The Educational Specialist degree is a post-master's degree program designed for experienced teachers, counselors, and administrators and others interested in school change and leadership. A total of 32 semester hours balanced between course requirements and active research are required. At the conclusion, a comprehensive examination is written. The Educational Specialist degree may be accepted by other institutions as applicable toward the doctoral degree. The program provides advanced education in the leadership complexities involved in school site and central operations. Graduates will be prepared for promotion in educational leadership. The Professional Administrative Services Credential may be earned in conjunction with this program.
Graduation Requirements (Ed.S.)
- A completed Application for Degree Candidacy (on-line or in the Office of Records, main campus);
- Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study;
- Satisfactory score on a written comprehensive examination over the field of specialization;
- A recommendation from the School of Education faculty; and
- All accounts paid in full.
Admission Requirements to the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Ed.S.)
- A completed application for admission to the program;
- A minimum of two recommendations from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant's character and professional performance
- A master's degree from an accredited institution and an academic background adequate for the specialized study required;
- A minimum of three years of successful full-time classroom teaching, administrative experience, pupil personnel experience, health, or library experience in the public schools or in private schools of equivalent standing; and
- A grade-point average of 3.000 on master's degree work.
Required Courses for the Educational Specialist Degree
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| GED 700 |
Leadership Theories and Human Relations |
3 |
| GED 715 |
Instructional Leadership and Staff Development |
3 |
| GED 725 |
Management of Human Resources |
3 |
| GED 730 |
Decision Making for Curricular Change and Improvement |
3 |
| GED 740 |
Educational Law, Finance and Governance |
3 |
| GED 755 |
Professional and Political Issues in Organizations |
3 |
| GED 760 |
School/Community Relations in a Changing Society |
3 |
| GED 780 |
Philosophical and Sociological Backgrounds in Education |
3 |
| GED 795 |
Concurrent Course Assignments |
1-8 |
| Successful completion of a comprehensive examination |
|
Ed.S. TOTAL |
32 |
Required Courses for the Professional Administrative Credential
| COURSE |
TITLE |
UNITS |
| GED 796 |
Advanced Fieldwork, Mentoring and Induction |
3 |
| GED 797 |
Professional Development and Assessment |
3 |
|
Credential TOTAL |
6 | Courses |