Educational Specialist Programs

(found programs from 292 schools)

Below is a comprehensive listing of nationally accredited Educational Specialist programs from schools across the US.

What Is an Educational Specialist Degree?

The Educational Specialist degree (often abbreviated as "Ed.S.") sits between a Masters degree and a Doctorate degree (Ed.D./Ph.D.). It can be a good intermediate step for teachers who want to eventually pursue an Ed.D. or a Ph.D., but even without a doctorate level degree, the Ed.S. degree itself can help you advance your career. Individuals with this degree have specialized skills in educational theory, policies, and practices.

An Educational Specialist degree is suitable for individuals seeking leadership roles in public schools or positions as teachers in junior colleges and small colleges. Individuals with this degree may pursue positions as superintendents and principals of public schools, curriculum specialists, school psychologists, trainers, college instructors, and central office administrators.

What Program Specialties are Available?

Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of specializations within this degree including:

School Counseling
Educational Leadership
Elementary and Secondary Education
Higher Education/Adult Education
School Psychology
Superintendent Certificate
Curriculum and Instruction
Continuing Education
Instructional Technology

What Are the Program Requirements?

You may choose to pursue this degree full-time or part-time, online or in a traditional university setting. You should expect to spend at least one year completing the program.

To qualify for admission, you will need a master’s degree in education from an accredited institution, qualifying scores on the Graduate Record Exam, letters of recommendation and documented teaching experience. Some programs have additional requirements.

Individual programs vary but the Educational Specialist degree typically requires 30 to 45 credit hours. Coursework in this degree covers subjects such as staff and organizational development, curriculum development, school law, facilities management, public relations, and assessment. Most programs also require a practicum or internship as well as a comprehensive written examination prior to graduation. Whatever the specifics, these programs all emphasize higher-level skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities.

Online Education Specialist Degree Programs

Online education specialist degrees are offered in areas such as curriculum and instruction, school leadership and educational technology, and may qualify you for a school administrator position. Or, if you want to stay in the classroom, an online education specialist degree could lead to a salary bump. Many school districts pay teachers more if they have education credits beyond a master's degree. Education specialist degrees typically require around 30 credit hours of coursework, which is enough for a pay raise in many districts.

Courses taken for an education specialist degree may count toward a later doctorate. Check with each individual program to see if this is the case.

Most online education specialist degrees take somewhere between one and two years to complete. Some programs require applicants to hold a current teaching license and to have several years of teaching experience.

Before enrolling in any online education specialist degree program, you should decide whether an online program matches your learning style. The chief benefit of online programs is their convenience - they can be completed from anywhere, around your schedule. A potential drawback, though, is a lack of face-time with instructors and a lack of in-class discussions.

Because online programs are relatively new, many are still establishing their reputations. Ask people you know and trust, such as administrators in your school district, whether they think the programs you're considering will help you achieve your professional goals. Do your own research, too. Look online to see what graduates of the programs you're considering have to say. If a program produces lots of alumni who say their experience there was valuable, and who have landed the types of jobs you want to someday hold, then that might be the right program for you.

Featured Online Programs:

Arkansas State University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Jonesboro, AR Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Ed.S. Education Specialist Degree

Capella University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Minneapolis, MN Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) EdS - Curriculum and Instruction EdS - Leadership in Education Administration

Liberty University (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Lynchburg, VA Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Educational Specialist - Teaching and Learning

The University of West Alabama (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Livingston, AL Accreditation: NCATE accredited Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) EdS Elementary Education

University of Phoenix (Featured)
Campus Location(s): Multiple Locations Matching Online Program(s): (for current teachers only) Educational Specialist Program

Walden University (Featured)

Campus Location(s):: Minneapolis, MN
Matching Online Program(s):
(for current teachers only): Ed.S. in Educational Technology Education Specialist (Ed.S.) - Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Education Specialist (Ed.S.) - Educational Leadership & Administration (Principal Preparation)Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Teacher Leadership

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Educational Specialist Programs

What Is an Educational Specialist Degree?

What Program Specialties are Available?

What Are the Program Requirements?

Online Education Specialist Degree Programs

Featured Online Programs:

Arkansas State University (Featured)

Capella University (Featured)

Liberty University (Featured)

The University of West Alabama (Featured)

University of Phoenix (Featured)

Walden University (Featured)

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