College of Education

Programs of Study

Doctorate (Ph.D. and Ed.D.)

• Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.)
  • Strategic Innovation Concentration
  • Policy Concentration
  • This program is offered in collaboration with the College of Leadership and Public Service  .
• Educational Leadership and Strategic Change, Doctor of Education, (Ed.D.)

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

• Dyslexia Therapy, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.)  
• Education, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.)
  • Ed.S. Concentrations in:
    • Education Leadership
    • English Language Learning
    • Gifted Education and Advanced Academics
    • Instructional Coaching
    • Leading in Curriculum and Instruction
    • Leadership Studies
    • Reading Specialty
    • Special Education
• School Counseling, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.)
• School Psychology, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

• Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching for Memphis Teacher Residency (MAT)  

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

• Dyslexia Therapy, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)  
• Education, Master of Education, Stackable Concentrations (M.Ed.)
• Educational Leadership, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice Integrated PreK-3/Special Education, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice K-5/Special Education, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice, Grades 6-8, 6-12, or K-12, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice, Grades K-5 with ELL, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)  
• Instructional Practice, Grades K-5, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• School Counseling, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Special Education, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)

Master of Science (M.S.)

• Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science, (M.S.)
• Leadership and Policy, Master of Science, (M.S.)

Certificate

• Applied Behavior Analysis, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Christian Education, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Computer Science Education, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Educational Leadership, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Educational Leadership, Non-Licensure, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• English Language Learning, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Gifted Education, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Instructional Coaching, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Special Education (Comprehensive), Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Special Education- Integrated PreK-3/SPED, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Special Education- Interventionist (Initial), Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Special Education- Interventionist, Certificate of Graduate Studies
• Teacher Licensure, Certificate of Graduate Studies

The Reading Specialty Certificate is pausing enrollment. Current students should consult the catalog they unrolled under for program information.

Endorsement

• Reading Specialist Endorsement (Interventionist Track), Memphis Teacher Residency via Memphis Literacy Institute

College Leadership and Faculty

Core Faculty

Graduate studies in education include degree options that provide professional and academic development for both in-service and pre-service educators. Graduate degrees in education include concentrations that enable students to enhance their pedagogical expertise, to expand their career opportunities, and to assume leadership roles in education. Opportunities that lead students to initial license/endorsement are also available through graduate degree programs in education.

Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Lipscomb University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership with a concentration in either Strategic Innovation or Policy is an interdisciplinary studies degree that aims to prepare students for high-level careers in leadership and service across a range of professional sectors. The goal is to equip professionals to pursue challenging, high-level responsibilities requiring advanced knowledge, training, and rigor, and to do so with the highest levels of integrity, ethical understanding, and behavior. This Ph.D. is a collaborative program between the College of Education and College of Leadership and Public Service.

The program aspires to produce graduates who have developed exceptional skills to lead effectively, understand policy development and implementation processes, organize substantial amounts of information, research subjects broadly, independently manage and bring to successful fruition complex and in-depth projects, adapt to changing environments, and who are subsequently prepared to be a valued resource to the professional community.

The concentration in Strategic Innovation focuses on developing knowledge and skills of strategic planning, entrepreneurship, innovation, change, conflict, organizational turnaround, strategic advocacy, proposal writing, and how to produce relevant and original research. The curriculum explores how organizations and communities imagine, conceptualize, analyze, resource, and implement innovative solutions to organizational and social problems. Embedded in the curriculum is exploration of effective integration of technology and artificial intelligence to improve operations, enhance decision-making processes, and create competitive advantages.

The concentration in Public Policy focuses on developing understanding of public policy theory, research and practice. The curriculum develops knowledge and skills of how public policy is conceptualized, developed, adopted, and implemented, how to analyze policy issues, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute to the field through relevant and original research.

For specific program requirements, go to Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.) .

