learning environment in K–12 schools? The Instructional Leadership Graduate Certificate is intended for educators with a Master of Science or Specialist in Education degree in Education or a related field. The certificate also requires a 350-hour internship. This fieldwork experience bridges the gap between theory and practice. It allows you to understand the skills and dispositions needed to lead schools and the standards under which you will work while adding to your knowledge with standards-based projects.

Admission Requirements

• UTK Graduate School requirements
• Candidates for admission must submit the following supplemental portfolio:
  • A copy of your current and valid Tennessee educator license (you must have at least two (2) years of qualifying experience as an educator as defined by the TN Department of Education). This requirement does not apply to students in the non-licensure program.
  • Your two most recent rating forms from current, immediate supervising administrators.
  • At least two letters of recommendation:
    • your current principal
    • another present or former principal or assistant principal
  • A signed mentor-agreement form from a principal or assistant/vice principal who is willing to serve as your mentor for the fieldwork experience.
  • A current resume
  • Personal statement which includes the following:
    • professional goals
    • most recent professional development activities
    • professional activities involving leadership roles
    • professional organizations
    • professional honors received
    • a description of a personal experience where knowledge of curriculum and instruction was used to improve student achievement
    • a description of any personal experience(s) where collaboration, cooperation, and/or relationship building in a professional environment was demonstrated

Program Details

• Degree: Graduate Certificate
• Major: Instructional Leadership
• College: College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
• Format: Asynchronous
• Credit Hours: 21
• Cost Per Credit: $744
• Out-of-State cost per credit hour: $819

Featured Courses

• EDAM 514: Leading Professional Learning Communities
• EDAM 519: Curriculum for School Leaders
• EDAM 544: School Finance & Business Management
• EDAM 548: Supervision & Personnel Administration

Related Programs

• Education – Instructional Technology (MS)
• Educational Administration (EDAM)
• Education: Educational Administration (EdS)