The University of Louisville offers a Full Service Program in School Leadership by offering a wide array of certification and degreed programs.

The Education Leadership, Foundations and Human Resource Education( ELFH) Dept. has had a rich history working in collaboration with school districts in preparing exemplary principals. Our programs target aspiring principals, supervisors, directors and Superintendents. Participants who pursue an MEd in Ed. Administration, will end the 30-credit program with a Level 1 principal certificate.

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

The MEd in Educational Administration can result in principal certification. It is designed to prepare school leaders to engage staff, improve the instructional capacity of schools, and to deal effectively with the challenges of the 21st Century.

The goal of the program is to provide field experience, clinical practice, and conceptual and theoretical knowledge necessary for roles in instructional leadership.

EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development

The purpose of the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development is "to create and support a community of ethical activist scholars who lead organizations that improve success for Kentucky's Primary-Grade 12 students."

The EdD program is delivered through a three-year cohort model. Approximately 20-25 students are identified, complete 30 hours of post-masters coursework together, and complete individual or small group capstones. Both course experiences and capstones are grounded in the work of the practitioners enrolled and are designed to help them improve their organization's success during, as well as at the conclusion of, the EdD experience.

There are currently two EdD cohorts operating: (1) Administrators in the Ohio Valley Education Cooperative districts and Kentucky Department of Education are completing their second year, and (2) Administrators and teachers in Jefferson County Public Schools are in their first semester. Prospective students interested in the next cohort, which will be a statewide cohort, should provide contact information to Dr. Molly Sullivan. A start date has not been determined.

PhD in Educational Leadership and Organization Development

The Department of Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Education also offers a PhD in Educational Leadership and Organization Development with an emphasis in Leadership and P-12 Administration.

CEHD is Quality Education

The doctoral program in the College of Education and Human Development is comprised of the highest quality of education.
Roderick Harding,
Doctoral Student, Leadership, Foundations and Human Resource Education

Principal Certification

Students with a master’s may apply for one of our Administrative Certification programs. Principal certification Level 1 requires completing six courses to become certified. Participants must complete a portfolio at the end of their program and pass two state tests. Participants can then receive a statement of eligibility and may be hired by a school district. Participants have five years to complete Level 2.

While pursuing the principal certification, participants may also work toward Rank 1 Certification. Other programs such as Level 2 Principal, Supervisor of Instruction, Director of Special Ed, Supt. Certification and Education Specialist Degree are available.

Curriculum

The principal certification courses form the core curriculum for all the other certifications. The overlap allows individuals to graduate with principal certification and other certifications, or a specialist in education degree. Only one course beyond the number required for principal certification is needed for Supervisor of Instruction (ECPY 540), and also one additional class is needed (after acquiring Levels 1 and 2 principal certification) for an EDS degree (ELFH 782).

Certifications

• Certification in Principalship
• Rank 1 in Principalship
• Certification in Instructional Leadership
• Certification in Supervision of Instruction (P-12)
• Certification in School Superintendent
• Certification in Director of Special Education
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership

For information about any of these degrees and programs, contact the ELFH department at 502-852-6667.

Prior to certification, students must complete a portfolio for each certification, Pass the Kentucky Principals’ Test, and the National test on the ISLLC Standards (SLLA).

Admission

Admission information and course requirements may be found in the Graduate Catalog.