Admissions Process for the Ph.D.:

• Completed online application
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation (including a professional recommendation)
• Two written personal statements: 1) Journey of faith and spiritual development 2) Purpose for pursuing the Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy 
• Current resume
• Writing assessment
• Interview with doctoral faculty

The program features a Bachelor’s to Ph.D. route for academically high-achieving students. Bachelor degree holders who know that a Ph.D. is their ultimate goal may be considered for direct admission to the Ph.D. program if they meet the following admission criteria:

• 3.5 Cumulative GPA (at least 60 undergraduate hours must be taken at Lipscomb University)
• Above Average Score Required for GRE:
• GRE: Score of 156 or higher on both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections and score of 4.1 or higher on the Analytical Writing section
• Meet all other admissions requirements including acceptance following an interview
• Applicants not admitted will be required to earn a masters degree before being considered for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Transfer Courses to the Ph.D.

A maximum of 15 hours of post-masters coursework may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the Ph.D. Program. Only six post-masters hours may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the research sequence and only if earned within the 5 years prior to enrollment in the Ph.D. program. Approved leadership courses that are 600 level or higher within an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Program may be transferred (up to 15 hours).

Educational Leadership and Strategic Change, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Strategic Change is focused on preparing leaders for public and private organizations and academic settings. This program guides working professionals through an examination of educational leadership, the application of theory and research to practice, national and international perspectives and Christian ethics. The program culminates with practical, doctoral research for the purpose of informing educational practice.

For specific program requirements, go to Educational Leadership and Strategic Change, Doctor of Education, (Ed.D.) .

• Two-years of coursework, accelerated program  
• Christian ethics focus
• International experience during first summer term 
• Emphasis on leading innovative change in education
• Program delivery options include: A cohort with on-site, online, and hybrid courses, or a cohort with mostly asynchronous courses plus an on-campus intensive and some courses that include scheduled Zoom sessions
• Students may pursue dissertation research through one of three research approaches: Collaborative Client-based Research, Collaborative Research, or Independent Research

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ed.D. program follows a competitive admissions process whereby candidates are selected who meet the academic requirements for the Ed.D. program and who possess personal qualities and professional experiences that suggest a strong potential for success as doctoral candidates and as leaders in public and private organizations and academic institutions.

In addition to admission requirements for graduate studies in the College of Education, the Ed.D. program requires the following of applicants for admission to the doctoral program^*:

• An earned baccalaureate degree and master’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education with a grade point average in upper division and graduate study of 3.0 or above;
• Sufficient preparation and experience engaging learners;
• A current resume;
• A writing assessment;
• Three letters of professional reference that document demonstrated educational leadership potential and skills including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community and/or policy leadership (replacements for master’s reference forms):

1. A reference from supervisor, administrator, etc. to whom the candidate reports, (required) and
2. Two other references from those detailed below:
   1. A reference from someone who can speak to the applicant’s character and work ethic,
   2. A reference from a colleague with whom the candidate has worked in a professional capacity for at least two years, or
   3. A reference from someone who has benefited from the candidate’s work;

• Written personal statements (replacements for the master’s personal statement)

1. A statement describing the applicant’s faith and spiritual development, and
2. A statement of purpose that explains why the student wishes to pursue an Ed.D. degree and how this will serve his or her future goals and aspirations.

• A personal virtual interview conducted by program faculty.   

Meeting these minimum requirements qualifies an individual for admissions consideration, but does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission will be granted on a competitive basis.

^*All requirements detailed for the Ed.D. program are in addition to existing requirements for graduate studies in education. Any instances of substitution for existing requirements are noted.

Student Classifications

See Graduate Admissions Information  section. 

Transfer Courses to the Ed.D.

Up to 15 hours of transfer credit will be considered for post-master’s course work that is directly equivalent with eligible courses.

Education, Education Specialist with a Concentration, (Ed.S.)

The Education Specialist degree prepares an educator to serve as an expert and content specialist in a selected area of concentration. The Ed.S. program provides a high-level perspective of many challenges and opportunities an educator is likely to encounter and prepares the candidate to step into these moments and lead the school or district to success. The Ed.S. is preparation for many school, district-level, and undergraduate-college teaching and leadership opportunities. The primary goal of the Ed.S. is to prepare educators with a broad perspective of educational issues and deep understanding of a specific content area of specialization.

