Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership

Program Description

The Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) 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 action research are required. Students enroll in a one unit action research project that correlates with each three unit course. At the conclusion of all coursework, students will complete a written comprehensive examination.

The program provides advanced education in the leadership complexities involved in school site and central office operations. Graduates will be prepared for promotion in educational leadership. The Professional Administrative Services Credential may be earned in conjunction with this program. The Educational Specialist degree may be accepted by other institutions as acceptable toward the doctoral degree.

Program Eligibility to the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Ed.S.)

1. A completed application for admission to the program;
2. A minimum of two recommendations from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant's character and professional performance;
3. A master's degree from an accredited institution and an academic background adequate for the specialized study required;
4. 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
5. A grade-point average of 3.000 on master's degree work.

Graduation Requirements (Ed.S.)

1.  A completed Application for Degree Candidacy;
2.  Satisfactory completion of the prescribed course of study;
3.  Satisfactory score on a written comprehensive examination over the field of specialization;
4.  A recommendation from the School of Education faculty; and
5.  All accounts paid in full.
6.  All requirements for graduate degrees must be completed within an eight-year period from the time of initial enrollment in the program.

The Educational Specialist degree requires eight courses and eight units of action research; one unit within each course. The action research provides a practical research experience for the content of the course.

Required Courses for the Educational Specialist Degree

Course Descriptions