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Specialist in Education (EdS)

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Specialist in Education (EdS)

Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Online

Program

41 - 52 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$530 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Take on Administrative Roles and Provide District-Wide Leadership

EKU’s online specialist in education degree is a post-master’s program that fulfills the requirements for Kentucky director of pupil personnel, supervisor of instruction and superintendent of schools. The program prepares highly qualified candidates for administrative roles and district-wide leadership. Program graduates are primed to become highly effective professional leaders who will develop productive environments for academic excellence and equity.

Through EKU’s unique program, students can choose to earn level 1 supervisor of instruction and level 1 director of pupil personnel endorsements in addition to a superintendent of schools endorsement.

  • Supervisor of Instruction Endorsement
  • Director of Pupil Personnel Endorsement
  • Superintendent of Schools Endorsement

NOTE: If you do not hold teacher certification in Kentucky, please consult with your state’s licensing agency to determine whether our program will meet your state’s licensure requirements.

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Career Outlook


Overall employment of preschool and childcare center directors is projected to grow 1 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Growth in the state of Kentucky is expected to be faster due to a high number of teacher retirements.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Job Titles Include:

  • Job Title List

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Employers Include:

  • Employer List

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB-approved
  • Earn three degrees in one in addition to eligibility for rank advancement
  • No campus visits required
  • Assignments and action research that build critical thinking skills
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Core curriculum focused on training teachers as leaders while gaining expertise in a selected area
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online career services assistance
    Dynamic, supportive learning environment
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degree

Graduate Education Disciplines

EKU’s graduate education programs are divided into three disciplines:

The department of curriculum and instruction is responsible for program advisement and development in elementary education, middle grades education, gifted education, literacy, secondary education, and library science. Programs of study may lead to the Master of Arts in Education degree, Rank II, Rank I, endorsements and certifications. At this time, EKU Online offers options in all areas except secondary education.

Programs include:

  • M.A.Ed. — Elementary Education
  • M.A.Ed. – Instructional Leadership
  • M.A.Ed. — Literacy P-12
  • M.A.Ed. — Middle Grades Education
  • M.A.Ed. — School Librarian
  • Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation
  • Literacy Endorsement Preparation

The department of educational leadership and policy studies is responsible for preparing highly effective professional leaders who will develop productive environments for academic excellence and equity.

Programs include:

  • M.A.Ed. — Instructional Leadership
  • Specialist in Education

Our Master of Arts in Special Education degrees prepare educators to work in a variety of capacities with persons with disabilities. Earning a master’s degree allows educators to improve their current skillsets and subject knowledge or expand their areas of expertise in the field of special education. Graduates are poised to advance their education career and increase their earning potential.

Programs include:

  • M.A.Ed. — Special Education, Learning and Behavior Disorders
  • M.A.Ed. — Special Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • M.A.Ed. — Special Education, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

Advancing in Rank

Teachers in Kentucky are held to a three-tiered rank system. By completing additional education programs, teachers are able to advance their rank, leading to increased salary and promotion potential.

After completing a bachelor’s degree and earning a provisional teaching certificate, educators enter the field with Rank III eligibility.

By completing a 30-hour master’s degree, either to enhance competency in the initial teaching area or to add certification in a new area, educators are eligible to advance to Rank II.

Educators choosing to complete 30 hours above their Rank II are eligible to advance to Rank I. It is highly recommended that these 30 hours be taken as part of a second master’s program as Rank is not typically recognized outside of Kentucky. Rank I is the highest level attainable and typically carries the highest salary and promotion potential.

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for conferring rank and rank changes. EKU prepares educators with the required coursework and experience but does not award initial rank or changes to rank.

Curriculum & Enrollment


EKU’s online specialist in education curriculum prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options that will allow you to take on leadership roles at both the school and district levels while making your mark as a public educator.

Specialist in education courses are designed to provide skill sets that can be immediately applied to your school and prepare you to step into roles of increasing responsibility.

A minimum of 41-52 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 9 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

To be recommended for education administrative certification and/ or rank change, all candidates must meet the requirements for admission to professional education, complete the approved leadership curriculum, and pass the required PRAXIS exam. Kentucky educator certification requirements are subject to change. Before registering for the test(s), please check the Education Professional Standards Board website at www.epsb.ky.gov for current test requirements and current cut scores. You may also contact the Division of Certification at (502) 564-5846.

  • Ed.S. with Certification in District Administration (Director of Pupil Personnel/Supervisor of Instruction)
  • Ed.S. with Certification in School Principal
  • Ed.S. with Certification in Superintendent of Schools

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment advisor today.

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


EKU student Whitney Cox poses in white on a white background with her family

Whitney Cox

EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.
EKU student Tina G. Cornelius

Tina G. Cornelius

EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.
EKU graduate Taylor Newton poses in her cap and gown on the steps of Keen Johnson.

Taylor Newton

EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

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