All candidates who seek to pursue an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree must have successfully completed a Master’s degree as a condition of acceptance (*School Psychology candidates may apply to the Ed.S. in School Psychology program with either a Bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited institution). Most candidates will participate in 21 credit hours (seven courses) of rigorous content generally applicable to the educational landscape and select an area of concentration for the educational specialist degree to earn a certificate or license. The degree is awarded as an Ed.S. with a concentration in a specific area. The following programs consist of the 21-credit hour Ed.S. core and associated concentrations. Additional credit hour requirements to complete the concentration area are indicated in parentheses below:

• Educational Leadership (15)
  • Candidates can earn the Instructional Leader License from the state of Tennessee through this program.
• English Language Learning (12)
  • Candidates can earn the ELL endorsement from the state of Tennessee through this program.
• Gifted Education & Advanced Academics (12)
  • Candidates can earn the Gifted Education endorsement from the state of Tennessee through this program.
• Instructional Coaching (12)
  • Candidates can receive a Certificate in Instructional Coaching from Lipscomb University through this program.
• Special Education (15)
  • Candidates can earn the Special Education Interventionist endorsement from the state of Tennessee through this program.

Some programs include specialized internships or a broader course requirement to earn the associated endorsement or license.

For specific program requirements, go to Education, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.) .

Education, Master of Education, Stackable Concentrations (M.Ed.)

The Master of Education degree program continues Lipscomb’s tradition of excellence in teacher and leader education. As part of Lipscomb’s Christian academic community, the mission of the program is to prepare caring and competent educational leaders

• who practice their craft in an exemplary manner,
• who possess attitudes and values worthy of imitation,
• who are able to relate to members of all communities within the educational experience and
• who possess knowledge essential for the profession.

To receive the Master of Education degree, a student must complete one of the following degree pathways, including a “stackable” pathway option, in which a candidate may earn multiple certificates and/or endorsements. A master’s degree earned through the stackable pathway must consist of no fewer than 30 credit hours, including the research course requirement. For this reason, some pathways will require one or more guided electives.

Stackable pathways:

• Educational Leadership (licensure pathway) (30)
• Instructional Practice (30)
• School Counseling (38 Advanced / 44 Initial)
• Special Education (30/36)
• English Language Learning (15-hour stackable certificate/endorsement)
• Gifted Education & Advanced Academics (12-hour stackable certificate/endorsement)
• Instructional Coaching (12-hour stackable certificate)
• Computer Science (12-hour stackable certificate)
• Special Education (18-hour stackable certificate/endorsement)

*Candidates may choose from several open course electives from multiple certificate areas. This option allows for exploration of a variety of emphasis areas and content.

**Candidates may choose Educational Leadership electives that could lead to administrative licensure after the completion of the M.Ed. (additional courses required to complete licensure)

***Guided elective options do not appear as a concentration area on a Master of Education candidate transcript, as they may vary for each candidate.

The availability of a variety of programs makes the degree attractive to licensed teachers seeking a master’s degree, those individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and who want to meet initial teacher licensure requirements in conjunction with earning the Master of Education degree, individuals who desire to take graduate courses for teacher recertification or professional development, or individuals who would like to obtain an instructional leader license. Candidates seeking initial teacher licensure may be required to take selected undergraduate/graduate courses to bridge gaps in knowledge and skills required by the Tennessee State Department of Education. Endorsement-only programs are also offered in Administrative Licensure, English Language Learning, Reading Specialty, Gifted Education, and Special Education.

All CAEP, INTASC, NBPTS, PSEL and Tennessee standards are met.

For specific program requirements, go to Education, Master of Education, Stackable Concentrations (M.Ed.) .

Dyslexia Therapy, (M.Ed., Ed.S.)

The Master of Education/Education Specialist in Dyslexia Therapy prepares educators to provide evidence-based intervention for students with dyslexia and related reading disorders. Grounded in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, the program integrates advanced coursework with supervised clinical practicum experiences leading toward Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification. Candidates develop expertise in phonological processing, orthography, morphology, multisyllabic word analysis, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, written expression, diagnostic assessment, and progress monitoring.

For specific program requirements, go to Dyslexia Therapy, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)  or Dyslexia Therapy, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.) . 

School Counseling, Education Specialist, (M.Ed., Ed.S.)

The College of Education offers an Ed.S. in School Counseling with an emphasis in college access and success open to licensed teachers (Advanced) and to candidates who are not currently licensed to teach (Initial).  Candidates will take courses in the major as well as practicum-internship courses. The program will meet state standards as a preparation for licensure in School Counseling. As well as content common to all school counseling programs, this unique school counseling program will focus on helping students prepare for, apply to, and succeed at postsecondary education. Candidates will earn an Ed.S. degree and a license as a school counselor in preK-12.

