An EdS degree can help you work toward a specialized career in education. An Education Specialist (EdS) program is intended for educators who already hold a masters.
You can utilize the skills and knowledge you gain in an EdS program either to enhance the educational space you work in or to qualify for additional opportunities or certifications.
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There are a number of Education Specialist degrees and concentrations to choose from. Whether you want to go to school in-person or are more interested in degrees in education online, it’s strategic to research which options will work best for you.
Online EdS Degree Programs
An EdS degree is more advanced than a masters and a step below a doctorate. Education Specialist degrees are intended for educators looking to advance in their current careers or move into leadership positions. An EdS can help you gain the knowledge and skills required for a specialized certification or sector of education.
Students can expect to see common courses on topics such as:
- Intro to math teaching
- Intro to science teaching
- Education exploration
- Philosophy of education
- Adolescent development
- Field experience
EdS degree specializations can cover a variety of career paths, such as ones related to:
- Adult education
- Art education
- Communication sciences and disorders
- Early childhood education
- Curriculum and instruction
- Educational administration and policy
- Educational psychology
Many professionals who are seeking more administrative, program development, and educational leadership roles consider EdS degrees. Leadership positions that can affect education at a broad level include principals, development specialists, and administrators.
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Some EdS degrees can even help you qualify for licensure as a school psychologist or counselor in certain states.
Doctor of Education (EdD) vs. Education Specialist (EdS)
A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree are both advanced degrees that can be used to propel one’s educational career. There are quite a few differences between the two degree tracks, though.
| Doctor of Education (EdD) | Education Specialist (EdS) |
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Which degree is best for you will most often depend on your short-term and long-term career goals.
Common Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree Specializations
Finding the right degree specialization can help equip you with the tools you need in order to advance in the field of education. Here are a number of EdS education specializations to consider:
- Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction. This program is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to serve as a curriculum specialist at the classroom, department, building, or system level.
- Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education. This program explores ways to improve the policies, programs, practices, and systems that affect the lives of young children.
- Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. This program incorporates clinical practice, linking theoretical and philosophical frameworks of educational leadership to actual practice in order for individuals to become successful leaders.
- Ed.S. in Reading & Literacy. This program prepares you to use evidence-based practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for general and specialized education for grades K-12.
- Ed.S. in School Counseling. This program can help you develop the advanced knowledge, skills, and technical competencies required to function proficiently as school counselors.
- Ed.S. in School Psychology. This program can help you develop professional competencies for counseling and working with children at the elementary and secondary level.
- Ed.S. in Special Education. This program is for teachers who are devoted to special education, and it includes advanced professional and pedagogical studies.
Depending on which area you specialize in, you can establish new and improved skills that can be utilized within various educational settings.
Education Specialist Careers & Salaries
The career paths you can qualify for will be determined by a number of factors, including your work experience, area of focus, and licenses and certifications.
EdS degree specializations can include instructional technology, educational leadership and administration, and educational policy, among many others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are examples of careers in which educational specialists work.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $98,420 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $63,740 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
| Special Education Teachers |
$61,820 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,320 |
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | $59,720 |
Extending your studies beyond your master’s degree can help you expand upon your career path. An EdS program is designed for educators who are seeking to continue their studies but are not interested in going straight to a doctor degree in education.
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EdS students gain advanced expertise in their chosen field of specialization. They can use their skills to enhance their current career in education or to prepare for a new career altogether.
Ed.S. Curriculum & Courses
There are some core courses that are typically seen throughout Education Specialist programs. Common classes found within an EdS program include:
- Analysis and Evaluation of Research: This course is designed to enable students to become critical consumers and evaluators of current educational research.
- Professional Resource Utilization: This course discusses strategies to help improve schools and student performance by exploring different types of school organizations and resources that are available.
- Educational Statistics: This course places an emphasis on the application of statistics in educational research situations.
- Teacher Leadership: This class delves into the characteristics of leadership, adult development, school culture, interpersonal and technical skills, and tasks and functions of leadership.
- Curriculum and Instruction: This course examines current curriculum trends and how they impact student learning.
- Introduction to Principles of Learning: This course offers discipline-specific principles of effective learning, including critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and group communication.
- Institutional Structures, History, and Culture: This course examines the educational achievement following institutional structures, pedagogy, and historical content.
- Introduction to Teaching Science: This course explores routine challenges and exceptional difficulties students often have in learning science.
- Introduction to Math Teaching: This course examines learning difficulties in mathematics and explores how K-12 teachers deal with these difficulties.
- Community Partnership: This course examines how early education programs collaborate with socioculturally diverse families to support child development.
The EdS degree places a high emphasis on expounding standards within the educational setting. Taking classes like the ones listed above can help prepare you for those advancements.
How to Choose an EdS Program Online
It’s beneficial to choose an EdS program, whether online or in-person, that is best suited to your needs and goals.
Here are some useful questions to consider:
- Is the school accredited?
- What types of financial aid can be accepted?
- What are the job prospects for graduates of this program?
- Are there various instructional methods to select from?
- How long will it take to complete this program?
Attending an accredited school can ensure that you are receiving a credible, high-quality education. It can also be helpful to find a program that is flexible for your schedule.
EdS Degree Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements will vary across EdS programs and institutions, but here are a few common admissions criteria that can be expected:
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
- General application form
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions, but it depends on the school. It can be strategic to research your institution’s specific admission requirements so you are prepared to submit all documentation as timely as possible.
Accreditation
In order to receive high quality training that’s up-to-date with industry standards, it’s important to attend a school that holds regional accreditation.
