2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12

CIP: 130401

The Specialist in Education program offers additional study beyond the master’s degree for persons preparing for positions in educational leadership. Two areas of specialization are offered: Superintendency and Educational Leadership K-12.  

Program Admission/Initial Enrollment Requirements Educational Specialist Elementary Principal:

Initial enrollment is the first enrollment term in which a student seeking the Specialist in Education degree is registered.

Students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in Professional Education in the program area of Educational Leadership must meet the admission requirements of the University and department as stated in this catalog.  See admission requirements under specific program descriptions.  

The student has the responsibility to work with the department of education within their respective state to determine individual certification requirements. 

The Ed.S. applicant must supply evidence of a completed master's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of 3.00/4.00.

Documentation of one of the following:

*3.75 or higher on the analytical writing measure of the GRE OR

*Successful completion of the Departmental Entrance Exam (DAE) OR

*Valid state teacher (classroom teacher) certificate OR

*National Board Certification

Transfer Credit

A student may transfer up to 9 semester hours in no more than four courses from regionally-accredited institutions offering the specialist degree if the courses are appropriate, not used to complete a previous degree, approved by the candidate's advisor, and are graded at a "B" or higher. 

Any courses previously taken to complete another degree cannot count towards the minimum 30 credit hour requirement. 

Time Limitations

All requirements submitted in fulfillment of the degree must be completed within a period of eight (8) years.  Any courses past the eight-year requirement must be retaken for program credit. 

Written Assessment of Competency Mastery

All students seeking an Educational Specialist K-12 are required to complete the Written Assessment of Competency Mastery.  The assessment will include reference to artifacts/course content, their relationship to PSEL/NELP standards, and reflection on personal growth as an educational leader.  This assessment will be given during 61-742 (Internship).  Students seeking Ed.S. Superintendent will be required to do a program comprehensive project relating to leadership standards. 

Research Component

The student will participate in a research component related to the use of data in the field of education. This data project will be completed during Writing and Interpreting Statistics (61-723).

Required Courses

EDUC 61642Multicultural Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

3

EDUC 61730Foundations of Educational Administration

3

EDUC 61731School Supervision

3

EDUC 61732Curriculum Design

3

EDUC 61786The Principalship

3

EDUC 61623Relational School Leadership

3

EDUC 61723Writing and Interpreting Educational Literature and Statistics

3

EDUC 61774Advanced Middle School

3

EDUC 61665School Law

3

EDUC 61742K-12 Internship

3

Total Credit Hours: 30