NOTE:  PSG/COUN 5303 Lifespan Development or PS 3243 Human Development and Learning (or equivalent undergraduate course) is a prerequisite for entry into this program.

For specific program requirements, go to School Counseling, Master of Education, (M.Ed.) or School Counseling, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.)  

School Psychology, Education Specialist, (M.Ed. Ed.S.)

The School Psychology program is offered at the Ed.S. level and follows the National Association of School Psychology training model in addition to requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology program prepares students for professional certification and licensure as school psychologists. This program emphasizes evidence-based assessment, intervention, consultation, and prevention strategies to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development in educational settings. Students gain hands-on training in psychoeducational assessment, behavioral and mental health interventions, and school-based consultation. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model, integrating research and practical application to prepare graduates for professional roles in schools and related settings. Candidates can earn the School Psychology SSP license from the state of Tennessee through this program.

The program features a Bachelor’s to Ed.S. in School Psychology route for academically high-achieving students. Bachelor degree holders who know that a Ed.S. in School Psychology is their ultimate goal may be considered for direct admission to the program if they meet the following admission criteria:

• 3.5 Cumulative undergraduate GPA
• Above Average Score Required for the GRE:
  • GRE: Score of 156 or higher on both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections and score of 4.1 or higher on the Analytical Writing section
• Meet all other admissions requirements including acceptance following an interview
• Applicants not admitted will be required to earn a Masters degree before being considered for admission to the program.

For specific program requirements, go to School Psychology, Education Specialist, (Ed.S.).

Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching for Memphis Teacher Residency (MAT)

Memphis Teacher Residency MAT Pathway is a faith-based, post-baccalaureate program with internship experience to provide relevant preparation for educators seeking a diversity of knowledge, skills, and dispositions for post baccalaureate students.  Students can earn an initial Tennessee teacher licensure in one of 6 licensure areas (Elementary Education, Secondary ELA, Secondary Science, Secondary Math, Secondary History, and K-12 ELL) and a Master’s Degree by completing the full program requirements. Specifically, the MTR MAT Pathway curriculum is designed to accelerate the effective preparation of teachers seeking to serve in the highest need teaching areas in Memphis, TN. Through this comprehensive residency (internship) program, preservice teachers experience rigorous coursework, clinical experience, intensive modeling from mentor teachers, and differentiated coaching on a gradual release model. The Memphis Teacher Residency MAT will implement a curriculum with the latest research, pedagogy, and technology to prepare effective teachers for the highest needs schools in the Memphis area.

For specific program requirements, go to Teaching, Master of Arts in Teaching for Memphis Teacher Residency (MAT) .

Educational Leadership, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)

Candidates can earn the Instructional Leader License from the state of Tennessee through this program.

For specific program requirements, go to Educational Leadership, Master of Education, (M.Ed.).

Instructional Practice, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)

The M.Ed. in Instructional Practice is an initial licensure program designed for the post-baccalaureate individual who has a desire to teach and needs the certification required by the state. The coursework, curriculum and instruction are designed around the InTASC and professional content standards. Successful completion of the program and appropriate field experience provide students with the credentials for licensure in early childhood education (PreK-3) integrated with special education, elementary education (K-5) with an emphasis in ELL or special education, middle grades education (6-8), most secondary (6-12) disciplines and preK-12 in some designated areas.

For specific program requirements, go to the specialization of interest:

• Instructional Practice Integrated PreK-3/Special Education, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice K-5/Special Education, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice, Grades 6-8, 6-12, or K-12, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)
• Instructional Practice, Grades K-5 with ELL, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)  
• Instructional Practice, Grades K-5, Master of Education, (M.Ed.)

Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science, (M.S.)

The Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis programs combine Lipscomb’s tradition of innovation and quality instruction with one of the highest demand fields in learning today. The demand for certified professionals who can deliver effective behavioral services is growing. Along with offering a certification program, we also offer a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. The Applied Behavior Analysis program provides Behavior Analysis Certification Board Pathway 2 coursework and 2000 hours of field supervision necessary to apply for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam.