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Schools that are accredited must meet a certain standard of criteria, such as offering high quality courses hosted by competent professors and staff. Programs that are not accredited can have issues with financial aid acceptance and transferring credit hours. In addition, employers tend to respect and prefer degrees that were earned at accredited institutions.
EdS Licensure and Certifications
The licensing requirements for an EdS degree vary by state, but there are some general requirements that often need to be satisfied.
For instance, a general state examination or assessment typically needs to be completed, and any licensing application documents need to be submitted. You will likely need to show proof of program completion and any official transcripts earned from your previous institutions.
EdS programs from accredited institutions are often designed to meet their local state’s certification or licensure requirements. Before committing to a program, though, it’s strategic to look up your state board’s specific criteria for your desired credential.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid can play a vital role when it comes to higher education. Prices vary by program, so it can be beneficial to understand which programs best fit your budget and financial aid award information.
Common financial aid opportunities include grants, public loans, private loans, and scholarships. To apply for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Selecting an accredited program can benefit your decision, as these programs have met the standard and quality of education necessary to accept various forms of financial aid.
What Does an Education Specialist Do?
An Educational Specialist (EdS) degree allows you to further advance in the field of education by focusing on a specific career-focused discipline. Depending on your specialization, an EdS can often prepare you to earn additional certification in your chosen area of study.
Depending on their training, an education specialist can focus their work in a particular niche, such as special education, leadership, educational technology, and curriculum and instruction. While some work inside the classroom, others pursue careers in counseling or corporate training departments.
What Can You Do with an Education Specialist Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, education specialists can select from a variety of careers in the educational field. They can often work inside or outside of the classroom.
Some education specialists work as K-12 teachers, special education teachers, school counselors, educational administrators, instructional coordinators, and educational technology specialists. The jobs you can qualify for will likely depend on your chosen area of specialization. An EdS can help you advance your qualifications, develop expertise, and prepare for certifications in a specific educational niche.
What’s the Difference Between an EdS vs. Masters Program?
An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is not the same as a masters program. In fact, they each have a different set of requirements and expectations.
| Education Specialist (EdS) Degree | Master’s Degree |
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An EdS degree allows individuals to further their training for potential career advancement without committing to a doctorate degree.
Is an Ed.S. Worth It?
Yes, an Ed.S. is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% job growth for education, training, and library occupations over the next ten years.
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An EdS degree can help educational professionals advance in the field without the commitment of completing a doctorate or dissertation. An EdS can help you work toward your specific goal in a focused, timely, and efficient manner.
A specialist degree in education can equip you with specialized knowledge and skill sets to help you advance in your specialty area. Also, an Ed.D. is worth it for many students needing to pursue a doctorate degree in the field of education.
Universities Offering Online Education Specialist Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bellhaven University offers an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. It requires the completion of 33 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. Applicants are expected to already have a master’s degree in education or a related field and to have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0. Bellhaven’s online programs are designed for busy working adults.
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
City University of Seattle offers an online program for an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. CityU follows a quarter calendar, and classes can be started in any quarter. The program requires the completion of 63 credits. It included courses such as Leadership Theories and Analysis, Culturally Responsive Leadership in a Diverse Society, and Research Fundamentals.
CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Georgia Southern University offers several Ed.S. online degree programs. Options include Instructional Technology, Reading Education, Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. GSU’s online programs are designed to enable students to complete their degree on their own schedule. Students can complete a blend of online and in-class work.
Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University’s EdS program is designed to be less time-consuming than a doctorate while still enabling educators to advance beyond a master’s degree. Several specializations are available, including E-Learning, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, English Language Learning, and more.
The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours and usually takes 18 months to complete.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Saint Leo University offers an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. This 36 credit hour program is entirely online and intended for those who already hold a master’s degree in education or a related field. Saint Leo is committed to meeting the needs of working adults with its online programs.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Troy University offers both thesis and non-thesis Education Specialist degrees. Options include Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Instructional Leadership and Administration. Courses are available online and at multiple campus locations. Students may choose full-time or part-time course loads. The program is designed to provide a lot of flexibility for practicing teachers.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama offers a variety of Ed.S. degrees that are available on campus and in hybrid formats. Options include Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification) and Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership Certification). Other options are Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification), Elementary Education, Secondary Education (Science Certification), and Special Education.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Alabama offers Education Specialist degrees in Elementary Education (K-6), Instructional Leadership (P-12), and Teacher Leader (P-12). These programs are available 100% online. The Elementary Education program can lead to teaching certification for those who currently hold a master’s degree but are not certified to teach.
The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers a variety of online Ed.S. degree programs that blend content knowledge with problem-solving skills.
Options include Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Preparation), Special Education, and Educational Administration and Leadership (Non-Licensure). Other options are Early Childhood Education, Learning, Instruction, and Innovation, Educational Technology, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Reading, Literacy, and Assessment.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wayne State College offers an Education Specialist degree in School Administration. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and is fully online. It is intended to enable experienced teachers to qualify for leadership positions in education. Courses include School Law for Administrators, Educational Finance and Business Management, Educational Facility Planning, and more.
Wayne State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Education Specialist Degree Online
If you’re an educator with a masters-level education, an EdS degree can help you further advance your expertise in a specialty area and even qualify for additional professional certifications.
There are many credible, accredited institutions that offer Education Specialist degrees online. Online learning is known for its flexibility and convenience, allowing you to maintain your other work and life responsibilities. To help you focus in on the type of EdS degree you need, you can begin researching the variety of concentrations and certificate opportunities available.
The sooner you find an accredited school that offers the Education Specialist degree that’s right for you, the sooner you can begin the next step in your educational journey.
