Tier 1 is a certification-only program that may be added to an existing master's degree (or higher). Tier 1 is considered entry-level and prepares candidates for P-12 school-level positions below the principal and for district level positions that do not supervise principals. The program is designed primarily for classroom teachers and candidates in leadership roles.

At UWG, the Tier 1 program is 100% online. Courses are taught by both full-time faculty in the Educational Leadership department and current leaders (superintendents, principals, and district office leaders) in Georgia.

Six entirely online courses are required. All courses will be offered each summer, fall, and spring semester and should be taken no more than two at a time. The program can be completed in three semesters.

May 15 for Summer admission

July 15 for Fall admission

December 1 for Spring admission

Please check with the UWG Office of Student Accounts and Billing Services for more information.

Yes, Tier 1 Certificate students are eligible for Unsubsidized Loan funding through the FAFSA, and are subject to Graduate Loan Limits. Please visit the UWG Financial Aid website for more information.

There are four scholarships for students in the Educational Leadership program from the COE. Students can be considered for these scholarships and more by applying via the UWG Scholarship Portal. 
Applications are typically due in late January, and recipients will be notified before the closing of the spring semester. Scholarships awarded are for the following fall semester. 

No, this program does not accept any course transfers or substitutions.

A GPA of 3.0 or higher must be achieved by the end of the program in order to be recommended for certification. The lowest grade a candidate can earn for a course to count towards certification is a C. Students earning one F will be placed on Academic Suspension, and receiving two failing grades will result in Academic Dismissal.

Please email us at edleadership@westga.edu or call us at 678-839-2463.

Candidates completing the program are required to take and pass the GACE Content Assessment in Educational Leadership (test 311) to achieve state certification. Tier 1 students may register for the GACE 311 after successfully completing four of the six courses. Students will receive an email from the 
GaPSC with GACE 311 registration information at the beginning of their last semester in the program. Additional information on the GACE 311 is available on the GaPSC website.

Please check UWG Registrar’s website for guides on how to register. The registration and semester schedule are available on The Scoop.

Since the entire program is delivered online, candidate can visit the UWG Online Student Guide for online help and support. 

For login issues, please contact Techwest Student ITS Support or call them at (678) 839-6587