For specific program requirements, go to Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science, (M.S.) .

Leadership and Policy, Master of Science, (M.S.)

Students admitted to the Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy program may earn a Master of Science in Leadership and Policy should they determine to not continue to pursue the Ph.D.. Only admitted doctoral students may pursue this degree. Students who do not complete the research course sequence or dissertation toward the Ph.D. may still earn the masters degree if they successfully complete the required coursework.

For specific program requirements, go to Leadership and Policy, Master of Science, (M.S.) .

Endorsement and Licensure Offerings

Educational Leadership:

• Instructional Leader License

School Services Personnel Licenses

• School Counseling
• School Psychology

Teacher Licensure Program/Instructional Practice:

• Integrated PreK-3
• Elementary K-5
• Middle Grades 6-8: ELA, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science
• Secondary Grades 6-12: Mathematics, ELA, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Marketing
• K-12: French, Spanish, Computer Science, Theater, Visual Arts, PE & Health, Music- Instrumental & Vocal, ELL
• Special Education: K-8 Interventionist, 6-12 Interventionist, K-12 Comprehensive

Advanced Endorsements:

• Gifted Education and Advanced Academics: Gifted endorsement; TN Employment Standard for Gifted Education
• Reading Specialty: Reading Specialty
• Reading Specialist Endorsement Track, Memphis Teacher Residency, Memphis Literacy Institute
• English Language Learning: English Language Learning

Approvals and Standards

The M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs have been granted CAEP and state approval. All CAEP, INTASC, NBPTS, PSEL, TILS and Tennessee Standards are met.

Admission Policies and Procedures (Ed.S., MAT, M.Ed., M.S., and Certificates)

The following items are required for applications to most but not all education programs. Some programs may require alternative application materials that can be found on the Program of Study pages.

1. Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. Go to https://grad.lipscomb.edu/apply/ then click on the program you wish to apply for. The application should be completed online.
2. Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
3. Standardized Exam Score. Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE 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 to determine if exam scores are required for your application.
4. References. Letters of reference are required and vary by degree and program.
5. Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.
6. Health Form. Effective April 1, 2018, all new candidates must submit their health forms to Med+Proctor  visit https://www.lipscomb.edu/student-life/health-wellness/health-center
7. FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords candidates certain rights of access to educational records; even if the applicant is independent of his or her parents, he or she must submit this form prior to enrollment.
8. Resume. A resume detailing the applicant’s work and academic experience is required for the EDLD and Ed.D. programs.
9. Personal Statement. Depending on the program, a 250-1000 word expanded goals statement concerning the applicant’s interest in and application of the program’s curriculum to expected career progression is required.
10. Standard Writing Sample. EDLD and School Psychology applicants will write a 250-750 word essay in response to a prepared writing prompt.
11. Interview. Applicants will interview with the appropriate program director and/or designee. The interview process and requirements are determined based on program.
12. Fingerprinting. All candidates will provide evidence of a satisfactory TBI/FBI background check completed for Lipscomb University.
13. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international applicants and may be required for applicants for whom English is a second language. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
14. Level of Effectiveness Score (LOE). EDLD applicants will submit the most recent LOE score from TNCompass or an equivalent summative evaluation score if the school/district does not use the TEAM system for evaluations. 
15. Years of Experience. EDLD applicants will submit a report from TNCompass demonstrating at least three years of certificated educational experience. If the school/district does not report years of experience to TNCompass (out of state, private, or charter), the applicant may submit an HR experience verification form documents the years of experience. 

All application items should be submitted to the College of Education office no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the applicant plans to enroll. Forms should be mailed to: Applications, College of Education, Graduate Studies in Education, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

For official admission to the Teacher Education Program, the candidate must present the following evidence:

• A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 from a completed baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree program at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or a GPA of 3.00 in the most recent sixty (60) credit hours earned;
• Two professional letters of reference specifically recommending admission to teacher education, including one that is from an immediate supervisor from an educational setting. If the applicant has not yet worked in an educational setting, this can be from the current employment supervisor; and
• Passing test score(s) per the Tennessee State Board of Education on the state-specific content exam(s) (Praxis II or other as determined by state requirements).
• Initial-license candidates must show documentation of liability insurance.

Student Classifications

Students are admitted to graduate courses in one of five categories:

1. Graduate Student: one who has satisfied all admission requirements. (For the M.Ed.: minimum requirements of an average of 3.0 for last 60 hours, and a combined verbal and quantitative score of 294 or higher on the GRE.  A student with an incomplete admission file will be accepted to the program at the discretion of the program director but will be placed on an academic hold which will prevent registration for the following semester. Once the proper admissions documents have been received, the hold will be removed and the student will be allowed to register for the following semester.
2. Conditionally Admitted Student: one who has been admitted conditionally, at the discretion of the program director, without satisfying all admission requirements. Students admitted with the following criteria may be required to complete nine hours of academic courses in their program with no grade lower than a “B” (transitional mentoring hours do not count towards the six hours) before the conditional admission is removed.
   1. A student from an unaccredited school or with a substandard GPA or GRE score.
   2. A transfer student with a graduate GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.
   3. A student who has not completed a bachelor’s degree program but is scheduled to do so prior to starting the graduate program. The transfer student must be in good standing at the previous institution attended.
3. Non-Degree Student: one who has been admitted to graduate studies but has not met all admission requirements or is pursuing endorsement or license only. The student may take up to nine semester hours for graduate credit. Those hours may be applied toward a master’s degree if the student makes a grade of “B” or better in the courses taken for credit and if all admission requirements are met and the student is formally admitted to a graduate program as a degree-seeking student. Additional requirements, including successful passage of PRAXIS exams, may be placed on students seeking licensure.
4. Visiting Student: one who is currently enrolled as a student in good standing at the post-bachelor’s level at another graduate school, wishes to take courses at Lipscomb and desires to have transcript evidence of course work done at Lipscomb provided for the school of primary enrollment.
5. Probationary Student: one who has been readmitted to a graduate program following academic suspension from the program.
6. Conditionally Admitted Student with Praxis II Hold:  Applicant must pass the appropriate Content Knowledge Praxis text within the first six (6) credit hours of graduate work.

Transfer Courses

Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward the master’s degree and 15 for the doctoral degree at the discretion of the program director. The director or appropriate faculty member of the graduate program will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.

In master’s programs, special consideration for course substitution in the required course of study may be given to a candidate who has had special study and/or experience in a given subject area. The candidate may apply to the program director and submit a proposal demonstrating the need for course substitution based on prior background knowledge in the required course. No credit will be given for the substituted course and a replacement course will be chosen.

Unaccredited Degree and/or Substandard Admission Scores

Should conditional admission be granted, the following stipulations will apply:

Unaccredited Degree: If the student’s transcript shows deficiencies in liberal arts courses as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the student will be required to demonstrate the understandings and skills normally associated with a liberal arts education, particularly in oral and written communication skills. The student may be required to remove the deficiency by successfully completing additional courses. The minimum standard generally is as follows: 30 hours of course work drawn from three areas-humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral science and natural science/mathematics; evidence of competence in oral and written communication skills; and fundamental mathematical skills. Please note, candidates seeking admission to a licensure program at the graduate level must evidence a completed degree from a regionally-accredited university.

Substandard Admission Scores: If the GPA during the last 60 semester hours of college work is between 2.50 and 2.99, or the combined verbal and quantitative GRE score is between 290 and 293, the student must complete a minimum of nine hours of graduate work at Lipscomb with a grade of “B” or above before the student’s admission status is reviewed and conditional admission is satisfied.

Students who are denied admission because of a GPA below 2.50 during the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work, a GPA below 3.0 for graduate work leading to earning a master’s degree, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score below 290, may reapply for admission after completing 12 semester hours of approved undergraduate credits or nine semester hours of approved graduate credits with a grade of “B” or higher from an accredited institution or after obtaining an acceptable score on the GRE.

Academic Standing

See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Course Load

Graduation

See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies  section.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for the MAT, M.Ed., M.S., Ed.S., Ph.D. or Ed.D. degrees must be completed within seven calendar years from the date that the student begins initial course work for the applicable program at Lipscomb University.

Tuition and Fees

*Courses with a practicum component may have a fee as noted in the course description.

*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)

NOTE: numerous programs have tuition agreements through established training partnerships with districts, schools, or organizations. Contact graduate enrollment for more details.

In-Service Scholarships

Lipscomb Scholarships